There are three ways a SOC2-compliant MSP improves cloud security.
When you partner with a managed IT services provider, you not only depend on them to protect your information. But it would help if you also had assurance they’re supported by and connected to secure third-party cloud and IT service providers. This is the goal of SOC 2 TYPE II Certification.
Did you know fewer than 1% of MSPs have SOC 2 Type II Certification?
In today’s hyper-converged IoT world, you’re only as strong as your weakest cloud. When a cloud provider gets breached, there’s a good chance several hundred or thousands of their clients get compromised as well.
According to Justin McCarthy of strongDM, “SOC 2 (Systems and Organizations Controls 2) is a framework designed to help software vendors and other companies demonstrate the security controls they use to protect customer data in the cloud. These controls, AKA Trust Services Principles, include security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.”
Let’s explore three ways this elite accreditation can benefit your organization.
#1 – A SOC 2-Compliant MSP Saves You Time.
Limiting your search to SOC 2-compliant MSPs will save you time by narrowing your evaluation universe.
SOC 2 auditing requires a substantial investment: $30,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year. Ninety-nine percent of MSPs don’t have the scale or financial might to undertake this dynamic and comprehensive project every year.
Do you have heightened concerns about the safety and privacy of your data? If so, you can immediately eliminate most of the MSPs from your search criteria whenever you want to consider a change. And interview three pre-qualified contenders instead of ten.
Learn More: SOC 2 Audit Costs
#2 – A SOC 2-Compliant MSP Drives Innovation.
SOC 2-compliant MSPs drive innovation that trickles down to their clients.
Annual SOC 2 evaluations have timelines that span three to twelve months. Some reviews last eighteen months.
Instead of offering a quick snapshot, the MSP is under a microscope that captures the health and wellness of a dynamic moving target.
Preparation for outside scrutiny pushes IT providers to replace antiquated equipment and applications quicker than their clients. This exercise allows the MSP to vet thoroughly (and recommend) the latest offerings, including but not limited to:
- Cybersecurity awareness training
- Compliance reporting software
- vCISO as a Service
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Single-Sign-On (SSO)
- Workstations with SSD hard drives
- Desktop as a Service
- Encryption
- Security information and event management (SIEM) solutions
Learn More: What is SIEM?
#3 – A SOC 2-Compliant MSP Lowers Your Risk.
SOC 2-compliant MSPs lower your risk because third-party auditing teams continuously scour their IT systems, processes, procedures, and security controls.
This multi-faceted examination increases transparency because every quality control objective appears in extensive, detailed reports MSPs can present for client or prospect review.
Further, IT providers who invest in SOC 2 compliance usually embrace a host of other frameworks: SOC 1, NIST CSF, HIPAA, PCI, NYDFS, GDPR, and more. Some or several of these security and compliance programs will apply to your business.
Learn More: SOC 2 Compliance Peace of Mind
Your Search for a SOC 2 Type II MSP
The MSP business has changed significantly over the last twenty years, especially the last ten.
The industry faces a wave of cybersecurity and regulatory concerns, forcing MSPs to pivot or be left behind.
It’s nearly impossible for a break-fix IT guy or an MSP with ten people to keep up. Can your MSP keep up with you? Do they have supporting evidence?
Visit vCISO Consulting from Integris to explore the benefits of working with a SOC 2 Type II-compliant MSP.
