Why SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018, and Other Compliance Certifications Matter

Organizations today face a growing pile of regulatory requirements for how they manage and protect sensitive customer data. Adhering to compliance mandates isn’t optional; it’s a must for any customer-centric business. Validating compliance through independent audits and certifications demonstrates an organization’s commitment to security and privacy.

What Is SOC 2 Type II Certification?

One of the most rigorous and globally recognized standards is SOC 2 Type II. SOC 2 examinations assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Earning SOC 2 Type II certification requires establishing and following strict policies and procedures to meet compliance criteria. An extensive audit is conducted by an independent, CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (3CPAO). All areas of the business are reviewed, including facilities, systems, networks, policies, procedures, and operations. Personnel at all levels are interviewed to validate compliance.

The 3CPAO performs detailed testing to verify that controls are operating effectively over a minimum 60-month period. This ensures compliance is maintained consistently over time. After the audit, the assessor issues a formal audit report with their opinion on the operating effectiveness of controls. Achieving SOC 2 Type II certification provides assurance to customers that confidential data is managed securely according to industry best practices. 

What Are ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018 Certifications?

Another highly regarded certification is ISO 27001 for information security management. Attaining ISO 27001 certification involves implementing comprehensive controls per an internationally recognized standard. Regular exhaustive audits ensure continued compliance.

Maintaining these certifications requires enormous effort across the entire organization. From IT and legal teams to HR and facilities groups, organization-wide participation is imperative. Staff must be trained to adhere to rigorous processes daily. Executives and managers lead by example, integrating compliance into corporate culture.

In addition to ISO 27001, cloud service providers often pursue ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certifications. ISO 27017 applies ISO 27001 controls specifically to cloud environments. It addresses unique risks like multi-tenancy, resource pooling, and rapid elasticity. Extra controls target shared responsibility, virtualization, and outsourcing.

Meanwhile, ISO 27018 focuses on protection of personal data in the cloud. It complements GDPR and other data privacy regulations. Specific requirements include purpose limitation, access restrictions, and data separation. Implementing ISO 27017 and 27018 shows dedication to cloud security and data privacy beyond generalized ISO 27001 controls. Pursuing all three underscores a provider’s commitment to compliance.

Certifications and Compliance Is Strenuous

Achieving these certifications is not for the faint of heart. It takes months if not years of preparation. Gap analyses determine where increased controls are needed. Everything from physical security to access controls gets evaluated. Vendors and partners undergo scrutiny too. Extensive documentation must support each requirement. As auditors probe for weaknesses, teams brace for their arrival. Passing opens the door to increased business. Failure means a major setback.

Renewing certifications is equally strenuous. Prior success offers no leeway. Audits can be even more rigorous, expecting maturing programs. Lapses in protocols or documentation draw greater scrutiny. Independent assessors keep everyone honest. Staying certified proves an organization's steadfast commitment to compliance and security. Customers' precious data will be protected.

Why SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and Other Standards Matter

So why exactly do SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other influential standards matter so much? What value comes from undertaking the rigorous path to compliance?

Validates Security Controls: Achieving and preserving SOC 2 and ISO certifications validate required security controls are fully implemented and operating effectively. This assures customers their sensitive data is safeguarded to meet stringent requirements.

Demonstrates Privacy Commitment: With rising privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), compliance certifications signal an organization’s commitment to protecting personal information. Consumers increasingly demand transparency into privacy practices before engaging brands.

Reduces Risk: SOC 2 Type II and ISO certifications mitigate risks associated with security breaches and noncompliance. They reduce the likelihood of fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage that often follow compliance failures.

Proves Secure Cloud Computing: For organizations utilizing cloud computing, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications demonstrate proper security controls are implemented. This provides assurance when migrating sensitive data to hosted cloud environments.

Satisfies Industry and Government Mandates: By attaining rigorous certifications, organizations show they meet specific mandates for their sector. For example, SOC 2 meets financial requirements, ISO 27001 satisfies healthcare regulations, and FedRAMP secures government data.

Enhances Trust: Perhaps most importantly, compliance certifications build customer trust. Consumers are apprehensive about how brands use and protect their personal information. Validated compliance provides confidence in how data will be handled.

Competitive Differentiator: Increasingly, prospects ask about security certifications and audits during the RFP process. Compliance has become a competitive differentiator. Rigorous certifications often tilt selection decisions for organizations that exhibit security leadership.

Proves Due Diligence: For organizations acquiring or partnering with third parties that handle sensitive data, reviewing compliance certifications demonstrates due diligence. This reduces liability and verifies the third party meets security standards.

Kiteworks Compliance Achievements

Kiteworks, which unifies, tracks, controls, and secures sensitive content communications, recently achieved several key information security and privacy compliance certifications. Specifically, for the sixth consecutive year Kiteworks earned SOC 2 Type II certification and for the second consecutive year Kiteworks received ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018 certifications.

The SOC 2 Type II certification demonstrates that Kiteworks has put in place critical security policies, processes, and procedures relating to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. By meeting the SOC 2 criteria, Kiteworks underscores its commitment to managing customer data against the highest security and compliance standards.

Kiteworks’ ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018 certifications exemplify its dedication to implementing a comprehensive information security management system—from on-premises systems and operations to cloud computing. Kiteworks’ customers can trust Kiteworks to keep their sensitive content private and secure as it moves within, into, and out of their organizations.

For more on Kiteworks’ latest compliance achievements, read the release.