How to Secure Your AuditBoard for SOX and Get the SOX Compliance Badge

 

Securing AuditBoard for SOX compliance is vital for protecting sensitive financial data and ensuring your organization passes SOX audits with confidence. Here’s how to do it, what requirements matter, and how to get the SOX badge or seal for your AuditBoard environment—even if you’re new to these concepts.

• Understand SOX Compliance: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) is a US law requiring public companies to follow strict controls over financial reporting. The “SOX badge/seal” is not a literal badge, but rather proof (via an audit report) that your controls are strong, up-to-date, and regularly tested.
• Secure User Access: Set up Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in AuditBoard. Only give each user the permissions needed for their job—nothing more. Use strong, complex passwords and require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all logins. Regularly review user access and immediately disable accounts for former employees.
• Data Encryption: Make sure all data in AuditBoard is encrypted—both when stored (at rest) and when it travels across the internet (in transit). This makes information unreadable to hackers, even if they intercept it.
• Change Management Controls: Every update or change in AuditBoard (like new users, updated reports, new integrations) should be logged and tracked. Use AuditBoard’s version history and audit trails. Approvals should go through formal processes—no undocumented changes.
• Monitor and Log Activity: Enable and review AuditBoard’s audit logs. These logs show who did what and when. Monitor for unusual behavior, like failed login attempts or access to sensitive information at odd hours.
• Separation of Duties: Make sure no one person can control all aspects of a financial process—this decreases fraud risks. For example, the person who uploads evidence in AuditBoard shouldn’t be the same one who approves and reviews it.
• Vendor and Third-Party Risk: Verify that AuditBoard itself meets SOX standards (they have a SOC 1 Type 2 report for this, which is like an external trust stamp) and ensure your cloud environment is configured securely.
• Regular Testing: Test your controls at least quarterly (or whenever there is a major change in processes/technology). Tools within AuditBoard can automate aspects, but always do some manual checks.
• Documentation: Keep detailed, organized documentation within AuditBoard: policies, procedures, risk assessments, evidence of controls, test results, and remediation steps. Auditors will want to check everything.
• Employee Training: Make sure all users understand the importance of SOX and cybersecurity best practices. Training reduces errors and risky behavior.

How to Get the SOX Badge/Seal for AuditBoard

 

• Prepare for a SOX Audit: Gather and organize evidence inside AuditBoard: system screenshots, access reviews, change logs, test results, and issue remediation documentation.
• Conduct a Readiness Assessment: Use a trusted firm like OCD Tech for pre-audit checks, gap assessments, and tailored recommendations. They know exactly what auditors look for and can help you fix weaknesses before the audit.
• Pass the External Audit: An independent auditor reviews your AuditBoard configuration, assesses your controls, and tests their effectiveness. Passing means you get an audit report that acts as your SOX seal—demonstrating trustworthiness to stakeholders.

What’s Most Important to Pass SOX Audits with AuditBoard?

 

• Strong, tested access controls and timely removal of unnecessary accounts
• Consistent, detailed documentation of controls and evidence
• Clear separation of duties for financial controls
• Regular control testing and prompt remediation of any issues
• Leverage expertise from firms like OCD Tech to minimize surprises and accelerate your compliance journey

By following these steps and partnering with experts such as OCD Tech, you’ll know exactly how to secure your AuditBoard for SOX and how to get the SOX compliance badge/seal, passing your audits with confidence.