3Cloud recently announced the completion of our latest SOC 2 examination, and is proud to have renewed this accreditation each year since 2018. But what does that mean for us as an organization—and for you as our customer?

At 3Cloud, keeping customer and stakeholder data secure is our top priority. To ensure that our systems and controls have been designed appropriately to achieve that goal, we sought out third-party attestation from a qualified auditing firm. Our SOC 2 report is the result of their examination.

What is a SOC 2 Report?

Obtaining a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 report is one way for a service organization to attest to the security of its digital environment.

Completing a SOC 2 examination through an accredited third-party auditor does not result in any certification. Instead, the resulting CPA’s report functions as a tool to help an organization communicate whether the internal controls they’ve put in place governing the security of customers’, partners’, and stakeholders’ data are properly designed, implemented, and maintained.

In simpler terms, a SOC 2 report provides an avenue for current and potential stakeholders to assess risk by giving them a closer look at the policies and procedures put in place to ensure the organization’s services are provided safely and reliably.

What Does a SOC 2 Report Cover?

All SOC 2 examinations are performed by accredited CPA firms under the standards defined by SSAE 18. An auditor tests the effectiveness of the internal controls outlined by the organization, then maps those controls to one or a combination of Trust Services Criteria established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

In our case, those criteria include:

  • Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical).
  • Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized to meet the entity’s objectives.
  • Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed.
  • Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of to meet the entity’s objectives.

The scope of a SOC 2 report can also vary with regard to the time period covered.

SOC 2 Type II reports examine controls over a period of time, usually between three and 12 months, and include both a list of the controls tested as well as the auditor’s test results. The reporting period for 3Cloud’s latest SOC 2 report spanned from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024.

Why did we Undergo a SOC 2 Exam?

Completing a SOC 2 examination marks a huge step forward in 3Cloud’s efforts to demonstrate our commitment to data security and ensure that we’re prepared to face the challenges of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Where Can I Find More Information?

Our auditing partner, BARR Advisory, has provided a detailed breakdown on how to read a SOC 2 report, including where to find the most important and relevant information for your situation.

Current and prospective customers interested in obtaining a copy of our latest SOC 2 report may contact contracts (at) 3cloudsolutions.com.