Achieving SOC 2 compliance is a significant milestone for organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to data security and privacy. However, many companies wonder if they need to meet all five Trust Services Criteria (TSC) or if they can focus on just one, such as Security. The answer is yes—you can absolutely achieve SOC 2 compliance with only the Security criterion. Let’s dive deeper to understand how and why.
Understanding SOC 2 and Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) reports are governed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and are designed to assess the effectiveness of an organization’s information security practices. Unlike SOC 1, which focuses on financial reporting, SOC 2 reports evaluate non-financial controls related to data protection.
SOC 2 compliance is based on five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
- Security: Protecting systems and data from unauthorized access.
- Availability: Ensuring that systems are operational and accessible as needed.
- Confidentiality: Safeguarding confidential information from unauthorized disclosure.
- Processing Integrity: Guaranteeing that systems process data accurately and completely.
- Privacy: Protecting personal information collected and processed.
Can You Achieve SOC 2 Compliance with Only One TSC Like Security?
Yes, you can! SOC 2 compliance can be achieved by focusing solely on the Security criterion, often referred to as the “Common Criteria.” This is the only mandatory criterion for any SOC 2 report. You can choose to include additional criteria based on your business needs or client requirements, but it is not necessary to cover all five.
A SOC 2 report that includes only the Security criterion is still considered valid and widely accepted, especially in industries where demonstrating robust security measures is essential.
Why Choose Only the Security Criterion?
There are several reasons why organizations opt for just the Security criterion when pursuing SOC 2 compliance:
- Cost Efficiency:
- Including additional criteria can increase the cost and complexity of the audit. Focusing solely on Security reduces the scope and associated expenses.
- Client Requirements:
- Some clients may only require proof that your organization has robust security measures in place, making the Security criterion sufficient.
- Nature of Business:
- If your organization does not process personal data (Privacy) or require high availability (Availability), there is no need to include those criteria.
- Compliance Prioritization:
- Many organizations start with Security and gradually add other criteria as their business matures or client demands evolve.
Benefits of Focusing on the Security Criterion
Simplicity and Clarity:
- Focusing on Security allows for a streamlined audit process, reducing the burden on your IT and compliance teams.
Reduced Audit Scope:
- Covering only one criterion minimizes the documentation and evidence needed, speeding up the compliance timeline.
Cost Savings:
- Fewer criteria mean lower audit and implementation costs, making SOC 2 compliance more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.
Essential Assurance:
- Security is the foundation of SOC 2, addressing critical risks like unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.
What Does a SOC 2 Report with Only Security Include?
A SOC 2 Type I or Type II report with just the Security criterion covers the following aspects:
- Access Control: Measures to restrict unauthorized access to systems and data.
- User Authentication: Verifying user identities before granting access.
- Network Security: Protecting the network from external threats and vulnerabilities.
- Data Encryption: Securing data at rest and in transit to prevent interception.
- Monitoring and Logging: Tracking and recording user activities to detect suspicious behavior.
- Incident Response: Preparing to respond effectively to security incidents.
Expanding SOC 2 Compliance Beyond Security
While Security is often the primary focus, some organizations may decide to expand their SOC 2 scope later to include other TSCs, such as:
- Availability: To demonstrate that systems are consistently operational.
- Confidentiality: To protect sensitive or proprietary data from unauthorized disclosure.
- Processing Integrity: To ensure accurate and complete data processing.
- Privacy: To safeguard personal data and comply with data protection regulations.
Expanding to additional criteria often comes as businesses grow, customer demands change, or regulations evolve.
How Securis360 Can Help You Achieve SOC 2 Compliance
Achieving SOC 2 compliance, even with just the Security criterion, requires a systematic and thorough approach. At Securis360, we help organizations navigate the complexities of compliance by offering:
- Readiness Assessments: Identifying gaps and preparing your organization for the audit.
- Control Implementation: Designing and implementing security controls that align with SOC 2 requirements.
- Audit Support: Guiding you through the audit process with expert insights and documentation.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Ensuring continued compliance through regular monitoring and updates.
Final Thoughts
Achieving SOC 2 compliance with only the Security criterion is not only possible but also practical for many businesses. It delivers essential assurance to clients and stakeholders while keeping the process manageable and cost-effective.
Whether you are pursuing your first SOC 2 certification or looking to expand your existing scope, Securis360 is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your compliance journey and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.