All organizations must follow proper protocols and remain compliant with federal regulations. In addition, IT systems must follow SOC guidelines and protect the customers from cybercriminals and security breaches. If the data isn’t protected properly, the customers become the victims of identity theft and incur serious financial losses.
Federal laws outline the four pillars of SOC 2 and how companies are to protect their customer data. By reviewing the guidelines, businesses learn what changes are required for their networks.
- Privacy and Confidentiality
All businesses and organizations must keep all customer data private and confidential. Current laws require companies to restrict customer data access to workers who have adequate security clearances and must use the data to complete their job duties. When storing the data on devices, the company must assign user credentials according to the worker’s role in the organization and use permissions.
The authentications and permissions define which employees see the data, retrieve the information, or alter the data. To remain SOC compliant, the organizations must implement safeguards to block unauthorized use of customer data and lower the risk of identity theft and unethical use of information. Businesses can get more information about compliance by contacting a soc 2 service provider now.
- Availability of the Data
The data must be available to the business owner and key workers who need the data to complete their job duties. To get to the data, the workers have a user account that is set up by administrators. The network administrators must monitor the access and availability of the customer data. The network log must show each instance in which a worker accessed the customer files and any changes the worker makes.
The administrators must block access to the customer data from any users that do not have the right to view, alter, or use it. Any instances in which an unauthorized user accesses the information are reported. If the administrators find any vulnerabilities in the data systems, they must correct the issues and prevent outsiders from getting into the devices.
- Robust Security Schemes
SOC compliance requires robust security schemes to protect all customer data and prevent unauthorized use. User accounts are not the only line of defense for customer data. The networks themselves must provide adequate protection and prevent anyone outside of the organization from getting the information.
The network security systems must encrypt all data and prevent criminals from decoding the information. Many jurisdictions apply penalties if the networks do not use proper encryption to protect the customers. If a customer becomes the victim of identity theft, some areas apply hefty penalties against the company.
- Processing Integrity
Workers process customer data from the first minute the workers take sales calls. When processing the customer data or entering it into the system, the employees must follow all company policies and prevent anyone from seeing the data without proper permission. The system must enforce processing integrity and prevent unauthorized users from making changes to the data or moving the information. The organization must restrict the number of workers who process or manage customer data.
SOC 2 compliance is required for all organizations that acquire or store customer data. The regulations outline steps the companies must take to prevent customer data losses and identity theft. By reviewing all the pillars of the guidelines, companies avoid costly mistakes and protect their customers at all times.
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