Hey reader! I’m the founder of SFH Conseil, and I want to highlight the importance of being certified, especially for a company like Skycloak. As a provider of secure identity and access management solutions, achieving the appropriate certification is critical for them. When they decided to move forward with certification, they faced a significant decision: Should they pursue an ISO or a SOC 2 first?
The Importance of Certification for Skycloak
For Skycloak, obtaining a cybersecurity certification was not just a box to check; it represented their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security. Their clients frequently asked, “Are you ISO certified?” or “Do you have a plan for SOC 2 compliance?” Such questions made it clear that their certification status was crucial for building credibility and trust.
Here are some significant advantages certification brings to Skycloak and its users:
- Building Trust: Achieving recognized certifications, like ISO or SOC 2, assures clients that Skycloak follows established security practices. For example, being SOC 2 certified can demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data, enhancing client relationships and brand reputation.
- Meeting Client Expectations: Since many of Skycloak’s customers are based in North America, they prioritize SOC 2 compliance. This alignment not only meets client expectations but can also lead to increased customer retention and satisfaction, as clients feel secure knowing that their provider adheres to recognized standards.
- Access to New Markets: ISO certification, recognized globally, can open doors to international markets. Clients in regions that prioritize ISO standards may be more inclined to work with a certified provider, thus expanding Skycloak’s potential client base.
- Improving Internal Processes: The journey toward certification forces companies to examine and refine their internal processes. For instance, the process of preparing for SOC 2 can lead to enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms, resulting in a more robust operational framework that ultimately improves service delivery for users.
- Competitive Advantage: Holding a certification can differentiate Skycloak from competitors who may not have achieved the same level of compliance. This distinction can be a selling point in pitches to potential clients, giving them a leg up in competitive bidding situations.
- Risk Management: Both ISO and SOC 2 certifications require a comprehensive assessment of risks and the implementation of controls to mitigate them. For Skycloak, this means better identification and management of security vulnerabilities, which translates to a safer experience for their users.
The Dilemma: ISO or SOC 2?
When they began their journey toward certification, they faced a significant decision: should they pursue ISO certification or SOC 2 compliance first? Each option has its merits:
- ISO Certification: This internationally recognized certification offers a comprehensive Information Security Management System, allowing businesses to establish robust frameworks for managing information security risks. For Skycloak, this could enhance their credibility when entering markets that prioritize international standards.
- SOC 2 Compliance: SOC 2 is widely accepted in North America and focuses on key areas such as security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Achieving SOC 2 can reassure customers that Skycloak has stringent controls in place to protect sensitive data, which is particularly important for clients in regulated industries.
Given that most of their clients are located in North America and prefer SOC 2, it made sense for them to lean toward this certification. However, they needed expert guidance to confirm their decision and ensure they were on the right track.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cybersecurity certification is crucial for any organization, and having the right guidance can significantly impact the success of your efforts. Skycloak is now confidently pursuing SOC 2 compliance, aligning their operations with customer expectations and reinforcing their commitment to security.
If you’re interested in learning more about secure identity and access management solutions, be sure to check out Skycloak at skycloak.io! For any assistance with cybersecurity certifications, visit SFH Conseil. Our expertise could be just what you need to navigate your own certification journey successfully.