We recommend doing an annual SOC audit to demonstrate ongoing security and risk management practices. Most businesses, especially those handling financial transactions, sensitive customer data, or third-party services, require yearly SOC 1 or SOC 2 reports to satisfy regulatory and contractual obligations.

An annual audit makes sure that security controls remain effective, up-to-date, and aligned with evolving compliance standards. However, businesses experiencing significant operational changes—such as new system implementations, acquisitions, or expanded service offerings—may need interim audits or additional assessments to validate security effectiveness.

Additionally, organizations must also maintain continuous monitoring and internal reviews throughout the year to prepare for the next audit cycle. Proactively addressing gaps and control deficiencies between audits helps reduce risk, improve efficiency, and achieve a smoother certification process.

ISO 27001 certification is a structured, multi-phase process that makes sure your information security management systems (ISMS) meet globally recognized standards. Here’s what the process entails:

Create a project plan: Appoint a team to oversee the certification process, secure leadership buy-in, and determine if an ISO 27001 consultant is needed for guidance.

Know the scope: Identify which business functions, departments, and data systems will be covered. Some companies certify their entire organization, while others focus on specific services or platforms that customers expect to be ISO 27001 compliant.

Perform risk assessment and gap analysis: Evaluate security risks across people, processes, and technology. Note the gaps in compliance with ISO 27001 controls, then develop a remediation plan to address vulnerabilities.

Implement policies and controls: Develop an ISO 27001 Statement of Applicability (SoA) detailing which security controls apply to your business. Establish a risk treatment plan to manage identified threats.

Train employees on information security: ISO 27001 requires all employees to understand their role in security compliance, enabling company-wide awareness and adherence to best practices.

Document and collect evidence: Gather documentation proving your security policies and controls are implemented. Compliance automation tools can streamline this process.

Undergo the ISO 27001 certification audit: An accredited third-party auditor conducts a two-stage audit:

• Stage 1: Review ISMS documentation to make sure all policies and procedures align with ISO 27001 requirements.
• Stage 2: Evaluate operational security controls and implementation.

Maintain continuous compliance: ISO 27001 certification is valid for three years, but organizations must conduct annual internal audits and continuous monitoring to remain compliant. As security threats evolve, companies must update their risk assessments, policies, and controls.

Navigating multiple compliance frameworks—such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, PCI DSS, and NIST—can be complex and resource-intensive, especially for organizations operating in heavily regulated industries.

Aprio simplifies this process with the “Measure Once, Report Many” approach. Businesses can map security controls across multiple frameworks and reduce redundancies. Our specialists conduct comprehensive gap analyses and readiness assessments, identifying overlapping requirements so organizations can implement efficient, scalable security programs that meet multiple standards simultaneously.

Aprio helps businesses maintain continuous compliance through automated monitoring, risk assessments, and tailored security controls that align with diverse regulatory requirements. By leveraging our experience and integrated approach, businesses can strengthen security and meet evolving regulatory demands while saving time and resources.

Industries that handle sensitive data, financial transactions, or regulated information benefit the most as they must meet stringent security, compliance, and risk management requirements. Healthcare, financial services, technology, government contracting, and e-commerce are among the sectors that rely heavily on robust cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory compliance, and third-party risk management to safeguard their operations.

Any industry dealing with critical infrastructure, intellectual property, or regulated information can significantly benefit from proactive information assurance strategies to mitigate cyber risks, achieve compliance, and maintain customer trust.