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Most people searching "SOC 2 vs ISO 27001" assume they need to pick one. In reality, most organizations pursue multiple compliance frameworks, and per the AICPA, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share roughly 80% control overlap. The expensive mistake isn't choosing the wrong one; it's treating them as separate projects instead of a sequenced roadmap. This guide helps you decide which to pursue first based on your buyers, geography, and growth stage, then shows how to make your first framework speed up the second.

Defining SOC 2 & ISO 27001

SOC 2 is an attestation engagement developed by the AICPA that evaluates whether specific controls are operating effectively. ISO 27001, by contrast, is an international ISMS standard that certifies your entire management system for information security. The key difference is, one tests controls while the other certifies the system that governs them.

SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 Compared

How the First Framework Accelerates the Second

While different, both frameworks share roughly an 80% overlap in foundational security elements. This means that once you establish one of those elements, you can leverage it for both frameworks. Here are some practical examples:

• Policies and procedures: Information security policy, acceptable use, access control, incident response, and vendor management can all be written once and then mapped to both frameworks.
• Risk assessment: ISO 27001 requires a formal risk assessment, and SOC 2 auditors expect one. Instead of doing two risk assessments, you can do one and use it for both frameworks.
• Technical controls: Encryption, MFA, logging, monitoring, and vulnerability management can all be implemented once and used as evidence for both.
• Training and awareness: The same program can satisfy both frameworks.

Once you address the overlap, you can do incremental work to address the unique requirements of the different frameworks. For example, ISO 27001 adds ISMS governance requirements like management review, internal audit, and continual improvement that SOC 2 doesn’t require. It is also less flexible in scope than SOC 2, requiring a comprehensive ISMS covering your defined scope, while SOC 2 allows you to choose which Trust Services categories to include. 

The incremental effort will account for roughly 30-50% additional work, rather than a full restart.

How To Decide Which Framework to Sequence First

Start with SOC 2 if:

• Your buyers are primarily North American SaaS companies or enterprises
• You're being asked for a SOC 2 report in sales cycles right now
• You're a startup or early-growth company building your first formal security program

Start with ISO 27001 if:

• Your buyers are primarily outside North America or in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, government)
• You're selling into the EU, UK, or APAC markets where ISO 27001 is the default expectation
• Your organization already has mature security processes that need formal certification
• You want a management system foundation that will support multiple frameworks long-term

Start with both simultaneously if:

• You're selling globally and facing both requests in parallel
• You have the budget and team bandwidth for a combined implementation
• You're using a compliance automation platform that maps controls across both frameworks

Five Sequencing Mistakes To Avoid

Thanks to the overlap between the ISO 27001 and SOC 2, your biggest worry shouldn’t be choosing the wrong framework. Instead, you should look out for these five sequencing and implementation errors that could waste your time and resources.

1. Treating them as completely separate projects: Building siloed control sets instead of a unified control framework wastes the 80% overlap.
2. Starting ISO 27001 without a risk assessment and expecting to finish in six months: ISO 27001 requires a formal risk assessment before you can define your Statement of Applicability. Skipping this adds 2–4 months.
3. Scoping SOC 2 too narrowly to check a box: A SOC 2 report scoped to a single product may not satisfy enterprise buyers asking about your full environment. Rework means more time and energy spent than getting the scope right from the start.
4. Assuming SOC 2 is only for U.S. companies (or that ISO 27001 isn't needed in the U.S.): SOC 2 is used by organizations worldwide, and ISO 27001 is increasingly requested by U.S. enterprises, especially in regulated sectors.
5. Waiting until a customer asks before starting: Both frameworks take months. Starting reactively means losing deals during the implementation window.

Three Real-World Sequencing Scenarios

Scenario A: U.S. B2B SaaS Startup, 50 Employees, Series B

Buyers are North American enterprises that are requesting SOC 2 in security questionnaires. Start with SOC 2 Type II, then layer ISO 27001 within 12 months using the same control evidence and adding ISMS governance.

Scenario B: European Fintech Expanding Into the U.S.

ISO 27001 is already in place for EU clients. Add SOC 2 by mapping existing ISO controls to the Trust Services Criteria. The incremental effort will likely result in 30-40% additional work, mostly documentation reformatting and engaging a CPA firm.

Scenario C: Mid-Market Healthcare SaaS, 200 Employees, Selling Globally

Both frameworks are needed simultaneously. Use a unified control framework from day one. Engage a firm that can coordinate both assessments to reduce duplicated evidence collection.

Choose the Right Framework and Gain Your Competitive Edge

Instead of asking yourself what the difference is between SOC 2 vs ISO 27001, you should focus on deciding which you should engage with first based on your market, your current security posture, organizational maturity, and future goals. From there, you can build a compliance foundation that scales. 

Need help building a compliance roadmap that sequences SOC 2 and ISO 27001 efficiently? Securisea has been helping companies with their cybersecurity compliance since 2006. We are a licensed CPA firm, and Securisea’s wholly owned subsidiary, Securisea CB, LLC, is an ANAB-accredited certification body for ISO/IEC 27001. Schedule a free consultation today.

Cloud-native applications have transformed how organizations build and deliver software. By leveraging the scalability and flexibility of the cloud, businesses increasingly develop and deploy solutions faster, more efficiently, and at lower cost. 

This shift has transformed industries, but it also presents new security and compliance challenges that legacy frameworks never anticipated.

Cybersecurity needs to adapt alongside this move towards cloud technologies. Relying on static controls and annual audits leaves gaps that attackers can exploit well before organizations can detect them.

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face the dual challenge of adapting security practices to dynamic, cloud-first environments. Additionally, companies must still demonstrate compliance to regulators, customers, and partners.

For years, organizations have relied on frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 to demonstrate accountability and maturity. These traditional standards remain essential, but they cannot fully address the risks that cloud-native environments create. 

As organizations increasingly migrate their infrastructure to the cloud, newer models like CSA STAR have emerged to address the realities of cloud-native security.

The roadmap for CISOs, therefore, involves bridging these two worlds: ensuring compliance with established standards while implementing adaptive, intelligence-driven, and cloud-native strategies.

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Traditional Compliance as the Foundation

Traditional frameworks such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001 remain critical to an organization’s credibility. 

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SOC 2 Overview

SOC 2, widely adopted in North America, is particularly suitable for service providers and SaaS companies that need to demonstrate robust security practices to clients. Its five Trust Service Principles (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy) offer a flexible framework that organizations can tailor to their specific risk profiles.

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ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is a widely recognized standard that provides a structured framework for creating and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It goes beyond the trust service principles by demanding formal risk assessments and continuous improvement cycles. 

For multinational organizations, ISO 27001 offers both international credibility and an integrated approach to risk management.

These frameworks form the bedrock of compliance. They assure customers, regulators, and partners that an organization has not only considered its risks but also established the governance structures to manage them. 

However, while essential, they are not enough on their own to address the speed and complexity of modern threats.

The Rise of Cloud-Native Standards

As organizations shift to the cloud, we’re seeing a different set of requirements emerge. Legacy compliance standards were not designed with cloud-native architectures in mind, and this is where the Cloud Security Alliance’s STAR program fills the gap.

The CSA STAR expands on the principles of ISO 27001 but adapts them for cloud environments. Its multi-level framework, from self-assessments to ongoing third-party audits, enables organisations to show both compliance and transparency. This is especially vital in environments where infrastructure is elastic, distributed, and often outsourced. 

For businesses that are either born in the cloud or undergoing rapid cloud transformation, CSA STAR provides a way to reassure clients and regulators that you are addressing cloud-specific risks.

In this way, CSA STAR does not replace SOC 2 or ISO 27001 but complements them, providing the cloud-native counterpart to traditional compliance frameworks.

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Choosing the Right Frameworks

CISOs often face the practical question: Which compliance framework is most appropriate for us? The answer depends on geography, industry, and business model.

• Organizations with a strong North American presence and frequent vendor risk assessments often find SOC 2 unavoidable.
• Global enterprises or those with complex governance requirements typically gravitate toward ISO 27001.
  
  
• Cloud service providers benefit most from CSA STAR, particularly when clients demand evidence of cloud-specific assurances.

Rather than treating these frameworks as competing obligations, many CISOs now pursue alignment. By mapping controls across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CSA STAR, organizations can eliminate redundancy and create a unified compliance strategy. This reduces audit fatigue and also creates a single operational backbone that serves both traditional and cloud-native requirements.

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A Quick Comparison

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Beyond Compliance: Building Adaptive Security

Compliance frameworks, while helpful, are often retrospective in nature. They confirm what was true at the time of the audit, but cannot guarantee readiness against tomorrow’s attack.

Adversaries, by contrast, are adaptive. They change tactics quickly, exploit legitimate system tools in “living off the land” attacks, and take advantage of the blind spots that static controls inevitably leave.

This is why CISOs must treat compliance as the foundation, not the finish line. A modern roadmap integrates traditional and cloud-native standards with adaptive, intelligence-led strategies. 

This approach emphasizes:

• Continuous monitoring and analytics that move beyond point-in-time checks.
• Threat intelligence that provides early warning of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Cloud-native tools, such as scalable SIEMs and automated SOAR platforms, enable faster detection and response.

By layering adaptive defences on top of compliance frameworks, CISOs transform standards from static checklists into living systems that evolve alongside threats.

A CISO’s Roadmap

To make the discussion more concrete, consider a roadmap for CISOs who want to bridge traditional and cloud-native compliance:

1. Establish a compliance foundation based on SOC 2 or ISO 27001, depending on your unique business requirements and location.
2. Introduce CSA STAR to address cloud-native needs and enhance transparency in cloud-first settings.
3. Map controls across frameworks to streamline evidence collection and minimize duplication.
4. Embed adaptive security measures such as continuous monitoring, proactive threat intelligence, and automated response.
5. Invest in advanced tools and training to turn compliance obligations into tangible, real-world resilience.
6. Foster operational excellence by maintaining rigorous patch management, testing incident response plans, and cultivating a culture of security awareness across the enterprise.

Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage

Traditional compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001 provide organizations with credibility, structure, and assurance. Cloud-native standards such as CSA STAR extend that assurance into environments that are more dynamic and distributed. 

For CISOs, the challenge—and the opportunity—is not to select one framework over another, but to build a bridge that integrates them into a unified, adaptable roadmap.

By combining the credibility of traditional compliance with the flexibility of cloud-native standards and by layering intelligence-led defences on top, organizations can achieve more than compliance. They can achieve resilience. 

And resilience, more than any single framework, is what will determine whether enterprises can withstand the next wave of cyber threats.

At Securisea, we help organizations turn compliance into a strategic advantage by aligning established frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 with cloud-native standards such as CSA STAR. From readiness and gap assessments to complete audits and continuous monitoring, we make sure businesses can meet the demands of today’s security frameworks and tomorrow’s challenges.

Talk to a Securisea specialist today and build a roadmap that turns compliance into resilience.

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If you’re a business owner working with third-party vendors, specifically those handling data or financial transactions, you’ve probably experienced requests for or received a SOC report. Short for “System and Organization Controls reports,” these are essential for verifying that service providers maintain secure and reliable systems.

But understanding the answer to the question “What is a SOC report?” is only the start. While many companies know they need a SOC 1 or SOC 2 report, few understand how to review them properly or what to do once they receive them. 

Becoming more informed is a vital part of managing your risk and building trust. In our latest article, we explore SOC reports in-depth, covering the differences between SOC 1 and SOC 2, what to look for in an audit, and how to interpret the findings to protect your organization.

What Is a SOC Report?

A SOC report is a confirmation from an independent auditor that a service organization has established internal controls to safeguard its systems and data. Issued by licensed CPA firms and governed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), these reports assess whether a company’s controls are appropriately designed and functioning effectively

Broadly, SOC reports are requested by businesses, known as user entities, that rely on external vendors for services such as payroll, IT infrastructure, or cloud storage. The goal? To understand whether those services can be trusted, especially when it comes to data security, financial reporting, or system availability.

A well-reviewed SOC report can help prevent costly errors, protect customer trust, and satisfy regulatory scrutiny. But understanding what’s actually inside these reports, and how to interpret them, is key.

Categorizing SOC Reports

SOC 1 vs. SOC 2: Key Differences

Two of the most commonly requested reports are SOC 1 and SOC 2, but they serve two distinct purposes.

A SOC 1 report focuses on controls affecting internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). This is particularly pertinent if your business offers services such as billing, claims processing, or payroll—essentially anything that may directly influence your company’s financial statements.

In contrast, a SOC 2 report is more suitable if you are a technology and cloud-based service provider. It evaluates controls based on five Trust Services Criteria:

• Security (mandatory)
• Availability
• Confidentiality
• Processing Integrity
• Privacy

Organizations that handle customer data, including Saas platforms and managed IT services, often need to present a SOC 2 report to demonstrate their ability to effectively safeguard that information.

Type I vs. Type II Reports

Both SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports come in two types:

• Type I reports evaluate the design of controls at a specific moment in time.
• Type II reports assess both the design and operating effectiveness of those controls over a period, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months.

Type II reports offer more value, especially for ongoing vendor management or long-term partnerships, because they reveal how consistently your company actually applies the appropriate controls.

What About a SOC 3 Report?

While companies get SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports for detailed internal reviews and are typically restricted to clients or auditors, SOC 3 reports serve a different purpose.

A SOC 3 report is meant for public distribution. It covers the same Trust Services Criteria as a SOC 2 (such as security, availability, and confidentiality), but it omits sensitive details, including control testing procedures and specific exceptions. 

This makes SOC 3 ideal for marketing or building trust on your company’s website, where prospective customers can see that an independent audit has been completed without exposing operational specifics. 

If you're looking to demonstrate security compliance to a broader audience without revealing too much, a SOC 3 is a valuable complement to your SOC 2 report.

Understanding What’s Included in a SOC Report

Understanding the contents of a SOC report helps you to read it with confidence. Most reports contain the following core components:

Auditor’s Opinion

Found in Section I, this outlines whether your company’s controls are suitably designed and/or effective. In this section, you want to see “unqualified opinion” in your report. And if your auditor indicates “adverse” or “disclaimer of opinion”, this indicates issues that require closer scrutiny.

Management Assertion

In Section II, the service organization asserts that your business has an accurate system description and that your team correctly implements the outlined controls. If this is missing or doesn’t align with the auditor’s findings, that’s a red flag.

System Description

Section III outlines the systems and services in scope, the locations where controls were tested, and descriptions of relevant processes. Pay close attention to ensure that the systems your company uses are indeed covered.

Testing and Results

In the final section, the auditor outlines each control, how it was tested, and whether it passed. It’s not uncommon to find exceptions, but understanding their significance and whether they were addressed is vital.

Reviewing Your Company’s SOC Report Effectively

Who Should Review

Typically, both internal and external auditors are the first to review SOC reports, particularly during audits or vendor due diligence. However, management teams, compliance officers, and IT leaders also have a vested interest in the review. 

Remember, if a vendor is part of your core infrastructure, you need to assess whether their operations fulfill your security and compliance expectations.

Business leaders should also ensure that their teams review these reports regularly, not just once and then forget about them. SOC reports should become part of your vendor management and third-party risk program.

How To Review

Reading a SOC report without a clear review strategy can feel overwhelming. Here’s what business leaders and compliance teams should focus on:

Start with the Scope and Period

Ensure the report addresses the appropriate systems and services, particularly if a vendor offers multiple products. Verify the audit period since an outdated report may not accurately reflect current practices. If necessary, request a bridge letter to cover any gaps between audit periods.

Verify the Subservice Organization Treatment

Many service organizations rely on other providers. For example, a SaaS company may use AWS for hosting. The SOC report will indicate whether these subservice organizations are included (inclusive method) or excluded (carve-out method) from the SOC audit. If critical services are carved out, your business may need to request their SOC reports separately.

Evaluate Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs)

SOC reports often include a list of controls for which your company is responsible. These may include measures such as restricting admin access or enabling multi-factor authentication. If these are not implemented on your side, the overall control environment might not function as intended, even if the vendor’s controls are robust.

Assess the Exceptions and Responses

Not every test will pass, and that’s okay. As long as the vendor has documented the issue, explained the root cause, and described a remediation plan, it’s OK that you don’t pass every single test. 

Consider how each exception might impact your business. Was the affected control critical? Is the issue ongoing or resolved?

When to Ask Questions (and What to Ask)

Once you’ve received your SOC report back, it’s crucial you ask any questions or bring up concerns if the audit is unclear. Whether it's a vague exception, a missing service, or an outdated audit period, ask your vendor. 

A reputable and reliable SOC 2 auditor will want to help answer all your questions and support you in closing your company’s gaps. SOC reports are complex documents, and even experienced auditors may need clarification from time to time. Be proactive and maintain open communication. Questions to consider include:

• Why is a key system not covered in this SOC report?
• Can you provide a bridge letter for the gap in coverage?
• Has the issue noted in the exception been remediated?
• Are your sub-service providers SOC compliant?

Turn SOC Reports Into Strategic Assets

SOC reports aren’t just technical documents; they’re strategic tools! 

Whether you need a SOC 1 or SOC 2, they help you determine whether a service provider is trustworthy, resilient, and aligned with your own compliance and risk goals. And when correctly reviewed, they offer insight not just into the vendor’s systems, but into how your internal controls interact with theirs.

By learning the essentials of SOC reporting and how to read and evaluate the different audit reports, you’re protecting your business. Furthermore, you’re building a more secure and trustworthy outlook for your company. 

Use these reports to ask better questions, improve your internal policies, and ensure that the vendors you depend on are truly up to the task.

At Securisea, we help organizations like yours prepare for and navigate SOC 1, SOC 2, and other compliance audits. With over 20 years of SOC auditing expertise, we offer professional guidance, gap assessments, and full-scope assurance services to each client. 

Whether you're reviewing a vendor's report or preparing your own, our team ensures all the security frameworks meet today’s most rigorous standards. Talk to a Securisea Expert and take the next step toward a more innovative strategy and stronger compliance to grow your business efficiently.

For cloud service providers (CSPs) seeking to do business with state and local governments, StateRAMP (State Risk and Authorization Management Program) has emerged as a critical compliance framework. Modeled after the well-established Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), StateRAMP aims to standardize and streamline security measures for cloud services at the state level, helping governments and providers alike reduce risk and enhance resilience against cyber threats.

“StateRAMP certification is more than just a compliance milestone—it’s a gateway to significant revenue opportunities for cloud service providers. By achieving this certification, CSPs position themselves to access a growing market of state and local government clients who demand secure, reliable solutions. It’s an investment that pays off in credibility, trust, and a competitive edge.”
— Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea

As a StateRAMP-approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), Securisea is dedicated to guiding CSPs through this rigorous but essential journey. Below, we break down what StateRAMP is, why it matters for CSPs, and how to navigate the certification process effectively.

What is StateRAMP?

Launched in 2020, StateRAMP is a nonprofit organization that sets standardized security criteria for cloud services used by state and local governments. Its purpose is to protect sensitive information and public resources by ensuring that cloud providers meet stringent cybersecurity requirements before their solutions are integrated into government systems. By aligning with StateRAMP standards, CSPs not only build trust but also open the door to more government contracts and partnerships.

Like its federal counterpart, FedRAMP, StateRAMP establishes a robust framework of controls and regular assessments, which provide transparency and assurance to public agencies. However, StateRAMP tailors its requirements specifically to state and local government needs, addressing unique challenges and security requirements at these levels.

Why is StateRAMP Important for Cloud Service Providers?

