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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Assess, Remediate, & Prevent Audit Deficiencies – The Internal Control Deficiency Lifecycle
Are you interested in SOC services but unsure what will be asked from you if internal control deficiencies are found? We all know the scary words “qualification” or “misstatement”, but what about the less scary but still important term: deficiency? This is also known as a “finding” or “gap” and a deficiency can also be […]
SOC Report Benefits Beyond Compliance: The Value of SOC Reporting
Obtaining a SOC 2 report requires an investment of both time and money for a service organization and, at some point, might seem like more work than it’s worth. However, the advantages to obtaining a SOC 2 report far outweigh the initial investment.
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? 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 – 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 […]
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 […]













