In today's digital landscape, robust cybersecurity measures are paramount for any organization aiming to protect data and maintain customer trust. Cybersecurity and information system audits are essential to secure the existence and proper security controls, ensuring the software meets the requirements of compliance and IT security standards.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. It involves implementing technologies, processes, and controls to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information across network, application, and operational security areas. The goal is to defend against cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks, which can disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or cause other significant damage to organizations.
"2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous all-time record," according to Forbes advisor.
Why are cybersecurity audits needed?
Conducting regular audits and vulnerability assessments is crucial for improving cybersecurity. These audits allow organizations to identify weaknesses, ensure compliance, and maintain a solid defense against potential threats.
- Identify and mitigate risks: Cybersecurity audits assess the effectiveness of security measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements to reduce risks.
- Ensure compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations that require specific cybersecurity measures. Audits help ensure compliance with well-recognized standards like ISO 27001, avoiding potential fines and legal consequences.
- Protect reputation and trust: A breach can damage an organization’s reputation and customer trust. Regular audits help maintain a strong security posture, demonstrating to clients and partners that you take cybersecurity seriously.
- Improve incident response: Audits involve reviewing incident response plans and procedures, ensuring that your organization can respond quickly and effectively to a security breach.
- Prevent unexpected cost: Proactively identifying and addressing security gaps through audits can prevent costly breaches and the associated expenses of recovery, legal fees, and fines.
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$4.88 million
The global average cost of a data breach (IBM report, 2024)
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2,365
Cyberattacks were identified in 2023 (Identity Theft Resource Center, 2023)
What is SOC 2?
The Service and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) is a framework designed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to manage data security. It specifically targets organizations that handle customer data, ensuring that they meet certain criteria in handling that data. SOC 2 is centered around five Trust Service Criteria (TSC):
- Security: Ensuring systems are protected against unauthorized access.
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that data designated as confidential is protected.
- Availability: Ensuring systems are available for operation and use as committed.
- Privacy: Ensuring personal information is collected, used, retained, and disclosed properly.
- Processing Integrity: Ensuring systems process data accurately, completely, and timely.
SOC 2 compliance is verified through a third-party audit, which assesses the effectiveness of an organization's controls in the TSC. SOC 2 reports are critical for service organizations to demonstrate their compliance with data security standards.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 (also ISO/IEC 27001:2022) is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It provides systematic guidance for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving ISMS.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying risks to information security and determining how to manage or mitigate them.
- Security Controls: Implementing controls to address the identified risks.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating the ISMS to cope with evolving security threats.
ISO 27001 certification is obtained through an accredited certification body after a successful audit. Earning an ISO 27001 demonstrates to stakeholders and customers that an organization is committed and can manage information securely and safely.
What are the similarities between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
- Objective: Both frameworks aim to enhance information security within an organization and provide assurance to clients, partners, and stakeholders that their data is being handled securely.
- Audit Requirement: Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 require external audits conducted by independent third parties to validate compliance.
- Risk Management: Both standards emphasize the importance of risk management, including the identification and mitigation of risks related to information security.
What are the differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
- Scope and Focus: SOC 2 focuses on service organizations that handle customer data, emphasizing data security, confidentiality, and privacy in those services. In contrast, ISO 27001 is more comprehensive and applies to any organization, regardless of size or industry. It covers a broader set of information security controls, such as business continuity, legal compliance, and risk management.
- Certification or Attestation: ISO 27001 results in a certification by an accredited body that an organization can display publicly. SOC 2 results in an attestation report provided by a CPA (certified public accountant) that is typically shared with specific clients or stakeholders.
- Global or U.S. Focus: ISO 27001 is an international, globally recognized standard, while SOC 2 is more commonly recognized in the United States, especially in the context of Software as a Service (SaaS) and other service providers.
In summary, while both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 aim to ensure robust information security, SOC 2 is more focused on the service provider sector in the U.S. with an emphasis on data handling, whereas ISO 27001 is an international standard with a broader application and a focus on a comprehensive ISMS.
How was ALTURE®️ audited and certified?
The control environment influences the effectiveness of security measures within an organization. To evaluate this, the design and implementation of the control system of ALTURE®️ were examined and tested by independent third-party auditors, who talked to Atlas Copco’s staff responsible for security, observed their work, and examined management’s efforts to improve controls. These insights guided the testing with the focus on the principle of security of data.
The frameworks and criteria of both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 (both Type I and Type II) guided Atlas Copco toward better practices. By identifying the risks and threats, we can more successfully predict them and take proactive actions to prevent them from happening. Clear documentation and well-defined control systems also make sure all stakeholders follow the best practices. By completing the audit requirement, ALTURE®️ optimizes production with the highest standard of cybersecurity and keeps important data well protected.
Relevant documents
- Certificate of Registration ISO27001 254.1 kB, PDF
For SOC 2 Type I and Type II audit reports, please contact your Atlas Copco representative.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who performed the independent third-party audits for ALTURE®️?
- The independent auditors of ALTURE®️ are KPMG AB and KPMG IT Certification Ltd.
What are the differences between SOC 2 Type I and SOC Type II reports?
- SOC Type I outlines a service organization's controls systems and implementation of compliant processes at a specific point in time.
- SOC Type II assesses the design, operating effectiveness, and compliance over an extended period, typically around 6-12 months.
