Choosing new business software is a strategic decision – both in terms of functionality and security. Opting for cloud applications from manufacturers that are SOC-audited gives your organization multiple advantages.
Contents:
- What is SOC?
- Differences between SOC levels
- What the audit covers
- Why SOC matters when choosing business software
- How you benefit from DocuWare’s SOC certification
Governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) are increasingly vital to long-term business success. A key part of an effective GRC strategy is selecting solutions that meet the highest standards for security and compliance – especially when it comes to cloud applications.
What is SOC?
SOC stands for 'System and Organization Controls', a globally recognized auditing standard conducted by independent certified public accountants. Although it is not a certification in the traditional sense, the term 'certification' is often used to describe it.
This standard applies to companies that deliver cloud-based services and IT systems and handle customer data. The SOC audit aims to verify the security of this data in terms of its availability, integrity and confidentiality.
SOC was developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the professional association of US accountants. It evolved from the "Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70" reports used since the 1990s to assess internal control systems at service providers. As the AICPA introduced and refined the SOC framework, it became an internationally accepted auditing standard and is adapted to today’s IT and cloud service environments.
Differences between SOC levels
There are several levels of SOC reports, the best known being SOC 1, SOC 2 and SOC 3:
- SOC 1: Focuses on internal controls related to financial reporting.
- SOC 2: Assesses criteria for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and data protection.
- SOC 3: A summarized, public-facing version of the SOC 2 report meant for a broader audience.
Both SOC 1 and SOC 2 come in two types of reports: Type 1 and type 2.
- Type 1: Evaluates whether control design is suitable and appropriately implemented at a specific point in time.
- Type 2: Assesses how effective these controls are over a defined period – typically six months to a year. This makes Type 2 reports especially relevant for demonstrating ongoing compliance.
What the audit covers
During the audit, primarily a company’s internal controls are reviewed in detail. Security is mandatory, while availability, process integrity, confidentiality and data protection can be added as options.
A successful SOC audit sends a clear signal to customers and partners: The audited organization meets top-tier standards for handling all kinds of data – and has this checked regularly.
At a time when digitalization is accelerating and cyber threats are rising, SOC certification offers a distinct competitive edge. It builds trust in a company’s services and highlights its commitment to data privacy and information security.
Why SOC matters when choosing business software
SOC certification is a key selection criterion when purchasing new software:
- Highest safety standards: SOC-checked providers have implemented comprehensive safeguards. Independent audits ensure that these measures are effective and regularly reviewed.
- Reduced risk: By selecting software from SOC-certified manufacturers, companies reduce the risk of data loss, data breaches and cyber-attacks. Vulnerabilities are identified and addressed at an early stage.
- Trust and compliance: Today, many industries and business partners expect proof of compliance with standards. SOC audit reports support compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA) and boost confidence among customers, partners and supervisory authorities.
- More efficient audits: Companies can leverage SOC reports from software providers for their own audits and checks, saving time and effort when documenting and testing their own IT systems.
- Competitive advantage and future security: Software from SOC-certified providers signals professionalism and accountability. It showcases commitment to data protection and IT security – an important selling point when competing for customers and business partners.
For businesses that prioritize data protection, risk reduction, and sustainable growth, partnering with SOC-audited software providers is the clear choice.
How you benefit from DocuWare’s SOC certification
DocuWare is certified to SOC 2, Type 2 – the highest standard available. This demonstrates that your business-critical data is reliably and continuously protected. The manufacturer of your cloud solution ensures the best possible security and delivers a stable, high-availability service with responsible, compliant handling of customer data.
Independent audits by external auditors prove that risks such as data breaches, system failures or compliance violations are optimally minimized.
By using a cloud solution from a SOC-audited manufacturer, you can demonstrate to your own customers, partners, and regulatory bodies: your business upholds the highest standards in data protection and IT security. This is an undeniable advantage in the marketplace and for your brand reputation.
As a governance audit, SOC fits seamlessly into a broader Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) strategy.
Read more here: GRC made simple: How DocuWare supports you with governance, risk management and compliance