SternX Technology is proud to announce that we have achieved AICPA SOC 2 certification, affirming our commitment to providing secure and reliable cybersecurity solutions to our clients. This prestigious certification demonstrates that our information security practices meet the rigorous criteria set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 stands for System and Organization Controls 2, and it is an auditing procedure established by the AICPA for service organizations like SternX Technology. The SOC 2 audit focuses on evaluating controls relating to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a service organization’s systems.

SOC 2 is an auditing standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that evaluates the controls and processes surrounding a service organization’s information systems.

Here is a more detailed overview of what SOC 2 entails:

SOC 2 reports are performed by independent auditors who assess the service organization against strict criteria set by the AICPA. The auditors issue an opinion on whether the organization’s controls meet the SOC 2 standards for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

To pass a SOC 2 audit, organizations must have comprehensive information security policies, procedures, and infrastructure in place.

Some specific controls evaluated include encryption of data, access controls, change management, logical security, backup procedures, incident response planning, vendor management, risk assessments, and security awareness training.

The audit provides a detailed look at the IT environment including networks, systems, applications, data centers, and any other infrastructure involved in service delivery.

The auditors test the operating effectiveness of security controls through interviews, inspections, and system tests.

The two types of SOC 2 Reports

• Type 1: Evaluates controls at a point in time and reports on their design adequacy. This is more of a snapshot view.
• Type 2: Evaluates controls over a period (often 6 months or more) and reports on their operating effectiveness. This ensures sustained compliance.

While SOC 2 reports are confidential, service organizations can provide customers with a description of their controls or a summary of the audit results through a SOC 3 report. This gives assurance without revealing the full audit report. To remain SOC 2 compliant, organizations have to undergo re-certification audits each year. They must continually monitor control processes and assess risks.

SOC 2 provides a thorough and rigorous assessment of IT security, governance, risk management, and data protection validated by an independent CPA firm. Compliance demonstrates an organization’s commitment to establishing and maintaining effective controls for their clients’ sensitive data and systems.

By undergoing third-party auditing from an accredited CPA firm, SternX Technology has demonstrated adherence to SOC 2 standards for managing client data and providing assurances regarding the security of our systems.

The SOC 2 certification is essential for any organization entrusted with sensitive client information and reassures customers that SternX Technology has necessary safeguards in place.

Why Did SternX Technology Pursue SOC 2?

As cybersecurity experts, earning SOC 2 certification was a natural step for SternX Technology. We recognize how crucial data security has become, especially with the rise in high-profile breaches and cyberattacks. Our customers entrust us with vulnerable information, and we have an obligation to protect that data and provide transparency around our security practices.

The SOC 2 audit provided us with the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of our technical and organizational security measures. We upgraded systems where needed, formalized policies, and instituted rigorous controls to satisfy SOC 2 requirements. The result is an end-to-end cybersecurity solution our clients can confidently rely on.

SOC 2 certification reinforces SternX Technology’s dedication to our cybersecurity mission. We strive to be trusted advisors to our customers, helping them understand and implement robust defenses tailored to their unique risk profiles. This externally validated achievement demonstrates our entire team’s commitment to upholding the highest information security standards on behalf of our clients.

Key Benefits for SternX Technology Customers

SternX Technology’s SOC 2 certification is an asset for organizations that need cybersecurity services.

1. Validation of Our Security Controls: SOC 2 attests that SternX Technology has necessary safeguards to protect client data and provide secure, reliable service delivery. Customers can proceed confidently knowing our systems and processes have been rigorously audited.
2. Risk Reduction: Proper security controls significantly reduce the risk of disruptive and costly breaches. SOC 2 confirms SternX Technology operates under policies and systems designed to mitigate threats.
3. Regulatory Compliance: For customers in regulated industries like healthcare and finance, SOC 2 certification helps satisfy compliance demands around vendor security. Our SOC 2 report affirms adherence to key regulations.
4. Competitive Edge: By partnering with a SOC 2-certified provider like SternX Technology, organizations can differentiate their own offerings with the assurance of security controls audited at the vendor level.

Overall, our SOC 2 certification signals that customers can count on SternX Technology to deliver mission-critical cybersecurity capabilities that are secured and monitored at the highest standards.

Maintaining Our SOC 2 Obligations

Achieving this certification is not the end of the process for SternX Technology. We must maintain rigorous controls and undergo re-certification audits annually. Our SOC 2 report will be renewed each year to prove ongoing compliance as technology and threats evolve. Regular internal audits will take place between certification cycles.

SternX Technology has appointed a dedicated SOC compliance team to enforce control objectives day-to-day. Annual risk assessments will determine if our control environment requires updating to address emerging risks. We are committed not only to obtaining SOC 2 certification but remaining SOC 2 compliant over the long term.

Looking Ahead

Earning prestigious SOC 2 certification puts SternX Technology in the top tier of cybersecurity service providers, committed to world-class data security. This milestone demonstrates how security is woven into every facet of our solutions and customer engagements.

As threats become more frequent and severe, organizations need trusted cybersecurity advisors. SternX Technology’s SOC 2 compliance offers customers the highest level of confidence in our people, processes, and technology. We are grateful for the validation of our security practices through SOC 2 compliance and are committed to continuing to exceed expectations in the years to come.