Data Security and Confidentiality: Figures HR manages a substantial volume of sensitive employee data, encompassing salary details, personal information, and performance evaluations. Ensuring the protection of this confidential data from unauthorized access or breaches is of paramount importance. CertPro recommended that achieving ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 compliance would serve as validation of their commitment to safeguarding this sensitive information.

Client Trust and Credibility: Figures HR caters to mid-market companies and enterprises that entrust them with their compensation management processes. These clients require assurance that their data will be handled with the highest levels of care and security. ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 compliance not only align with industry best practices but also provide external validation of security and confidentiality measures. This, in turn, fosters confidence and trust among their clients.

Competitive Advantage: In a competitive business landscape, adherence to internationally recognized standards such as ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 can be a powerful differentiator. CertPro highlighted the compliance journey as an opportunity for Figures HR to gain a competitive edge by showcasing their unwavering commitment to data security and confidentiality.

Risk Mitigation: Proactively addressing security and compliance requirements is crucial for Figures HR to reduce the risk of data breaches, regulatory penalties, and damage to their reputation. CertPro emphasized that compliance would not only bolster their security posture but also minimize potential vulnerabilities, ultimately safeguarding their business interests.

Guidance by CertPro

CertPro had a variety of roles in the Figures HR project. Figures HR used a compliance automation tool, and CertPro provided crucial guidance and assistance to successfully develop and implement the necessary documents and controls for ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 1 compliance.

CertPro’s guidance encompassed the following key aspects:

Choosing the Right Compliance Frameworks

CertPro assisted Figures HR in choosing ISO 27001:2022 for compliance, and the implementation was straightforward. CertPro recommended including the security, confidentiality, and availability (TSC) tenets as part of SOC 2 Type 1 compliance. The particular requirements of Figure HR’s business operations and the sensitive nature of the data they handled served as the foundation for this choice.

CertPro’s guidance in selecting the Three Trust Services Criteria (TSC) principles—security, confidentiality, and availability—for Figures HR was instrumental. CertPro recommended these principles based on HR’s business operations and data handling. Security was advised to protect sensitive employee data, while confidentiality aligned with client trust requirements, given Figures HR’s clientele. Availability was suggested to gain a competitive edge through compliance and ensure the consistent accessibility of compensation management systems. CertPro’s expertise ensured that these principles were tailored to Figure HR’s specific needs, making them a vital part of their compliance strategy.

Document Development

CertPro played a pivotal role in assisting Figures HR with the selection and creation of essential documents, policies, and procedures using the compliance automation tool. This teamwork led to the creation of a strong set of materials covering information security policies, data handling procedures, incident response plans, and access control policies. These documents were meticulously customized to perfectly align with the stringent requirements of both ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 1, ensuring that Figures HR was well-prepared to meet compliance standards.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

The CertPro Team supported Figures HR in the meticulous identification of potential security risks that could threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and systems. This encompassed a thorough examination of the various facets of their operations, including data handling, access control, incident response, and more.

Further, CertPro aided Figures HR in crafting robust risk mitigation strategies tailored to their specific needs and compliance objectives. These strategies involved implementing appropriate security controls, policies, and procedures aimed at reducing the identified risks to an acceptable level. CertPro’s expertise made sure these strategies perfectly met the standards of ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 compliance. This helped Figures HR improve their overall security and reduce potential vulnerabilities.

Audit Preparation

CertPro played a crucial role in aiding Figures HR in their audit preparation efforts and guided them to carry out an internal audit. The consultants at CertPro, along with the Chief Information Security Officer, collaborated to develop a comprehensive audit plan and internal audit checklist that served as the foundation for a successful internal audit process.

This internal audit plan, meticulously crafted with CertPro’s expertise, encompassed a detailed roadmap outlining the key steps and procedures to be followed during the internal audit. It delineated the responsibilities of key personnel within Figures HR, ensuring that everyone was well-prepared to fulfill their roles effectively.

CertPro helped Figures HR with ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 1 audits, ensuring a systematic and industry-standard approach to compliance.

Audit

After Figures HR finished getting ready, which involved developing documents, implementing controls, managing risks, and conducting internal audits, the next step was to undergo audits for ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 1. These audits were essential steps to assess and validate their compliance efforts.

ISO 27001:2022 Audit

The senior auditor leading CertPro’s audit team thoroughly evaluated the controls and processes in place to protect information security.

Key activities during the ISO 27001:2022 audit included:

• Review of Figures HR’s ISMS documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluation of access control measures, encryption protocols, and incident response procedures.
• Examination of Figures HR’s risk assessment and mitigation efforts.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of security controls.

SOC 2 Type 1 Audit

Our in-house CPA, who leads CertPro’s Audit team, checked how well Figure HR’s controls and processes work for security, availability, and confidentiality in the SOC 2 Type 1 audit. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) established the SOC 2 framework that aligns with this assessment.

Key activities during the SOC 2 Type 1 audit included:

• Review of Figures HR’s policies, procedures, and control activities.
• Evaluation of access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel had access to systems and data.
• Examination of the physical security measures in place to protect data centers and facilities.
• Assessment of incident response and monitoring processes.
• Validation of Figures HR’s commitment to confidentiality and privacy.

ISO 27001:2022 Certification

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) recognized an accredited certification body that awarded Figures HR the ISO 27001:2022 certification after the audit was successfully passed. CertPro, through their assessment, confirmed that Figures HR’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) was fully compliant with the ISO 27001:2022 standard. This certification stands as a strong attestation to Figures HR’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and effectively managing security risks.

SOC 2 Type 1 Certification

Upon the conclusion of the SOC 2 Type 1 audit, Figures HR received a formal SOC 2 Type 1 report with the official attestation of the CPA. This attestation serves as a validation of Figures HR’s steadfast commitment to upholding the stringent standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for SOC 2 compliance. It reinforces Figures HR’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding data security, availability, and confidentiality, further enhancing their credibility and trustworthiness in the view of their clients and stakeholders.

One of the most valuable resources for companies looking to optimize their audit process is CertPro’s proficiency with compliance automation technologies. Proficient use of these tech tools ensures precise and efficient compliance operations, as illustrated in Figure HR. In conclusion, CertPro’s expertise with compliance automation systems makes compliance easier for companies. CertPro is a significant partner in the compliance space because of its adaptability and ability to work with compliance automation solutions to improve security measures, optimize operations, and guarantee a smoother, more efficient audit process.