For CSPs interested in serving state and local governments, StateRAMP certification can be a game-changer. Here's why:

• Increased Trust and Credibility: Achieving StateRAMP certification signals that your organization meets high cybersecurity standards. State agencies are more likely to work with vendors they can trust to safeguard their data, and StateRAMP certification provides that reassurance.
• Market Access and Competitive Advantage: Many state governments are beginning to require StateRAMP certification for cloud service contracts. Having the certification opens doors to a broader market of government clients who need secure cloud solutions.
• Risk Reduction: Meeting StateRAMP requirements helps CSPs reduce vulnerabilities within their systems, minimizing the likelihood of cyber incidents that could damage their reputation and result in significant financial losses.
• Operational Efficiency and Consistency: By adhering to a recognized framework, CSPs can ensure that their internal security practices align with industry standards, leading to operational efficiencies and more streamlined processes.

Key Components of the StateRAMP Program

StateRAMP provides a structured pathway for CSPs to demonstrate security compliance. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Establishing Baseline Controls: StateRAMP categorizes security requirements into different impact levels: Low, Moderate, and High, depending on the sensitivity of the data the cloud solution will handle. CSPs must implement security controls that align with the appropriate impact level for their services.
2. Third-Party Assessment: To ensure objective verification of compliance, CSPs work with a StateRAMP-approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) like Securisea. The 3PAO conducts a comprehensive security assessment to confirm that the CSP’s cloud solution meets the necessary requirements.
3. Continuous Monitoring: StateRAMP isn't a one-time certification. It requires ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance and address any new vulnerabilities as they arise. CSPs must provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to ensure they’re meeting the required standards consistently.
4. StateRAMP Authorized Status: Upon successful assessment, CSPs earn a StateRAMP Authorized status, which indicates their solutions are approved for use by state and local governments. This status is publicly available on the StateRAMP Marketplace, making it easier for government agencies to identify compliant solutions.

The StateRAMP Certification Process: What to Expect

For CSPs preparing to undergo the StateRAMP process, here’s a high-level look at what to expect:

• Readiness Assessment: Conduct an internal evaluation to determine whether your organization is prepared to meet StateRAMP’s control requirements.
• Gap Analysis and Remediation: Work with your 3PAO to identify any gaps between your current security measures and StateRAMP requirements. This step often involves implementing or enhancing security controls to close identified gaps.
• Full Assessment and Documentation: Once ready, your 3PAO will perform a thorough assessment, documenting all compliance efforts to provide a complete record for StateRAMP authorization.
• Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: After achieving certification, CSPs must maintain compliance through regular monitoring and reporting, demonstrating that they’re consistently meeting StateRAMP standards.

Why Work with Securisea?

Navigating StateRAMP can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable process. At Securisea, we specialize in helping CSPs understand, prepare for, and succeed in the StateRAMP certification journey. As an experienced 3PAO, we bring a deep understanding of StateRAMP’s intricacies, offering tailored support to streamline the certification process and ensure long-term compliance.

From initial assessments and gap analysis to full certification and continuous monitoring, Securisea is here to be your partner in achieving and maintaining StateRAMP compliance. By securing this certification, you not only position your organization for growth in the government sector but also contribute to a stronger, more secure digital landscape for all.

If you’re ready to start your StateRAMP journey, reach out to Securisea. Together, we’ll navigate the path to certification, helping you unlock new opportunities with state and local governments while strengthening your organization’s security framework.

When it comes to federal compliance, two significant frameworks often come into play: FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) and FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program). While both aim to protect federal information, they serve distinct purposes and apply to different types of organizations. Here’s how Securisea approaches these two frameworks, helping organizations navigate their unique requirements and ensuring compliance that aligns with your specific federal goals.

What Is FISMA?

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a U.S. federal law that requires all federal agencies, contractors, and other organizations that handle federal information to develop, document, and implement information security programs. Established in 2002 and later updated by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, FISMA emphasizes continuous monitoring and reporting of cybersecurity risks to ensure that federal data remains protected across all information systems.

At Securisea, we guide organizations through FISMA compliance with a focus on building robust security programs that stand up to the rigorous standards expected by federal agencies. Whether you’re an agency or a contractor, we help align your security processes with the requirements set by NIST 800-53, FISMA’s primary control framework, ensuring that your systems are not only compliant but also resilient against today’s complex cyber threats.

What Is FedRAMP?

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), in contrast, is a government-wide program specifically designed to assess and authorize cloud service providers (CSPs) that work with federal agencies. Launched in 2011, FedRAMP standardizes the security assessment process for cloud products and services used by the federal government, ensuring that CSPs meet strict security requirements.

FedRAMP requirements build on NIST’s 800-53 guidelines, but they’re tailored specifically to cloud environments and focus on areas critical to cloud security, such as data segmentation and multi-tenant architecture. Securisea’s expertise in FedRAMP allows us to support cloud providers through this rigorous process, ensuring that they meet FedRAMP’s high standards and are equipped to serve federal clients securely and efficiently.

Key Differences Between FISMA and FedRAMP

Though both frameworks aim to secure federal data, FISMA and FedRAMP have distinct applications:

1. Applicability:some text
   • FISMA applies to federal agencies and contractors that manage or work with federal information systems. Essentially, any organization working with federal data outside of a cloud setting will likely fall under FISMA.
   • FedRAMP is specific to cloud service providers that store, process, or transmit federal data. If your organization provides cloud-based services to federal agencies, FedRAMP authorization is required.
2. Control Frameworks:some text
   • Both FISMA and FedRAMP use NIST 800-53 as their foundational control framework. However, FedRAMP introduces additional cloud-specific requirements that are not part of FISMA, ensuring cloud environments meet the unique security needs of federal agencies.
3. Assessment Process:some text
   • FISMA assessments are typically conducted by federal agencies or an authorized third-party provider. The compliance approach involves continuous monitoring, reporting, and regular audits.
   • FedRAMP requires a more standardized and formal authorization process, often involving a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), like Securisea, that conducts a comprehensive review to ensure the cloud service provider meets FedRAMP’s requirements. This can include an Agency Authorization process or a Joint Authorization Board (JAB) review.
4. Authorization Maintenance:some text
   • For FISMA, organizations must engage in continuous monitoring and regularly update their security documentation, reporting security posture and compliance status to federal agencies.
   • FedRAMP also requires continuous monitoring, with CSPs required to submit monthly reports and undergo annual assessments to maintain their FedRAMP Authorization.

How Securisea Can Help

Securisea offers specialized support for both FISMA and FedRAMP compliance, guiding organizations through the complexities of each framework. Here’s how we make the process simpler:

• FISMA Compliance: We help agencies and contractors develop and implement strong information security programs that meet FISMA requirements, from risk assessments and control implementation to continuous monitoring and reporting. Our team ensures you’re equipped to meet the demands of federal cybersecurity standards with a solution that aligns with your organization’s unique needs.
• FedRAMP Authorization: For cloud service providers, we offer end-to-end FedRAMP support, including readiness assessments, gap analysis, and full authorization packages. Our expertise in cloud security enables us to navigate FedRAMP’s complex requirements efficiently, positioning you for success in serving federal clients. As an authorized 3PAO, Securisea is qualified to assess and validate your compliance, ensuring you meet every standard needed for FedRAMP certification.

Choosing the Right Path Forward

FISMA and FedRAMP serve different, but equally important roles in federal compliance. Whether you’re an agency, contractor, or cloud provider, aligning with the correct framework is essential for protecting federal information and maintaining compliance. At Securisea, we provide expert guidance to help you understand which framework applies to your organization and offer tailored services to simplify compliance and enhance security posture.

By choosing Securisea, you gain a partner who not only understands the intricacies of FISMA and FedRAMP but also delivers a streamlined, supportive approach to compliance. Connect with us today to learn more about our comprehensive compliance services and take the next step toward secure, reliable federal partnerships.

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When it comes to SOC 2 compliance, the audit process should be more than a box-checking exercise. For companies seeking value, guidance, and a meaningful partnership, choosing the right SOC 2 auditor can make all the difference. Here’s why Securisea stands out in a sea of options.

1. Big Expertise, Right-Sized Approach

At Securisea, we combine the expertise of a top-tier firm with the personalization that only a dedicated partner can provide. Our team is the right size for businesses that want hands-on guidance without the cumbersome bureaucracy often found with larger auditors. You’ll always have direct access to seasoned auditors who understand your unique business environment and work to simplify the complexities of SOC 2 compliance.

2. More Than Compliance: We’re Your Strategic Partner

Securisea approaches each SOC 2 audit with a goal that goes beyond regulatory compliance. We see ourselves as your partner, helping you navigate risks and find areas for real improvement. Whether it’s identifying vulnerabilities in your systems or offering industry-tailored insights, we go the extra mile to deliver value in every phase of the audit.

3. Dedicated Support Every Step of the Way

Working with Securisea means you’re never just another client. Our firm is structured to provide high-touch, dedicated support throughout the audit process. From scoping to final reporting, we’re here to answer questions, provide clarity, and ensure you’re fully informed on every aspect of SOC 2 compliance.

4. Flexibility to Meet Your Needs

Many auditing firms offer a one-size-fits-all approach that can overlook the nuances of individual businesses. We’re small enough to adapt our processes, allowing us to fit our audit precisely to your business’s risk profile, size, and needs. This adaptability leads to audits that are thorough yet efficient—delivering results without burdening your team.

5. A Reputation Built on Trust and Transparency

Securisea takes pride in building strong client relationships based on transparency and trust. You won’t find hidden fees or surprise delays in our process. We value open communication, so you’re always clear on what to expect. Our goal is to make SOC 2 compliance an empowering experience, giving you a roadmap to build a secure, resilient organization.

6. Comprehensive Compliance Under One Roof

Securisea understands that today’s businesses often face multiple compliance requirements, from SOC 2 to FedRAMP, HIPAA, HITRUST, ISO 27001, PCI, and more. By choosing Securisea, you gain access to a partner equipped to handle all your auditing needs in one place. This unified approach streamlines your compliance process, saving time, reducing audit fatigue, and ensuring consistency across all certifications. With Securisea, you’ll benefit from a team that understands the interconnectedness of these frameworks, allowing for an integrated compliance strategy that supports both your current needs and future growth.

Choosing Securisea as your SOC 2 auditor means selecting a partner that values quality, transparency, and partnership. We’re more than auditors; we’re committed allies in your journey toward robust security and compliance. Experience the Securisea difference—where your needs, goals, and challenges are met with the perfect balance of expertise, personalization, and value.

