SOC Certification

Assisting your business in becoming SOC certified.

What does the certification process involve?

Achieving SOC (System and Organization Controls) certification involves a comprehensive process to demonstrate that a business has established effective internal controls and safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of customer data and financial information.

As a SOC Certified business, Centarus are appropriately qualified to assist your business in achieving it’s own certification.

Understand Your Objectives and Scope

Define the scope: Clearly define the systems, processes, and controls within your organization that will be included in the SOC examination.

Choose the appropriate SOC type: Determine whether you need a SOC 1 (for financial reporting), SOC 2 (for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy), or SOC 3 (similar to SOC 2 but with a simplified public report).

Identify key stakeholders: Involve key personnel, including IT, security, compliance, and legal teams, to ensure alignment with your objectives.

Develop and Implement Controls

Assess existing controls: Evaluate your current control environment to identify gaps and areas that need improvement.

Design and implement controls: Develop and put in place the necessary controls, policies, and procedures to address identified risks and meet SOC requirements.

Documentation: Document all control activities, including policies, procedures, and evidence of their effectiveness.

Testing: Conduct testing and monitoring of controls to ensure they operate effectively over time.

Engage an Independent Auditor

Select a qualified audit firm: Choose a reputable audit firm experienced in conducting SOC examinations.

Pre-audit readiness assessment: Work with the audit firm to conduct a readiness assessment to identify any deficiencies or areas that need improvement before the formal audit.

SOC examination:The auditor will conduct the SOC examination, which includes testing and evaluating the controls and processes you've implemented.

Report issuance: Depending on the SOC type, the auditor will issue a SOC 1 report (Type I or Type II), SOC 2 report (Type I or Type II), or a SOC 3 report. These reports detail the scope of the examination, the auditor's opinion on the effectiveness of controls, and any identified deficiencies.