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.

Cybersecurity trends for 2023 and 2024

New Cybersecurity Trends to Watch for in 2023 & Beyond

As technology continues to evolve at an exponential rate, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or exhausted by the current rate of change. While new technologies are often introduced with the promise of benefits, they also introduce new challenges and risks. In 2023, there will continue to be plenty of focus on big data, edge […]

What is an internal auditor?

What Is An Internal Auditor & Why Should You Hire One?

What is an Internal Audit? The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines internal audit as the “independent, objective assurance, and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and […]

HITRUST readiness assessment pitfalls

Avoiding HITRUST® Readiness Assessment Pitfalls

Healthcare is a complicated topic. When the term is raised, the altruists among us focus on helping their fellow man. But like any endeavor managed by people, there is a business aspect to it. The business of healthcare faces the same problems as other types of businesses. It must operate efficiently, securely, and offer something […]

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 […]

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 […]