IT Audit & Compliance Blog

The Linford & Company Blog is written by our very own auditors, who are experts in IT audits, information security, and compliance topics. Their auditing experience encompasses a broad spectrum of industries and organizations, and their specialized expertise can help your company or organization make the right decision for your auditing needs. Our specific areas of focus in our IT Audit & Compliance Blog include SOC 1 Audits, SOC 2 Audits, HIPAA Audits, HITRUST Certification, and FedRAMP Assessments, NIST & CMMC, and Penetration Testing.

VPN encryption benefits

What are the Benefits of Using VPN Encryption?

In today’s digital world and with many individuals working remotely and executing transactions over the internet, you may wonder how secure your connection is and if your information and that of your employer remain private. Unscrupulous individuals want your sensitive private data such as your personally identifiable information (PII) and your electronic protected health information […]

SOC for supply chain reports

SOC for Supply Chain: Professional Guidance for Supply Chain Audits

Software supply chain attacks increased by 650% during 2021.  In addition, Gartner® predicts that by 2025 “45% of organizations worldwide will have experienced attacks on their software supply chains, a three-fold increase from 2021.” The need for users to understand supply chain processes and the controls that exist to minimize risks around supply chain activities […]

There is no such thing as a SOC 2 checklist

A SOC 2 Compliance Checklist Doesn’t Exist, But Guidance Does

Has one or more of your customers requested that you undergo a SOC 2 audit? If so, you may be asking yourself, what is a SOC 2 report and how do I become SOC 2 compliant? Is there a SOC 2 compliance checklist I can use to prepare? The answers are not as straightforward as […]

What is a SOC 1 report?

What is a SOC 1 Report? Expert Advice for Audit Compliance

We frequently are asked by our clients and prospective clients, “What are SOC 1 reports and when they should be considered?” Our response is usually a question, “Can your service impact the financial statements of your clients?” In some cases, the prospective client has an immediate answer and describes the financially relevant process. In other […]

SOC 1 vs. SOC 2 Reports

SOC 1 vs. SOC 2 – How They Are Different & Which Report You Need

Many of our clients and prospects get asked for a “SOC report” from their clients or customers without any further clarification. Also, many get asked for a SOC 1 and a SOC 2… so how do they know what they need? Do they need both? Just one? We get these questions all the time, and […]

What you need to know about audit engagement letters

Audit Engagement Letters & Required Audit Terms: Tips for Preparation

Most people have some degree of familiarity with contracts, but the nuances of contractual requirements related to an audit engagement are not always understood. If you are looking to engage an auditor, or if you have an existing engagement letter with an auditor, it is important to understand these nuances and the requirements for audit […]

SOC 2 Considerations for SaaS companies

SOC 2 Considerations for SaaS Providers from an Audit Professional

SOC 2 considerations for software as a service (SaaS) providers can be a hard decision. On one hand, it has oftentimes become a contractual requirement but on the other hand, if that client or clients requesting the report do not provide enough revenue to offset that expense, the business case to move forward may not […]

HITRUST CSF Framework

Understanding the HITRUST CSF: A Guide for Beginners

“What is HITRUST?” is typically the first question asked by organizations exploring HITRUST for the first time. Formerly, HITRUST stood for Health Information Trust Alliance but several years ago it rebranded to simply HITRUST to align with changes to the “framework,” making it industry agnostic. Is HITRUST a Framework? HITRUST is far more than a […]