Introduction

• Client: Confidential, a legal analytics software company providing AI-powered solutions to law firms and legal departments.
• Industry: Legal Tech (Software as a Service)
• Company Size: 200 employees, servicing over 300 legal firms globally

Challenges

As the company expanded its product offerings and began targeting large law firms and corporate legal departments, they encountered increasing demand for SOC 2 certification. These clients required assurance that the company’s security practices met industry standards for handling sensitive legal data. The company needed a structured approach to achieve SOC 2 Type 1 certification, and later, Type 2 certification, to maintain client trust and ensure data confidentiality, security, and availability.

Objectives

• Achieve SOC 2 Type 1 certification to comply with the security expectations of current and potential clients.
• Implement and mature security controls in line with the Trust Service Criteria (TSC) for long-term compliance and future SOC 2 Type 2 certification.
• Build internal compliance processes to efficiently manage ongoing audit requirements.

Solutions Provided

Our consulting team delivered a structured roadmap to guide the company through the SOC 2 compliance journey.

1. Initial Readiness Assessment
   • Conducted a detailed evaluation of the company’s security controls and IT infrastructure.
   • Identified key areas that required enhancement, particularly in access controls, data encryption, and incident response.
2. Gap Analysis and Remediation Planning
   • Developed a gap analysis report highlighting deficiencies against SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria.
   • Provided a remediation plan with clear timelines for implementing necessary controls, covering:
     • Encryption at rest and in transit
     • Logging and monitoring of data access
     • Multi-factor authentication for sensitive systems
3. Control Implementation and Documentation
   • Assisted in establishing security policies and procedures, including:
     • Access Control Policy
     • Data Retention and Disposal Policy
     • Incident Response and Breach Notification Procedures
   • Helped the team set up monitoring tools to ensure continuous compliance and real-time auditing capabilities.
4. Employee Training
   • Conducted comprehensive security training for all staff, focusing on their roles in maintaining compliance and handling sensitive data.
5. Audit Preparation
   • Guided the company through the SOC 2 audit process, helping them organize audit evidence and interact with auditors efficiently.
   • Set up automated evidence collection to reduce manual effort and streamline the audit process.

Outcome

1. Successful SOC 2 Type 1 Certification
   • Within 4 months of starting the engagement, the company successfully completed its SOC 2 Type 1 audit, demonstrating that its systems were designed in line with SOC 2’s stringent security controls.
2. Improved Security Posture
   • The company implemented stronger security measures, including improved access controls, encryption protocols, and an enhanced incident response plan. These measures not only helped achieve SOC 2 certification but also reduced the risk of data breaches and strengthened customer trust.
3. Foundation for SOC 2 Type 2
   • By developing a comprehensive monitoring and documentation process, the company was well-positioned to move forward with SOC 2 Type 2 certification. They were on track to demonstrate the operational effectiveness of controls over a 6-12 month period.
4. Increased Business Opportunities
   • With SOC 2 Type 1 certification, the company was able to secure several new contracts with enterprise customers, leading to a 15% increase in revenue within the first quarter post-certification.

Key Success Factors

• Tailored Approach: The consultation was customized to the company’s specific operations and challenges, ensuring an efficient and effective path to SOC 2 compliance.
• Expert Guidance: Our team provided hands-on support at every step, from control implementation to auditor interaction, ensuring a smooth compliance journey.
• Automation Tools: Integration with the company’s existing cloud infrastructure streamlined evidence collection and reduced manual effort.

Client Testimonial

“We partnered with Ispectra for our SOC 2 certification and were thoroughly impressed by their professionalism and expertise. Ispectra expertly guided us through every step of the SOC 2 certification process, ensuring our systems met stringent requirements for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Their exceptional partnership-centric approach and service stood out, as they were always responsive, attentive, and eager to address our needs. Ispectra turned complex regulatory requirements into practical, actionable steps, providing invaluable support throughout the certification process. Achieving SOC 2 certification with Ispectra’s help has significantly enhanced our credibility and trustworthiness, setting us apart in the market. We wholeheartedly recommend Ispectra to any business seeking a reliable and knowledgeable partner for SOC 2 certification. Their dedication and expertise make them a true asset to any organization.

Thank you, Ispectra, for your outstanding work and support.”

Irina

Chief Operations & People Officer

Conclusion

The company’s successful SOC 2 Type 1 certification highlights the value of expert consultation and a tailored approach to compliance. By working closely with our team, the company not only achieved certification but also laid the groundwork for long-term security improvements and business growth.

Looking Forward

With a solid compliance foundation in place, the company is now preparing for SOC 2 Type 2 certification and exploring additional frameworks such as ISO 27001 to further solidify their security posture.

This case study demonstrates how a structured approach to SOC 2 consultation can help organizations achieve certification, strengthen their security posture, and unlock new business opportunities.