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When undergoing a SOC 2 audit, many organizations aim for a clean report, but even the most prepared companies can encounter exceptions. A SOC 2 exception highlights areas where controls did not fully operate as intended, raising potential concerns for stakeholders. But what exactly does this mean for your business? In this post, we'll break down what a SOC 2 exception is, why it happens, and what steps you can take to address these findings to ensure your organization remains on track for compliance and security.

A SOC 2 exception doesn’t necessarily indicate a failure, but rather an area where controls didn’t function as expected during the audit period, possibly for an entirely legitimate reason. These exceptions can vary in severity, ranging from minor deviations to more significant issues that may require immediate attention. The key is understanding the nature of the exception and determining whether it poses a material risk to your organization’s security, availability, or data privacy. In many cases, exceptions are manageable and can be addressed with corrective actions, helping your organization strengthen its overall control environment.

Types of SOC 2 Exceptions

There are typically two types of SOC 2 exceptions: control deficiencies and deviations.

• Control deficiencies occur when the control was in place but didn’t operate effectively. For example, if an organization has a control for monitoring access logs but failed to review the logs during a certain period, that would be considered a control deficiency.
• Deviations happen when a control did not operate as documented. An example would be a policy stating that users must watch a security awareness training by a certain deadline, but a small number did not watch the video until a week after the deadline, perhaps because they went on vacation shortly before the final reminder was sent.

Understanding the type of exception helps your organization prioritize remediation efforts and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Why Do SOC 2 Exceptions Happen?

SOC 2 exceptions can occur for several reasons, including human error, system malfunctions, or process misalignment. In some cases, exceptions may result from a temporary breakdown in communication between departments, leading to missed compliance steps. Other times, they stem from inadequate documentation or outdated policies that no longer reflect the current operations or risks the company faces.

It’s essential to perform a root cause analysis when exceptions arise to identify the underlying issues. This allows organizations to apply targeted corrective actions rather than short-term fixes.

The Impact of SOC 2 Exceptions

The impact of a SOC 2 exception depends on its severity and relevance to the scope of the audit. For example, a minor exception might not affect the overall audit opinion and could be seen as a learning opportunity. However, more significant exceptions could lead to a qualified opinion, which might cause concerns for clients, partners, or regulators.

A qualified opinion doesn’t necessarily mean your organization is not secure, but it may indicate weaknesses in certain areas that need attention. Clients and partners might request additional information to understand the risk posed by the exception and what steps are being taken to resolve it.

How to Address SOC 2 Exceptions

If your SOC 2 report identifies exceptions, the most important thing is to respond proactively. Here are steps you can take to manage and resolve exceptions effectively:

1. Understand the exception: Work with your auditor to understand the specific nature of the exception. Is it a process failure, human error, or system issue?
2. Perform a root cause analysis: Identifying the underlying conditions that enabled and/or caused the exception is important in order to identify likely corrections.
3. Implement corrective actions: Develop a plan to remediate the exception. This could involve updating policies, improving employee training, or enhancing technical controls to ensure the issue doesn’t recur.
4. Communicate with stakeholders: Transparency is key when exceptions are identified. Inform relevant internal and external stakeholders about the nature of the exception, your remediation plan, and the expected timeline for resolution.
5. Monitor and document progress: Keep track of the remediation efforts and document each step. This not only helps with the current issue but also serves as a valuable record for future audits.

Preventing SOC 2 Exceptions

While exceptions can happen, there are proactive steps organizations can take to reduce the likelihood of encountering them in future audits:

• Regular internal audits: Conduct internal audits to catch potential issues before the SOC 2 audit. This allows you to address any gaps in controls proactively.
• Ongoing employee training: Ensure your staff is well-versed in the policies and procedures required for SOC 2 compliance. Regular training can help prevent human errors and process deviations.
• Keep policies up to date: As your organization grows or changes, your policies should evolve too. Regularly review and update your procedures to reflect your current operations and risks.

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 exceptions are a common part of the auditing process, but they don’t have to derail your compliance efforts. By understanding the nature of exceptions, implementing corrective actions, and continuously improving your controls, your organization can strengthen its security posture and maintain trust with clients and partners. Embracing these opportunities for improvement will not only help you pass future SOC 2 audits but also ensure you’re better equipped to handle the complex cybersecurity landscape.

About Securisea

Securisea provides audit support for organizations of all sizes, from startups to some of the world’s largest, most complex, and most security-minded technology companies. We are one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide CSA STAR, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, PCI DSS, FedRAMP/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA assessments all under one roof. Partnering with Securisea means you have access to experienced, senior security experts focused on delivering the solutions you need.

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Achieving and maintaining PCI Compliance is essential to online retailers that want to prove to customers that their sensitive cardholder data is secure. The most common way to do this is through the PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) A, but with the introduction of PCI DSS v4.0, new requirements have been added, specifically around Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans. 

What is PCI DSS SAQ A?

Any business that stores, processes, or transmits credit card data must demonstrate PCI compliance. To do so, companies can often complete the "PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire," but it’s important to check with your acquiring bank to confirm the appropriate SAQ for your situation.

Different types of SAQs are available, depending on how payment processing is handled. Online merchants, for example, often choose between SAQ A-EP and SAQ A. For merchants who outsource payment processing to PCI-certified third parties, SAQ A has been a simpler option because it traditionally required compliance with fewer standards—just 29 in total.

ASV Scans and PCI DSS v4.0 SAQ A

What are ASV Scans? ASV scans are designed to identify security vulnerabilities on external systems that could be exploited by attackers to compromise sensitive payment data. Previously, SAQ A did not require these scans, but with PCI DSS v4.0, this has changed. 

Now, businesses completing SAQ A must undergo vulnerability scans by an ASV at least every 90 days.

“Even if your business uses a redirect or iFrame for payments, you will still need these scans.” 

This is because cybercriminals often exploit weak spots in systems, and unpatched servers hosting your payment page could be targeted to inject malicious code or replace redirects with fraudulent checkout pages, potentially sending payment details to criminals.

This new requirement helps protect your website and your customers by identifying and addressing security issues before they can be exploited.

Why Did The PCI Council Mandate ASV Scans for SAQ A Merchants?

The PCI Council mandated ASV scans for SAQ A merchants to enhance the security of payment card data. While SAQ A merchants may not store or process cardholder data directly, their websites and systems still play a critical role in facilitating transactions. By introducing ASV scans, the PCI Council aims to close security gaps in the broader payment ecosystem, ensuring that merchants maintain secure environments even when using outsourced payment processing.

 The PCI Council has found that many data breaches occur due to: 

• Weak passwords 
• Misconfigured network devices
• Other security flaws (that can be identified through ASV scans.) 

By mandating ASV scans for SAQ A merchants, the PCI Council is taking a proactive approach to security, rather than waiting for a data breach to occur before taking action.

What are the PCI DSS v4.0 SAQ A ASV Scan Requirements?

As specialists in PCI DSS, we want to highlight the changes introduced in this version that could impact businesses using SAQ A for their compliance, especially those who have done so in the past or are planning to in the future. This article will provide an overview of the SAQ A and its new ASV scanning requirements to help you prepare for these changes when you start filling out the questionnaire.

Best Practices for PCI DSS ASV Scans

With these new requirements in place, here are some recommended best practices to help businesses meet compliance:

• Expand the scope of your ASV scans beyond just the payment page to include all relevant systems.
• Whitelist trusted iFrame sources to minimize the risk of third-party interference.
• Monitor your payment service provider’s compliance with PCI standards to ensure they’re not compromising your compliance efforts.
• Address vulnerabilities quickly, especially high-risk findings that could be exploited.
• Ensure that your ASV is PCI SSC-approved and properly trained to meet the rigorous standards required for PCI compliance.
• Document your scanning processes to streamline future scans and ensure you’re prepared for compliance audits.
• Consider scanning every 30 days instead of quarterly to catch vulnerabilities sooner.
• Test your redirects and iFrames to ensure they are secure and functioning correctly.
• Stay informed about ongoing changes in PCI DSS and leverage available tools to protect your business.

Securisea's ASV Scanning Services

Securisea is an Approved Scanning Vendor that offers PCI ASV scanning services to merchants of all sizes. Securisea specializes in helping merchants meet the requirements of the ASV scan mandate and maintain PCI compliance. Securisea's ASV scanning services include regular on-demand scans, annual scans for merchants using SAQ A, and vulnerability scanning. Securisea’s goal through this service is to protect consumers from the potential financial and logistical burdens of a data breach.

Securisea Can Help with PCI DSS v4.0

At Securisea, we understand that navigating the complexities of PCI DSS v4.0 can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from understanding new requirements like ASV scans to ensuring you meet all compliance standards with confidence. Whether you're starting your PCI journey or transitioning to the latest version, Securisea can provide the expertise and solutions you need to secure your business and protect your customers. Contact us today to get started on your path to PCI DSS v4.0 compliance and safeguard your business for the future.

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a feature of the Domain Name System (DNS) that verifies the authenticity of data in responses from authoritative DNS servers. It's a key requirement for cloud service providers (CSPs) to achieve and maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) for FedRAMP.

The DNS is essentially the phonebook of the internet, translating human-readable domain names (like securisea.com) into IP addresses that computers use to access websites. However, traditional DNS is inherently vulnerable to attacks like DNS spoofing and cache poisoning, where attackers can redirect users to malicious sites without their knowledge. DNSSEC adds a layer of cryptographic protection to DNS lookups, ensuring that the information returned by a DNS query is authentic and has not been tampered with. For organizations seeking FedRAMP compliance, implementing DNSSEC is essential to protect against these threats and maintain the integrity of their online services.

