Data security and confidentiality are non-negotiable for enterprise SEOs who handle vast amounts of sensitive information – from proprietary business data to customer insights. A single breach can lead to significant financial losses, legal issues, and a tarnished reputation. So, how can you be sure your SEO platform takes security seriously? Look to see that they've successfully completed a SOC 2 audit—a clear signal that they’re committed to keeping your data safe.

In this article, we’ll dive into what a SOC 2 report is and why it’s a must-have for any SEO platform you trust with your data.

Recommended Reading: seoClarity Strengthens Security Leadership with Successful SOC 2 Certification

What Is A SOC 2 Report?

A SOC 2 report is all about ensuring that an organization is handling and accessing data securely.

It’s not just a technical cybersecurity evaluation of specific technical configurations – it’s a comprehensive assessment of how a company manages and implements controls to address potential risks across its operations.

The assessment's scope goes beyond just financially impactful systems, covering all systems and tools that support the organization’s operations and services.

To successfully pass a SOC 2 examination and earn a letter of attestation, a company must demonstrate robust controls in critical areas like information security, access control, vendor management, system backup, business continuity, disaster relief, and more.

What Are the Trust Services Criteria?

The SOC 2 audit framework is based on the Trust Services Criteria (TSC), which highlight key areas of risk that organizations need to manage.

There are five Trust Services Criteria:

1. Security: Known as the "Common Criteria," this is a mandatory component of every SOC 2 report and focuses on safeguarding data.
2. Availability: Ensures that systems are reliable and accessible when needed.
3. Processing Integrity: Verifies that data processing is accurate, complete, and timely.
4. Confidentiality: Protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.
5. Privacy: Governs the proper handling of personal information.

The first criterion, “Security,” is known as the “Common Criteria” and must be included in every SOC 2 report. The remaining four are optional.

Organizations choose which TSCs to include in their audit. Based on these selections, a third-party audit firm (like A-LIGN in our case) assesses whether the company has the right policies, procedures, and controls to effectively manage the identified risks.

Who Can Get a SOC 2 Examination?

A SOC 2 Examination can be performed for any organization that provides a variety of services to its customers, no matter the size or industry.

In addition to putting the minds of clients at ease by demonstrating rigorous IT security standards, successfully completing a SOC 2 assessment also leads to enhanced information security protocols and ensures employees understand best practices.

Know Your Data Is Safe and Secure With seoClarity

At seoClarity, the effective design and operation of our security controls have been independently audited for compliance with the SOC 2 Type 2 standard.

We’re happy to provide the seoClarity SOC 2 report to current or potential customers upon signing a non-disclosure agreement. We hope these measures give you and your IT team confidence that your data is safe with seoClarity.