SOC 2 Examinations – Washington
SOC 2 Audits – Washington (WA)
SOC 2 Examinations – Washington
Washington business owners need to ensure sensitive data is protected, especially when it comes to the financial and personal identification information (e.g. social security numbers) of customers and clients. Ensuring there are robust internal controls and cybersecurity policies and practices in place to protect against a breach is essential. Increasingly, many clients and customers are asking their vendors for a Systems Organization Control (SOC 2) Audit Report as a condition for doing business with them, or, in the case of contract renewals, continuing these relationships. A SOC 2 Report is an opinion on the effectiveness and design of an organization’s internal controls that meet the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. In essence, it is a statement verifying the effectiveness of an organization’s risk management efforts to protect the information of its customers and clients.
Washington SOC 2 Audits
McKonly & Asbury provides SOC audits to companies in Washington and beyond. Typically, we work with organizations that use or store sensitive financial and personal data that cybercriminals want. Our clients include data centers, loan servicing companies, insurance companies, medical claims processors, payroll providers, and more. Broadly, any organization that provides services to customers that directly impact the customer’s financial statements would be a candidate for such a report. Service organizations should evaluate their needs along with their customers’ reporting needs before determining the type of SOC report that applies to their needs. There are two types of SOC 2 audits:
- SOC 2 Type I – A SOC 2 Type I report is an opinion on management’s description of a service organization’s system and the suitability of their design of controls that meet the AICPA’s Trust Service Criteria for Security. It can also address Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and/or Privacy, depending on your customers’ requirements. The report is made up of the auditor’s opinion, management’s assertion on the presentation and design of the controls, a description of the service organization’s systems and controls, and a listing of the organization’s controls. The SOC 2 Type I audit report differs from the SOC Type II in that the former covers ONLY the suitability of the design and addresses ONLY at one specific point in time.
- SOC 2 Type II – A SOC 2 Type II report is an opinion on management’s description of a service organization’s system and the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of controls that meet the AICPA’s Trust Service Criteria for Security. Similar to a SOC 2 Type I, this report can also address Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and/or Privacy, depending on your customers’ requirements. A SOC 2 Type II audit report contains the same core components as a Type I, but Type II is expanded to include the procedures used by the auditor to test the stated controls and the results of such tests over a defined period, rather than a single point in time.
Additional Healthcare Solutions
McKonly & Asbury also has extensive experience with HIPAA regulations. Learn more about how we can support your security and privacy needs on our HIPAA Compliance page.
Industry Involvement
SOC 2 FAQs
A SOC 2 audit evaluates your organization’s controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria framework over security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It ensures that your controls are effectively designed and operating to protect sensitive customer information.
Organizations that handle sensitive client data, such as SaaS providers, cloud service platforms, data hosting companies, and healthcare organizations, can benefit from a SOC 2 audit.
SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates the design of your controls at a specific point in time, while SOC 2 Type 2 assesses the design and operating effectiveness of these controls over a defined period (typically 3-12 months).
A SOC 2 audit demonstrates your commitment to data security, giving you a competitive edge. It helps attract new clients, strengthens relationships with existing ones, and assures your clients that their sensitive data is protected.
A SOC 3 audit covers the same criteria as a SOC 2 audit but results in a general-use report that is ideal for public visibility and marketing purposes, making it easier to share your security practices with a wider audience.
Contact Us
McKonly & Asbury remotely provides SOC 2 Audit services to businesses in Washington from our Pennsylvania office locations. If you are interested in learning more about the SOC 2 audit services offered to Washington companies, complete the form below, and we will contact you shortly.
About Washington
Washington state boasts a thriving and diverse business community that is pivotal in the region’s economic landscape. With its strategic location on the West Coast and proximity to international markets, the state has become a hub for various industries, fostering innovation and growth.
One of the standout features of Washington’s business community is its strong focus on technology and innovation. The state is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. These industry giants have contributed significantly to the state’s economy and attracted a talented pool of professionals from around the globe.
Beyond the tech sector, Washington has a rich tradition of entrepreneurship and small businesses. The state’s vibrant start-up ecosystem has nurtured countless innovative biotechnology, clean energy, and aerospace companies. Organizations like the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and numerous incubators and accelerators support these emerging businesses.
National Reach
McKonly & Asbury also provides SOC 2 examinations to companies in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Utah.