DNSSEC Requirements for FedRAMP certification

The FedRAMP Readiness Assessment Report includes the following questions in relation to your organization's DNSSEC configuration:

• Does the system’s external DNS solution support DNS Security (DNSSEC) to provide origin authentication and integrity verification assurances? This applies to the controls SC-20, SC-21, and SC-22 in the SSP." (section 4.1)
  
  
• Did the 3PAO [third-party assessment organization] verify that the external DNS server replies with valid DNSSEC responses and that the recursive server is within a FedRAMP Authorized boundary, makes DNSSEC requests for domains outside the boundary, and that DNS calls maintain DNSSEC authentication and integrity? [SC-20, SC-21]" (section 4.2)

Here's how DNSSEC helps:

Prevents DNS Spoofing and Cache Poisoning: DNSSEC adds a layer of security to the DNS by enabling the authentication of DNS responses. This prevents attackers from injecting false DNS data into the resolver's cache (cache poisoning) or redirecting traffic through DNS spoofing, which could lead to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Data Integrity Through Digital Signatures: DNSSEC ensures that the data returned by the DNS server is authentic and has not been altered in transit. It does this by using public-key cryptography to sign DNS data. When a DNS resolver receives a response, it checks the signature with the public key published in the DNS. If the signature is valid, the resolver knows the data has not been tampered with.

Enhanced Trustworthiness: For cloud service providers, ensuring the integrity of DNS data is crucial because any tampering could lead to users being redirected to malicious sites or services. DNSSEC helps maintain the trustworthiness of the DNS infrastructure by ensuring that users are directed to the correct IP addresses for cloud services.

Protection Against Downtime and Data Breaches: By securing the DNS infrastructure, DNSSEC helps cloud service providers protect against potential downtime caused by DNS attacks and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data that could result from DNS hijacking.

Support for Secure Authentication Mechanisms: DNSSEC lays the foundation for additional security mechanisms, such as DANE (DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities), which can be used to ensure secure connections to cloud services by verifying the authenticity of SSL/TLS certificates.

How Securisea Can Help with DNSSEC and FedRAMP certification

Achieving and maintaining FedRAMP compliance is no small task, and DNSSEC is just one piece of the puzzle. As cybersecurity and compliance experts, Securisea provides comprehensive services to help your organization navigate the complexities of FedRAMP, including the implementation and management of DNSSEC.

FedRAMP Advisory. Considered by many to be the most comprehensive and challenging security program in the world, many firms seeking a FedRAMP ATO chose to retain a 3PAO company to assist with building their compliance program. At Securisea, we have the experience and expertise to build out an efficient and cost effective compliance program that enhances overall security posture while de-risking the ATO application.

FedRAMP Readiness Assessment. For most cloud service providers, the FedRAMP Readiness Assessment is the fastest route to being listed in the Federal Marketplace. This engagement is especially beneficial for companies seeking an agency sponsor to obtain their first ATO and is seen by many as a requirement for unlisted services that wish to apply for a P-ATO.

FedRAMP Assessment. Undergoing a FedRAMP Assessment is the final step in achieving your Agency or Provisional Authorization to Operate (ATO). As a 3PAO, Securisea is one of a select number of firms qualified to represent your compliance program to your Agency or Joint Authorization Board contact.

Ready to tackle FedRAMP?Contact Securisea today to learn more about how we can help get the ball rolling with our FedRAMP Advisory Services.

When it comes to ensuring the security and compliance of sensitive data, particularly in industries like healthcare, achieving both SOC 2 and HITRUST certifications can offer substantial advantages. SOC 2 focuses on the Trust Services Criteria, which are essential for safeguarding customer data across any industry, while HITRUST is tailored specifically to the healthcare sector, incorporating a comprehensive set of controls based on various regulations, including HIPAA. 

Compliance with both SOC 2 and HITRUST not only shields organizations from potential data breaches but also demonstrates a strong commitment to information security and privacy, fostering trust. The combined assurance provided by these certifications can help build confidence with clients, reduce the complexity of managing multiple compliance requirements, and ultimately streamline the audit process.

Understanding SOC2

SOC 2, which stands for Service Organization Control 2, outlines standards for companies to securely manage customer data. Created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 is crucial for organizations providing SaaS (Software as a Service) and cloud services.

The framework is built around five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

• Security ensures data protection against unauthorized access.
• Availability ensures that systems are operational and accessible when needed.
• Processing Integrity ensures data processing is complete, accurate, and authorized.
• Confidentiality protects sensitive information.
• Privacy governs the collection, use, retention, and disposal of personal information according to an organization's privacy policy and applicable laws.

SOC2 has two types of audit reports:

• Type I assesses the design of internal controls at a specific point in time.
• Type II evaluates both the design and the operational effectiveness of controls over a period of time. 

Understanding HITRUST

HITRUST, which stands for Health Information Trust Alliance, is a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that is used by any organization that collects, stores, processes, or transmits sensitive data. Created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), HITRUST is used to demonstrate compliance with various industry regulations, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2. 

The HITRUST CSF is the leading security framework in the healthcare sector, with 81 percent of hospitals and 80 percent of health plans integrating it into their operations. Whether used as a foundational resource for best practices or as the core of their information protection strategies, the HITRUST CSF has become a key component for ensuring security across the industry.

There are three types of HITRUST assessments:

• e1 Assessment (Enhanced Assessment) is a one-year assessment that focuses on cybersecurity essentials and is intended for organizations with low risk profiles or limited complexity. It has 44 control requirements and is good for startups.
• i1 Assessment (Initial Assessment) is a one-year assessment that focuses on leading security practices and is intended for organizations with established information security programs. It's considered easier than the r2 assessment.
• r2 Assessment (Repeatable Assessment) is a two-year assessment that focuses on expanded practices and is risk-based. It can have up to 1,000 requirements based on an organization's risk factors, which can include general, organizational, geographic, technical, and regulatory factors. The r2 assessment is considered more work than the i1 assessment, but it can help organizations achieve a higher level of risk management maturity. 

How is HITRUST different from HIPAA?

The main difference between HITRUST and HIPAA is that HIPAA is a U.S. law that sets standards for protecting patient health information in the health industry. HITRUST is a global framework for managing security and risk, and includes a Common Security Framework (CSF) that helps organizations comply with regulations such as HIPAA. 

Benefits of SOC2 + HITRUST 

In the past, organizations requiring both SOC 2 and HITRUST certification reports had no choice but to undergo two separate assessments. This approach led to increased costs for businesses striving to comply with both the Trust Services Criteria and HITRUST CSF standards. Recognizing the inefficiency, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) collaborated with HITRUST Alliance to streamline the process. The result is the SOC 2 + HITRUST program, a unified reporting framework that allows service organizations to demonstrate compliance with both sets of requirements in a single, consolidated report.

Securisea Simplifies SOC2 + HITRUST Compliance

The complementary nature of SOC 2 + HITRUST allows for a unified approach to compliance, benefiting organizations in the healthcare sector or those working with healthcare data. Securisea’s integrated approach to security and compliance translates into real savings of both time and money for our clients, helping them reach their goal of achieving and maintaining SOC 2 and HITRUST compliance more quickly. As a trusted advisor, Securisea will work alongside you to understand your business, and help you meet your security and compliance objectives.

Securisea is one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide PCI DSS, FedRamp/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, and CSA STAR assessments all under one roof.

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Securisea has worked with Conquer on several audits over the years, starting with a SOC2 Type 1 Audit followed by a SOC2 Type 2 audit. 

Like many first time SOC clients, Conquer had several large new business prospects that were close to closing, but required a SOC 2 report as part of their due diligence. Conquer initially selected Securisea after building an internal short list of 6 security vendors they wanted to interview to see which company was the right fit. According to Ian Skebba, Chief Technology Officer at Conquer, “We were looking for that partner that would make us a priority and could help us accomplish our goals quickly, but also was cost-effective for us based on who we are as a company, and our size at the time.” Since this was Conquer’s first foray into a SOC 2 engagement, they needed a company that could do more than just execute a set of control tests but also look at the controls they had designed within their specific technical context.

(Annapolis, MD, August 5, 2024) Securisea, a leading provider of security and compliance services, announced today that they have been re-elected to serve on the PCI Security Standards Council’s Global Executive Assessor Roundtable (GEAR). 

Securisea is one of 33 organizations to join the PCI Security Standards Council’s Global Executive Assessor Roundtable in its efforts to secure payment data globally. As strategic partners, Roundtable members bring industry, geographical and technical insight to PCI SSC plans and projects on behalf of the assessor community. 

“We’re proud to have our contributions recognized and to continue our service on the GEAR Roundtable,” said Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea. “The threats to payment security continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and as a global assessor on the front lines, we appreciate the opportunity to use our experience and expertise to shape the future of PCI compliance standards.”

“We need voices from across the assessor community to help ensure we are providing the best standards and programs to support the industry in protecting against today’s modern cybercriminal”, said Gina Gobeyn, Executive Director of PCI SSC. “We’re pleased to have Securisea on the PCI SSC Global Executive Roundtable to provide critical insights and help us build on the great efforts that are already being done to increase payment security globally.”

Securisea is one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide PCI DSS, FedRamp/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, and CSA STAR  assessments all under one roof. Their integrated compliance approach allows clients to leverage existing security controls from other frameworks directly into each engagement, reducing overhead and work duplication. 

Founded in 2006, Securisea provides audit support for organizations of all sizes, from startups to some of the world’s most security-minded technology companies. Their customers rely on them to continue to evolve to meet an ever-changing security and compliance landscape, while maintaining a high level of expertise, responsiveness, and customer service to every unique engagement. 

About Securisea
Securisea is a leading provider of security and compliance services, helping companies secure their sensitive data and systems. With a personalized approach to customer service and a deep understanding of the unique needs of large enterprise companies, Securisea has built a reputation for delivering reliable, effective, and efficient security and compliance solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.securisea.com.

About the PCI Security Standards Council

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) leads a global, cross-industry effort to increase payment security by providing industry-driven, flexible, and effective data security standards and programs that help businesses detect, mitigate, and prevent cyberattacks and breaches. 

Contact Information:
Josh Daymont, CEO
sales@securisea.com
1 877-563-4230

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The primary reason an organization decides it’s necessary to start the ISO 27001 process is simple: their customers are asking for it, and refuse to do business without it. 

