IRIS Strategic Marketing is committed to client data security and ensuring our current – and future – clients that they can have confidence that their data is safe with us.
“By investing in the completion and achievement of SOC 2 Type II certification – which is the highest level of SOC II certification – we hope to underscore our unwavering dedication to guaranteeing the highest levels of security, confidentiality and integrity as we manage our clients' sensitive information,” shares Paul Kotz, president IRIS Strategic Marketing Support.
What is SOC 2 Certification?
Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) is a widely recognized compliance certification developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is the stringent criteria for managing and securing customer data stored in the cloud.
SOC 2 compliance certifies that the IRIS platform and systems are designed to safeguard client data and meet specific criteria including security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.
Why SOC 2 Certification Matters
· Enhanced Security: SOC 2 certification demonstrates our commitment to implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, breaches, or data loss. Clients can trust that their data is safeguarded against evolving cybersecurity threats.
· Client Confidence: Achieving SOC 2 compliance reassures our clients that we adhere to industry best practices and stringent security standards. It instills confidence in our ability to handle their data securely and responsibly, fostering stronger partnerships built on trust.
· Risk Mitigation: By undergoing the rigorous SOC2 audit process, we identify and address vulnerabilities in our systems and processes proactively. This proactive approach reduces the risk of potential security incidents, ensuring continuity of operations and preserving our clients' reputation.
· Regulatory Compliance: In an increasingly regulated business environment, SOC 2 compliance demonstrates our adherence to regulatory requirements concerning data protection and privacy, such as GDPR and HIPAA. It provides assurance to clients operating in highly regulated industries that we meet their compliance needs.
Top 4 Reasons that SOC 2 Is Important to Current – and Future– Clients
1. Data Protection: You can entrust IRIS with your sensitive data, knowing that it is protected by robust security measures and stringent controls.
2. Risk Mitigation: SOC 2 compliance reduces the risk of data breaches and therefore minimizes the threat of financial loss, reputation damage and legal liability
3. Competitive Advantage: Working with a SOC2-certified partner demonstrates a commitment to data security and compliance, ultimately giving you a competitive edge within your industry.
4. Peace of Mind: You can focus on your core business objectives with confidence, knowing that your data is in safe hands and managed with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
Earning SOC 2 certification is not just a milestone for IRIS Strategic Marketing Support; it's also evidence of our unwavering commitment to data security, integrity and client trust. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and adhering to the highest standards of excellence in everything we do, empowering our clients to thrive in our digital and interconnected world.
For more information about our SOC 2 Type II compliance or to learn more about how we can support your marketing operation’s needs, let’s talk.
In general, these are the SOC 2 policy requirements auditors look for:
- Acceptable Use Policy: Defines the ways in which the network, website or system may be used. Can also define which devices and types of removable media can be used, password requirements, and how devices will be issued and returned.
- Access Control Policy: Defines who will have access to company systems and how often those access permissions will be reviewed.
- Business Continuity Policy: Defines how employees will respond to a disruption to keep the business running smoothly.
- Change Management Policy: Defines how system changes will be documented and communicated across your organization.
- Confidentiality Policy: Defines how your organization will handle confidential information about clients, partners, or the company itself.
- Code of Conduct Policy: Defines the policies both employees and employers must adhere to. This includes how people should interact with one another at work.
- Data Classification Policy: Defines how you will classify sensitive data according to the level of risk it poses to your organization.
- Disaster Recovery Policy: Defines how your company will recover from a disastrous event. It also includes the minimum necessary functions your organization needs to continue operations.
- Encryption Policy: Defines the type of data your organization will encrypt and how it’s encrypted.
- Incident Response Policy: Defines roles and responsibilities in response to a data breach and during the ensuing investigation.
- Information Security Policy: Defines your approach to information security and why you’re putting processes and policies in place.
- Information, Software, and System Backup Policy: Defines how information from business applications will be stored to ensure data recoverability.
- Logging and Monitoring Policy: Defines which logs you’ll collect and monitor. Also covers what’s captured in those logs, and which systems will be configured for logging.
- Physical Security Policy: Defines how you will monitor and secure physical access to your company’s location. What will you do to prevent unauthorized physical access to data centers and equipment?
- Password Policy: Defines the requirements for using strong passwords, password managers, and password expirations.
- Remote Access Policy: Defines who is authorized to work remotely. Also defines what type of connectivity they will use and how that connection will be protected and monitored.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation Policy: Defines security threats that could occur and the action plan to prevent those incidents.
- Software Development Lifecycle Policy: Defines how you will ensure your software is built securely, tested regularly, and complies with regulatory requirements.
- Vendor Management Policy: Defines vendors that may introduce risk, as well as controls put in place to minimize those risks.
-Workstation Security Policy: Defines how you will secure your employees’ workstations to reduce the risk of data loss and unauthorized access.
