As the technology industry continues to expand, the demand for advanced information security in organisations increases. Despite the development of security measures in applications and systems, some of them are still not completely protected against security breaches. For companies to maintain the privacy and security of their data, it is important to constantly monitor the storage of their data. 

Audits are an effective way for organisations to monitor, stay informed and ensure compliance with their systems. When evaluating their infrastructure (servers, desktops, laptops, network, etc.), organisations must pay close attention to compliance with the latest regulations. Maintaining a SOC 2 Type 2 report is a simple and reliable way to achieve this.  

 A SOC 2 Type 2 report includes a comprehensive analysis and in-depth investigation of the company’s security position, including a report on its vulnerabilities and threats, as well as recommendations to improve the systems that need it. As a result, businesses can obtain a SOC 2 certificate, which shows that their systems work most efficiently by keeping data correctly and securely.

Using configuration management tools

Configuration management tools (also known as CM tools) help companies effectively monitor and configure their technical infrastructure. These tools keep companies ready for future changes, which allows planning and allocation of resources for information security development.  

CM tools are essential for maintaining business continuity while ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal operational efficiency. The main advantage of CM tools is that they automate the processes of deploying, configuring and maintaining IT systems, reducing the effort of employees so that they can focus their time on other projects.

Cloudhouse offers an automated auditing tool called Guardian which effectively manages configuration drift. Essentially, it provides visibility to an organisation’s infrastructure and monitors for any upcoming changes. Through continual monitoring, it also spots potential threats and fixes them before they become exploited. 

The risk of cyber-attacks 

Cyber-attacks and security breaches are increasingly affecting organisations of all sizes, making customer security a top priority. According to the 2022 Cybersecurity Breach Survey, nearly a third (31%) of reported attacks targeted businesses at least once a week. As a result, companies are increasing their cybersecurity efforts.

As mentioned earlier, one way to minimise the risks of security breaches is to follow a SOC 2 approach – this certification gives organisations (and their customers) the assurance that the necessary security protocols are in place to protect sensitive data. Certification is becoming increasingly important for businesses in the digital age as customers become more aware of the risks associated with sharing their personal information online.

The benefits of SOC 2 compliance include reduced vulnerability to cyber attacks, secure infrastructures and a proven commitment to the security of the business and its customers. While achieving SOC 2 compliance can be difficult and time-consuming, it is essential for companies committed to protecting customer data and their own reputation.

Future-proof your technological infrastructure

Managing configuration changes over time reduces the possibility of unwanted changes to a company’s technological infrastructure and prevents the entry of unwanted hackers. With an ever-growing list of devices, managing software and enterprise-specific protocols can be a complex and time-consuming task, not to mention ensuring compliance with industry standards.

By proactively devoting time to configuration management, organisations can avoid drift and build a strong foundation for their infrastructure. When configuration changes are properly managed, companies can prepare for unexpected changes, which in turn allows them to future-proof their technological environments.

SOC 2 Type 2 reports are generated over a period of time rather than a one-off check, therefore monitoring potential configuration drift over time and proving that controls are followed routinely and used effectively making the estate more reliable and secure. 

While compliance with rules and regulations is one of the most important reasons to keep software and the entire company’s IT base current, there are many other reasons to keep up to date (such as application/system usability and speed). By putting protocols in place before problems arise, organisations take proactive steps to protect themselves and their customers while enabling their employees to be more streamlined and efficient. Compliance testing doesn’t have to be complicated and cumbersome, but if done routinely and with the right tools, it should feel like a simple routine. This is where Guardian can help.

To find out how Cloudhouse can help you, get in touch today.