Having an ISO27001 certification demonstrates to your customers that your organization is committed to maintaining high standards of information security. Here are some key points it conveys:

1. Trust and Confidence: It reassures customers that their data is handled securely and is protected against breaches, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
2. Compliance: It indicates that your organization meets international standards for information security management, which can be crucial for regulatory compliance and contractual obligations.
3. Risk Management: It shows that your organization has a systematic approach to managing sensitive company and customer information, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
4. Operational Excellence: It highlights that your organization follows best practices in information security, which can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of data-related incidents.
5. Competitive Advantage: It sets your organization apart from competitors who may not have such certifications, potentially attracting more security-conscious customers.
6. Continuous Improvement: It signifies that your organization is committed to continuous improvement in information security practices, as ISO27001 requires regular reviews and updates to the security management system.

Overall, having an ISO27001 certification can enhance your organization's reputation, build customer trust, and open up new business opportunities. 

Preparing for An Internal ISO 27001 Audit

An internal ISO 27001 audit is a process that evaluates an organization’s information security management system (ISMS) against the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. This audit is conducted by internal staff with the assistance of an external auditor like Securisea to ensure compliance, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for external certification audits. 

Steps Involved in an Internal ISO 27001 Audit:

1. Planning: Define the scope, objectives, and criteria of the audit. Develop an audit plan and schedule.
2. Documentation Review: Examine the ISMS documentation to ensure it meets ISO 27001 requirements.
3. Conducting the Audit: Perform the audit through interviews, observations, and reviewing records and processes.
4. Reporting: Document the findings, including non-conformities, observations, and opportunities for improvement.
5. Corrective Actions: Implement corrective actions to address non-conformities and improve the ISMS.
6. Follow-Up: Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions and ensure ongoing compliance.

How Securisea Can Help

Navigating the intricacies of an ISO 27001 internal audit can be challenging. This is where Securisea comes in. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping organizations achieve and maintain ISO 27001 certification with ease and confidence.

Here’s how Securisea can assist:

1. Expert Guidance: Our consultants have extensive experience with ISO 27001 standards and can provide expert guidance throughout the internal audit process. From planning to execution, we ensure that every step is conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
2. Comprehensive Audit Services: Securisea offers comprehensive internal audit services tailored to your organization’s specific needs. We assess your ISMS against ISO 27001 standards, identify areas of non-conformity, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
3. Training and Education: We believe in empowering your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain ISO 27001 compliance. Securisea provides training sessions and workshops to educate staff on information security management best practices.
4. Continuous Support: Achieving ISO 27001 certification is just the beginning. Securisea offers ongoing support to help you maintain compliance and continuously improve your ISMS. Our team is always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with any challenges that arise.
5. Tailored Solutions: Every organization is unique, as are its information security needs. Securisea takes a personalized approach, tailoring our services to align with your specific requirements and business objectives.

Final Thoughts:

An ISO 27001 internal audit is a critical component of maintaining a robust and compliant information security management system. With Securisea's expert assistance, your organization can navigate the complexities of this process with confidence. Our comprehensive audit services, expert guidance, and continuous support ensure that your ISMS not only meets ISO 27001 standards but also evolves to address emerging security threats and challenges.

Ready to take the next step in securing your organization’s information assets? Contact Securisea today and let us help you achieve ISO 27001 certification and maintain the highest standards of information security.

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Systems East Inc. reached out to Securisea based on a referral from their hosting provider. Although Systems East had an exceptionally mature PCI compliance program, their existing assessor company had become disorganized as it had grown, leading to their auditors repeatedly asking for the same evidence multiple times which in turn delays completion of the entire engagement. Systems East was working with one of the largest PCI compliance advisors in the country, had gone through the entire process for PCI, submitted evidence, and were left waiting in the cold for weeks. After multiple calls, inquiries, with no reply - Systems East learned that their QSA had been pulled from the project, assigned to a much larger client where they were needed, and there was no timeline for completing their certification.

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Systems East selected Securisea as their PCI compliance partner in response to their existing hosting provider’s strong recommendation. According to Peter Rogati, “Securisea came in right away and understood our business, our past experiences, our needs, and helped us move forward.”

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According to Rogati, other firms in the past had presented a menu of a la carte services for them to choose from, and everything had a cost. There was little guidance, it was “tell us what you want and we’ll sell it to you”. With Securisea, Systems East found a partner that took the time to listen to their wants, their motivations, and then advise them on the best path forward. Securisea was able to guide Systems East through the audit process, while also keeping them from doing things they really didn’t need to do. 

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At Securisea we are often asked to combine the work of two or more of the many audits we are licensed to perform in order to reduce, if not eliminate, repeat work of preparing for and completing audit evidence collection. While we are highly effective at multitasking across a range of assurance engagements, one of the most direct ways of achieving this is the SOC2+ audit, which allows us to issue under our CPA license a combined audit or SOC 2 as well as any additional engagement type. The most common case of this by far is the SOC2+HIPAA engagement.

SOC 2 and HIPAA are two critical regulatory frameworks that provide detailed guidelines for securing and protecting customer and patient data. Compliance with both SOC 2 and HIPAA not only shields organizations from potential data breaches, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to information security and privacy, fostering trust.

Understanding SOC 2

SOC 2, which stands for Service Organization Control 2, outlines standards for companies to securely manage customer data. Created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 is crucial for organizations providing SaaS (Software as a Service) and cloud services.

The framework is built around five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

• Security ensures data protection against unauthorized access.
• Availability ensures that systems are operational and accessible when needed.
• Processing Integrity ensures data processing is complete, accurate, and authorized.
• Confidentiality protects sensitive information.
• Privacy governs the collection, use, retention, and disposal of personal information according to an organization’s privacy policy and applicable laws.

SOC 2 has two types of audit reports:

• Type I assesses the design of internal controls at a specific point in time.
• Type II evaluates both the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a period.

Understanding HIPAA

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a US federal law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient data. Enacted in 1996, its main goal is to protect the confidentiality and integrity of patient health information, also known as PHI (Protected Health Information).

HIPAA consists of several rules:

• The Privacy Rule sets standards for using and disclosing PHI.
• The Security Rule addresses electronic PHI (ePHI) and requires administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure its security.
• The Breach Notification Rule mandates reporting of any data breaches involving PHI.

Compliance with HIPAA is mandatory for covered entities (healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses) and their business associates.

Benefits of SOC 2 + HIPAA Compliance

Achieving compliance with both SOC 2 and HIPAA offers numerous benefits for healthcare organizations handling sensitive patient data.

1. Enhanced Security Controls: Adhering to both regulations ensures robust security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and associated financial and reputational damage.
2. Customer Trust: Compliance demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer data, enhancing trust with current customers and attracting new ones.
3. Complementary Frameworks: SOC 2’s Trust Services Criteria align with HIPAA’s Security Rule, making compliance efforts more efficient and effective.

Securisea Simplifies SOC 2 + HIPAA Compliance

The complementary nature of SOC 2 and HIPAA allows for a unified approach to compliance, benefiting organizations in the healthcare sector or those working with healthcare data.

Securisea’s integrated approach to security and compliance translates into real savings of both time and money for our clients, helping them reach their goal of achieving and maintaining SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance more quickly. 

As a trusted advisor, Securisea will work alongside you to understand your business, and help you meet your security and compliance objectives. 

FAQs

Does SOC 2 cover HIPAA compliance?

While SOC 2 does not specifically cover HIPAA, a SOC 2 report can include controls relevant to HIPAA, particularly in security and privacy areas. SOC 2 compliance can complement HIPAA efforts by ensuring robust security practices, but it does not replace a comprehensive HIPAA compliance assessment.

How does SOC 2 map to HIPAA?

SOC 2’s security and privacy principles align with HIPAA’s Security and Privacy Rules. For example:

• SOC 2’s Security Principle aligns with HIPAA’s administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for ePHI.
• SOC 2’s Privacy Principle can be adapted to meet HIPAA’s standards for PHI use, disclosure, and protection.

What is the difference between HITRUST and SOC 2?

HITRUST is designed for the healthcare industry, providing a framework for HIPAA compliance, while SOC 2 applies to any service provider managing customer data. HITRUST certification demonstrates compliance with healthcare-specific requirements, whereas SOC 2 ensures adherence to general data management standards.

By understanding and implementing both SOC 2 and HIPAA frameworks, organizations can significantly enhance their data security and privacy measures, ensuring comprehensive protection for sensitive information.

SimpliGov selected Securisea as their comprehensive audit partner in 2023. According to CEO David O’Connell, “We started our search looking for auditors on the FedRamp Marketplace. Securisea stood out to us as an auditor that was just the right size - they had demonstrated experience, and had been recognized since 2020; but appeared to be an agile organization  where we would get a level of responsiveness that we were looking for. 

SimpliGov first tasked Securisea with their PCI and HIPAA audits in early 2023. According to O’Connell, “the process was great, there were absolutely no issues whatsoever”. The Securisea team delivered an exceptional customer experience and SimpliGov specifically noted the speedy turnaround, frictionless communications, and general openness and candor they experienced in working with Securisea. 

Securisea is now helping SimpliGov with a FedRAMP Readiness Assessment. As one of only 43 FedRAMP approved 3PAOs, Securisea has the ability to leverage existing controls from other audits for greater efficiencies through the FedRAMP process.

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While the FedRAMP process can proportionately require more company resources for a small business, there are also advantages. With a smaller team where team members wear multiple hats, in many cases the FedRAMP accreditation process can happen faster than it does for a large corporation burdened with more layers of bureaucracy and silos.

Securisea works with businesses of all sizes, but we offer some strategic advantages when it comes to FedRAMP for small businesses and startups. We are an agile, nimble organization ready to meet you where you are, helping you create a path to FedRAMP ATO tailored specifically to your organization and your cloud-based offering. 

