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

 

Securing your Qualys platform for SOC 2 and achieving the SOC 2 badge is essential for any business handling sensitive information. SOC 2 is a framework for managing and protecting user data based on five “Trust Service Criteria”: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to secure Qualys for SOC 2 and what you’ll need to succeed in the audit:

• Understand SOC 2 Requirements: SOC 2 isn’t a standard checklist; it’s about implementing controls to meet specific principles. The focus is on data protection, access controls, incident response, risk management, and continuous monitoring. Your controls must be well-documented and enforced.
• Qualys Platform Secure Configuration: Safely deploying and configuring Qualys is vital. Ensure you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for operator and admin accounts. Keep access to the Qualys dashboard on a need-to-know basis by managing roles and permissions.
• Data Security Practices in Qualys:
  • Use end-to-end encryption for any data transmitted from Qualys (vulnerability scan results, configuration files, reports).
  • Restrict and regularly audit API keys/access credentials for integrations and automation with Qualys.
  • Ensure secure storage of scan data and logs; limit data retention where possible.
• Monitoring and Logging:
  • Enable comprehensive logging of all administrative actions and critical system changes within Qualys.
  • Send logs to a secure Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system for real-time monitoring and alerting on suspicious activity.
• Patch and Vulnerability Management: Use Qualys to regularly scan your own assets for vulnerabilities, and act quickly on remediation—auditors want to see proof that you both identify AND fix issues fast. Keep your Qualys appliances and agents up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Document your Policies and Procedures: Create detailed policies for Qualys management, access controls, incident response, and change management. Store and review these policies periodically, making updates as needed.
• Access Reviews and Employee Onboarding/Offboarding:
  • Conduct ongoing reviews of user accounts in Qualys and remove any that are no longer needed, especially after personnel changes.
  • Make sure everyone who accesses Qualys is trained on security best practices and understands their responsibility.
• Independent Readiness Assessment: Before undergoing your formal SOC 2 audit, consider a readiness assessment. Experienced consultants—including OCD Tech—can help identify and fix gaps, and guide you through what’s required to secure your Qualys for SOC 2.

Obtaining the SOC 2 Badge/Seal:

• Once you’re confident your system meets SOC 2 requirements, engage with a certified CPA firm or auditor. They’ll review your controls and evidence, test for effectiveness over a set period (SOC 2 Type II) or at a point in time (SOC 2 Type I).
• If you pass, you’ll receive a SOC 2 report from the auditor. This isn’t a universal “badge”—but you can work with your auditor to share the result with clients to demonstrate trust.
• Firms like OCD Tech assist in both the prep and audit, ensuring you’re ready to show your secure Qualys deployment in the best light.

What’s most important for passing the SOC 2 audit with Qualys:

• Strong access and account management (least privilege for all Qualys users)
• Full visibility and logging of Qualys activities, with prompt response to incidents
• Regular and well-documented vulnerability management using the Qualys suite
• Up-to-date, clear policies and procedures covering all Qualys-related activities
• Proof that security controls are actually working—not just written down