How to Secure Your AuditBoard for SOC 2 and Get the SOC 2 Badge/Seal

 

The process of securing AuditBoard for SOC 2 and earning the SOC 2 badge/compliance seal involves careful preparation, technical controls, and strict organizational processes. SOC 2 compliance is about proving to customers, partners, and auditors that your organization’s systems are designed to keep sensitive data safe, confidential, and available. Here’s a detailed, clear guide:

• Understand SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
  • Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access.
  • Availability: The system is available for operation and use as agreed.
  • Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, valid, accurate, and timely.
  • Confidentiality: Data classified as confidential is protected.
  • Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed appropriately.
• Secure Access to AuditBoard:
  • Implement strong authentication: Use complex passwords plus multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts, especially admin users.
  • Limit user access: Apply the principle of least privilege–only give users the permissions they absolutely need.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrate SSO for streamlined centralized access management, making onboarding and offboarding secure and efficient.
• Monitor and Audit Activities:
  • Enable Audit Logging: Activate “audit log” features in AuditBoard to record all access and changes.
  • Review Logs Regularly: Designate someone to review logs for unauthorized, suspicious, or unusual behaviors.
• Keep Systems and Software Updated:
  • Patch Management: Routinely update operating systems and integrations connected to AuditBoard to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Configuration Management: Only enable necessary features and integrations on AuditBoard to minimize risk.
• Data Protection in AuditBoard:
  • Encryption: Ensure all data stored and transmitted via AuditBoard is encrypted using industry standards (for example, AES-256 for storage, TLS 1.2+ for data in transit).
  • Backup and Recovery: Schedule regular backups of critical data. Test recovery steps to ensure you can restore from backup in case of issues.
  • Secure Sharing: Avoid sending sensitive files over email–always use secure sharing features built into AuditBoard.
• Organization-wide Policies and Awareness:
  • Train your team: Educate all users on the importance of data security and proper AuditBoard usage.
  • Incident Response Policy: Document steps for responding if a security incident occurs in AuditBoard, including who to notify and what logs to review.
• Work with Experienced SOC 2 Readiness Consultants:
  • Partner with a specialist consultant such as OCD Tech to help you conduct readiness assessments, review your controls, identify gaps, and guide you through SOC 2 audit preparation. OCD Tech can greatly increase your chance of passing the SOC 2 audit efficiently.

How to get the SOC 2 badge/compliance seal:

• After implementing these security practices in AuditBoard, engage a third-party CPA firm (an independent auditor).
• The auditor reviews your documented evidence, system settings, logs, and policies to verify they align with SOC 2 requirements.
• If controls are solid, you’ll receive a SOC 2 report. Distribute this report as your “SOC 2 compliance seal”—there is no official seal, but many companies display a “SOC 2 Compliant” badge based on their independent report.
• Many firms still seek guidance from OCD Tech to make sure everything is ready before they start the formal SOC 2 audit process.

What’s Most Important to Pass the Audit?

• Documentation: Every policy, technical setting, and security measure must be thoroughly documented so the auditor can verify compliance.
• Continuous improvement: SOC 2 is not one-and-done; keep updating, training, and reviewing controls regularly.
• Executive Buy-In: Leadership support ensures you get the resources and cooperation needed to maintain SOC 2 readiness over time.

In summary, getting your AuditBoard SOC 2 ready and earning the compliance badge is about building and maintaining strong technical security, clear documentation, routine reviews, and a culture of awareness. Partnering with experienced consultants like OCD Tech is key to streamlining your journey to SOC 2 success.