Securisea’s Offerings for Achieving FedRAMP ATO as a FedRamp-Authorized 3PAO

1. FedRAMP Advisory & Consulting. Our team provides guidance on business strategy and methodologies, system design, remediation efforts, and documentation of the environment and security control implementations. Additionally, Securisea is capable of developing a system security plan (SSP), crafting policies and procedures, and creating other essential system documentation.
2. FedRAMP Readiness Assessment. Your 3PAO performs the necessary readiness capabilities assessment to evaluate your cloud's preparedness for the complete FedRAMP assessment. 
3. Pre-Assessment. Securisea conducts a brief "gap" analysis or review of your existing cloud system documentation. The result is a high-level roadmap outlining the next steps along with the estimated levels of effort required for completion.
4. Assessment. Your 3PAO prepares the necessary FedRAMP documentation, which includes:some text
   1. A Security Assessment Plan (SAP) that utilizes the SSP and inventory gathered in the third step.
   2. A Security Requirements Traceability Matrix (SRTM) to record assessment results.
   3. Vulnerability scans of operating systems, databases, and web applications.
   4. A Penetration Test Report.
   5. A Security Assessment Report (SAR).
   6. A recommendation for authorization.
5. Continuous Monitoring. Monthly, quarterly, and annual continuous monitoring is required to achieve and maintain the ATO.

For small businesses, achieving FedRAMP certification opens up a vast opportunity to enter and compete in the federal marketplace, unlocking new revenue streams and establishing long-term partnerships with federal agencies. The certification not only signifies a commitment to stringent security standards but also provides a competitive edge, positioning small businesses for growth and success in the lucrative federal sector.

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The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) has updated its baselines to Revision 5 (Rev. 5), aligning with NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5. This update introduces new controls, especially in Supply Chain Risk Management and privacy, heightening the alignment between FedRAMP and NIST standards.

Key Updates

Privacy Enhancements: There are updated privacy requirements across multiple control families, such as role-based privacy training (AT-3), privacy impact analysis for configuration changes (CM-3 and CM-4), and system backup requirements for privacy-related documentation (CP-9). Systems processing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) now need to provide results of privacy risk assessments 

New Control Families: A notable addition is the Supply Chain Risk Management (SR) control family, which addresses risks related to third-party services, products, and supply chains comprehensively. There are also new controls like annual training on social engineering and social mining (AT-2(3)) and public disclosure programs for vulnerabilities (RA-5(11))​ 

Red Team Exercises: For Moderate and High systems, an annual Red Team exercise is now required in addition to traditional penetration testing. This aims to provide a more in-depth cybersecurity assessment​.

Password Requirements: Rev. 5 updates password requirements by eliminating specific elements related to password changes, such as minimum age and reuse restrictions. It mandates maintaining lists of common or compromised passwords and implementing password strength meters​.

Encryption and Configuration Settings: New mandates require the encryption of all data-at-rest and data-in-transit using FIPS-validated or NSA-approved cryptography (SC-8, SC-13, SC-28). Configuration settings now require adherence to DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), or CIS Level 2 benchmarks if no STIG exists​.

Continuous Monitoring: Enhanced continuous monitoring requirements include joint monthly meetings for CSOs authorized via the Agency path with more than one agency ATO​.

Transition Guidance: The transition plan for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) depends on their current phase. For those in the planning phase, it involves implementing and testing the Rev. 5 baseline and using updated templates. CSPs already in the initiation or continuous monitoring phases need to identify and address the differences between their current implementation and Rev. 5 requirements​

Affected Parties

All Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) seeking FedRAMP compliance must transition to Rev. 5, impacting those in various authorization phases: planning, initiation, or continuous monitoring.

Transition Timelines

• Planning Phase: For CSPs new to FedRAMP or in the readiness review process.
• Initiation Phase: For CSPs already undergoing assessments or preparing for them.
• Continuous Monitoring Phase: For CSPs with current FedRAMP authorization.

Each phase has specific deadlines to meet the Rev. 5 requirements.

Steps for Transition

1. Develop a Schedule: Include major milestones and activities for transitioning.
2. Update Documentation: Use new templates provided by FedRAMP.
3. Determine Scope of Assessment: Identify specific controls needing assessment.
4. Complete Security Assessment: Follow updated processes for testing controls.
5. Submit Required Reports: Prepare and submit the Security Assessment Plan (SAP) and Security Assessment Report (SAR).

How Securisea Can Help

As an approved FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), Securisea is equipped to guide CSPs through the transition. We offer expertise in developing schedules, updating documentation, and performing security assessments to ensure compliance with the new Rev. 5 standards.

By leveraging our experience and thorough understanding of the FedRAMP requirements, Securisea helps streamline the transition process, ensuring CSPs meet their compliance goals efficiently.

For further guidance on transitioning to FedRAMP Rev. 5, please visit FedRAMP Rev. 5 Transition Guide.

Ensuring PCI DSS 4.0 compliance is crucial for organizations handling cardholder data. This latest update not only protects against cyber threats and security breaches but also aligns with the rapidly evolving payment industry and its technologies. By adopting PCI DSS 4.0, organizations can promote security as a continuous, proactive process, staying ahead in a constantly changing digital landscape.

With the rollout of PCI DSS v4.0, understanding and preparing for the changes is essential to avoid compliance delays. Here’s what you need to know about transitioning to PCI DSS 4.0:

Key Dates:

March 31, 2024: Old reporting templates are obsolete.

March 31, 2025: Future-dated requirements must be met.

Preparation Tips:

• Engage Early: Consult a qualified security assessor (QSA) now.
• Use Readiness Assessments: Gauge your preparedness.
• Be Efficient: Leverage compliance reporting from other standards

Understanding the Changes:

• PCI DSS 4.0 increases complexity, requiring detailed documentation.
• Costs may rise due to enhanced requirements and third-party vendor fees.

Planning Tips:

• Self-Assessment: Conduct a self-assessment or readiness assessment.
• Filing Date: Consider moving your filing date to avoid deadline rush.
• Compliance Essentials: Automate evidence collection and compliance management.

Key Takeaways:

Early planning and preparation are vital to manage costs, reduce frustration, and ensure compliance with PCI DSS 4.0. Talk with a Securisea Expert to ensure your compliance with PCI DSS 4.0 standards.

Why Securisea?

Securisea is one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide CSA STAR, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, PCI DSS, FedRAMP/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA assessments all under one roof. Their integrated compliance approach allows clients to leverage existing security controls from other frameworks directly into each engagement, reducing overhead and work duplication. 

• Broadly certified and trusted by clients
• 18+ years of successful engagements 
• Remote presence across the US & Canada
• Capable and experienced technical team
• Strive toward client satisfaction
• Engagement process structured toward maximum simplicity
• Flexibility with existing systems, tools, and with scheduling
• Awarded a seat as a GEAR Advisor by PCI Council

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On March 11, 2024 the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), released the final version of its common Secure Software Development Attestation Form. 

If your organization sells software to the US government, this release has some extremely important implications. 

The form is being used by Government agencies to fulfill requirements set forth in recent OMB memorandum requiring those agencies to ensure that the software they use is secure by requiring attestations from software developers. 

“Failure to provide any of the information requested may result in the agency no longer utilizing the software at issue. Willfully providing false or misleading information may constitute a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, a criminal statute.” - CISA

The release of the final Secure Software Development Attestation Form triggered a countdown wherein agencies need to begin collection of the forms within three months for “critical software” and within six months for all other software.

• “Critical Software” Deadline - June 11, 2024
• All other Software Deadline - September 11, 2024

Reference: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/M-23-16-Update-to-M-22-18-Enhancing-Software-Security-1.pdf

The self-attestation form states that “A third-party assessment must be performed by a Third Party Assessor Organization (3PAO) that has either been FedRAMP certified or approved in writing by an appropriate agency official. The 3PAO must use relevant NIST Guidance that includes all elements outlined in this form as part of the assessment baseline.

Securisea is a FedRAMP 3PAO (Third Party Assessment Organization) with 18+ years’ experience helping organizations certify their ability to meet stringent security standards. In May 2020, A2LA accredited Securisea as the first FedRAMP 3PAO to be certified through a new process that requires organizations to first become accredited by A2LA's Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program, demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity program requirements for a year, and then transitioning to the FedRAMP program. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Has Securisea conducted any CISA Secure Software Development Attestation assessments? Can Securisea evaluate conformance to all elements in this form? Yes - we have conducted CISA Secure Software Development Attestation assessments for other organizations. 
2. As a 3PAO, is Securisea able to use relevant NIST Guidance that includes all elements outlined in this form as the assessment baseline? Yes - we are able to use relevant NIST Guidance in completing this form. 
3. What is Securisea’s process for conducting the assessment? Our process involves interviewing an organization’s software engineers and reviewing the output of their various procedures that address each of the attestation form's requirements.
4. Approximately how long does each attestation take? The overall timeline will depend on how organized and responsive your organization can be throughout the process, but on average can be completed in just a few months.

Why Securisea?

Securisea is one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide CSA STAR, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, PCI DSS, FedRAMP/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA assessments all under one roof. Their integrated compliance approach allows clients to leverage existing security controls from other frameworks directly into each engagement, reducing overhead and work duplication. 

• Broadly certified and trusted by clients
• 18+ years of successful engagements 
• Remote presence across the US & Canada
• Capable and experienced technical team
• Strive toward client satisfaction
• Engagement process structured toward maximum simplicity
• Flexibility with existing systems, tools, and with scheduling
• Awarded a seat as a GEAR Advisor by PCI Council

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Altair selected Securisea in 2023 to support its ISO/IEC 27001:2022 initial certification audit. Previously, Altair achieved various other compliance certifications, but this was its first foray into ISO 27001. As a global technology company, Altair takes information security seriously and sought achieving ISO 27001 certification to follow the latest global information security frameworks. Additionally, for Altair’s enterprise-level customers, having ISMS certification is becoming more important. In a world where the security boundaries between client and vendor are blurring, an ISMS demonstrates Altair's commitment to information security.
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Altair told our team that they had seen many different platform options for assisting with ISO 27001 certification, but they wanted experienced, talented people working on their audit - not just a software platform. They shared that they were looking for collaborative auditors who would both give them a “fair crack of the whip” to drive good business behaviors, but at the same time provide the guidance and feedback they needed to ultimately achieve certification at the end of the process. 
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Our team at Securisea thoroughly enjoyed working with Altair. The audit process presented some real logistical and language challenges, which we were able to accommodate with ease. Altair has over 3,000 engineers, scientists and other team members spread across 29 countries. They have experienced, tenured professionals that were prepared, and able to quickly tackle any roadblocks that we discovered along the way. Securisea has personnel on the ground globally, which allows us to quickly adapt to country-specific needs and requests, while remaining agile and moving the certification process forward in a timely manner. 
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Despite their rapid growth, many acquisitions, and large global footprint, Altair has a tremendous open and collaborative culture, with some very security-minded controls in place that made this team a pleasure to work with, and we can’t wait to tackle our next project together. 

Firm offers SOC2, ISO + CSA STAR Audits

(Annapolis, MD, May 28, 2024) Securisea, a leading provider of security and compliance services, announced today that they have achieved CSA STAR Attestation (Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk) Auditor Listing from the Cloud Security Alliance. STAR encompasses the key principles of transparency, rigorous auditing, and harmonization of standards outlined in the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM). Publishing to the registry allows organizations to show current and potential customers their security and compliance posture, including the regulations, standards, and frameworks they adhere to.

Securisea is one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide CSA STAR, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, PCI DSS, FedRAMP/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA assessments all under one roof. Their integrated compliance approach allows clients to leverage existing security controls from other frameworks directly into each engagement, reducing overhead and work duplication. 

Founded in 2006, Securisea provides audit support for organizations of all sizes, from startups to some of the world’s most security-minded technology companies. Their customers rely on them to continue to evolve to meet an ever-changing security and compliance landscape, while maintaining a high level of expertise, responsiveness, and customer service to every unique engagement. 

“We are thrilled to be able to add STAR Attest Audit services to our expanding portfolio of security and compliance offerings,” said Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea.

“Our clients choose us again and again because of the efficiencies they can achieve with multiple assessments through a single auditor. Expanding our offerings to include STAR Attestation Audits, in combination with our strong team of experts, will fuel our growth in the years ahead.”

About Securisea 

Securisea is a leading provider of security and compliance services, helping companies secure their sensitive data and systems. With a personalized approach to customer service and a deep understanding of the unique needs of large enterprise companies, Securisea has built a reputation for delivering reliable, effective, and efficient security and compliance solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.securisea.com.

Contact Information:
Josh Daymont, CEO
sales@securisea.com
1 877-563-4230

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 25, 2023 -- Securisea, a leading provider of security and compliance services, is proud to announce that it has become an approved HITRUST External Assessor. As a HITRUST External Assessor service provider, Securisea can now offer its clients a more comprehensive range of security and compliance services, including assessment and audit services associated with the HITRUST Assurance Program and the HITRUST CSF comprehensive security framework.

"We are extremely proud to have become an authorized HITRUST External Assessor," - Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea.

Founded in 2006, Securisea has a wealth of experience in helping companies secure their sensitive data and systems. With a personalized approach to customer service and a deep understanding of the unique needs of large enterprise companies, Securisea has built a reputation for delivering reliable, effective, and efficient security and compliance solutions.

The HITRUST authorization demonstrates Securisea's commitment to providing its clients with the highest security and compliance standards. HITRUST is a leading healthcare information security framework and one of the industry's most widely recognized and respected security standards. The authorization ensures that Securisea has the knowledge, experience, and resources to help its clients meet the complex security and compliance requirements of the healthcare sector.

"We are extremely proud to have become an authorized HITRUST External Assessor," said Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea.

"This is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication, and we believe that it will help us better serve our clients and meet their evolving security and compliance needs."

Adding HITRUST authorization to Securisea's portfolio of services enhances their team's ability to help security and technology executives at large enterprise companies ensure that their sensitive data is protected. With its commitment to providing personalized, high-quality security and compliance services, Securisea is well-positioned to help its clients navigate the rapidly changing security and compliance landscape.

About Securisea

Securisea is a leading provider of security and compliance services, helping companies secure their sensitive data and systems. With a personalized approach to customer service and a deep understanding of the unique needs of large enterprise companies, Securisea has built a reputation for delivering reliable, effective, and efficient security and compliance solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.securisea.com
Josh Daymont, Securisea, http://www.securisea.com,
1 877-563-4230, sales@securisea.com

In June of 2018, A2LA initiated a new system for third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) seeking to become FedRAMP accredited. Under this system, any organization seeking to become an accredited 3PAO must first become accredited to A2LA’s Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program. Organizations accredited to this program will spend approximately one year demonstrating their adherence to the requirements of the cybersecurity program before opting to transition to the FedRAMP program. This two-step process serves to first establish a level of more generalized technical competence in the cybersecurity field before organizations are considered for the more specialized FedRAMP program. We are pleased to announce that San Francisco-based information security company Securisea is the first company to achieve FedRAMP accreditation through this newly implemented A2LA process. 

Securisea is an information security company that provides a diverse array of consulting and training services. They gained their initial accreditation under the cybersecurity program in July of 2019, and thanks to promptness and diligence on their part they achieved FedRAMP 3PAO accreditation just under a year later. Securisea made the decision to pursue accreditation to A2LA’s cybersecurity program shortly after it was launched in 2018, and many other organizations have now also achieved accreditation. Several companies not seeking to become 3PAOs are also now accredited through the cybersecurity program, as it provides confirmation from an independent third party that the organization is competent and compliant, which serves as a valuable competitive advantage in their field. 

For those organizations like Securisea who are pursuing FedRAMP 3PAO accreditation, the newer two-phase approach streamlines and clarifies their overall process, in addition to supporting the stringent FedRAMP requirements. Accreditation to A2LA’s Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program establishes an organization’s competence in the cybersecurity field based on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020, the international standard for inspection bodies, as well as the relevant program specific requirements. Maintaining this accreditation involves continuous monitoring that supports an organization’s readiness to move forward with the more stringent FedRAMP accreditation requirements. 

For more information about Securisea and the services they provide, please visit securisea.com. To learn about A2LA’s Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program and the FedRAMP 3PAO Accreditation Program, visit A2LA.org or contact us directly through our online contact form.

Exploring the intersection of nationwide engineering services and rigorous cybersecurity compliance

Today we’re talking to Anuj Srivastava, Principal/Partner at NY Engineers, a leading mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), fire protection, and BIM design firm that is licensed to serve across the entire United States. In this interview, Anuj explains how strategic engineering practices — including NY Engineers’ hallmark position as an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states — can be viewed alongside the mission and service model of Securisea, a cybersecurity and compliance assessment leader.

Q1: Anuj, for readers who aren’t familiar with your firm, what does it mean that NY Engineers is an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states?

Anuj: Being an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states means we hold the professional engineering authorizations required to legally submit and stamp engineering designs everywhere in the U.S. — from Florida to California, New York to Washington. That nationwide licensing is rare in our industry, and it allows us to serve clients with multi-state portfolios without needing to partner with local consultants everywhere. It simplifies compliance with regional codes, accelerates permitting, and ensures consistent design quality no matter where a project is located.

Q2: That nationwide capability sounds a bit like what Securisea does — working across frameworks and standards to help companies get compliant. How do you see the connection?

Anuj: That’s a great comparison. Securisea specializes in cybersecurity compliance and assessments — helping organizations achieve SOC, FedRAMP, HITRUST, and PCI DSS certifications with confidence. They essentially act as a trusted partner that understands complex regulatory environments and streamlines compliance readiness across multiple frameworks. 

In engineering, the “regulatory environment” we deal with is local building codes and permitting requirements. Being an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states means we understand the engineering standards, review processes, and compliance expectations from coast to coast — and can guide clients through them efficiently. In both cases, whether it’s technical compliance in cybersecurity or building systems design, the fundamental value is helping clients navigate complicated requirements with fewer hurdles.

Q3: Both NY Engineers and Securisea focus on rigorous standards. How does nationwide engineering licensing translate into better outcomes for clients?

Anuj: When a firm is licensed widely — like NY Engineers — clients benefit in several ways. For projects that span multiple states or regions, a single engineering partner ensures design consistency and avoids the inefficiencies of switching consultants between jurisdictions. There’s no need to reinvent the approach or chase different approvals for each location.

Similarly, Securisea helps companies prepare for and achieve critical compliance certifications across frameworks — whether SOC 2, FedRAMP, or HITRUST. That’s about creating repeatable, trusted processes that hold up under audit. Both models emphasize systematized excellence and reduced risk for clients. 

Q4: Securisea’s work also involves preparing companies for stringent reviews and assessments. Does NY Engineers face anything similar in construction engineering?

Anuj: Definitely. Every building project must meet strict safety and performance standards — from HVAC sizing and fire protection to electrical load calculations and plumbing design. Being an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states means we design systems that comply with regional codes and engineering best practices, reducing the likelihood of revisions or failed inspections. That’s similar to what Securisea does when it helps organizations prepare for a SOC 2 audit — reduce surprises, fix gaps early, and go through formal review confidently.

Q5: What can companies in different sectors learn from each other about compliance and delivering reliable technical services?

Anuj: Whether you’re designing building systems or preparing for a cybersecurity assessment, compliance shouldn’t be an afterthought — it’s integral to the value you provide. Firms like Securisea demonstrate the importance of structured readiness processes, clear communication, and technical expertise across frameworks. We see the same principles in engineering: rigorous documentation, adherence to state-by-state codes, and proactive coordination with permitting authorities.

Being an MEP firm licensed in all 50 states means we apply that discipline to every project, which ultimately helps clients save time and avoid costly changes. It’s a model that underscores reliability — and that’s relevant whether you’re aiming for a FedRAMP authorization or a smooth construction approval. 

Q6: Any final advice for businesses managing technical compliance challenges today?

Anuj: Build your compliance strategy early and partner with experts who understand the landscape — whether it’s information security standards or building codes. With Securisea, that might mean engaging them early in your SOC 2 prep. With NY Engineers, it means bringing us in before schematic design to ensure your MEP systems are engineered right and permitted efficiently. In both cases, you’re investing in credibility, predictability, and smoother execution.