Celebrating a Milestone: Kintsugi's Journey to SOC 2 Compliance
Jeff Gibson · November 13, 2023 · 5 min read
"With security breaches becoming more frequent and costly, can you afford to leave your business vulnerable?"
In an era where 60% of small businesses shut down within six months of a cyberattack[1], the stakes couldn’t be higher. The last thing any business can afford is to partner with a provider that doesn’t prioritize data security.
When your company relies on sensitive customer information—especially financial data—choosing a provider with weak security is like playing with fire.
At Kintsugi, we understand that data protection is more than just a checkbox. It’s the very foundation of trust between you and your customers.
That’s why achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is so significant for us and why it should matter to you. We’re not just telling you your data is safe—we’re proving it.
What is SOC 2 Compliance?
SOC 2 compliance is a security checkup for service providers. It was developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to ensure that companies—especially SaaS providers like Kintsugi—are properly protecting customer data.
SOC 2 isn’t a one-and-done certification. It’s about continuously proving that you have strong systems in place to protect your clients’ sensitive information.
If you handle customer data (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t these days?), SOC 2 compliance is a badge of trust. It shows your clients that you’re serious about securing their information, which is exactly what Kintsugi has committed to.
For more insights into sales tax compliance and security, you can explore our Sales Tax Automation for Every Company Globally or check out our Georgia Tax-Free Weekend 2024 Dates & Tips.
Why is SOC 2 Compliance Important?
We all know the damage a data breach can do. It’s not just embarrassing—it’s expensive. On average, a breach will cost businesses $4.45 million in 2023[2]. That’s not a small change. SOC 2 compliance ensures that companies like Kintsugi have the right measures in place to prevent breaches from happening in the first place.
For companies handling critical data like sales tax information, having a SOC 2-compliant provider isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. It’s the peace of mind you need to keep your focus on growth instead of worrying about potential data risks.
Interested in learning more about sales tax and compliance? Check out our guides, such as Understanding Illinois Sales Tax on Restaurant Food 2023-2024 or 0 Sales Tax States: Your Guide to Going Tax-Free in the US.
Who Can Perform a SOC Audit?
You can’t just hire anyone off the street to perform a SOC audit. It has to be done by a licensed CPA firm. These independent auditors come in and take a deep dive into your systems, checking whether you’re following all the necessary security protocols. They don’t just look at your security measures—they test them over time to ensure they work as intended.
This independent verification gives you confidence that your service provider, like Kintsugi, is following all the rules regarding data protection.
Who Needs a SOC 2 Report?
If your business handles customer data, you need a SOC 2 report. This applies to industries like SaaS, e-commerce, and finance—any company responsible for managing sensitive information. A SOC 2 report shows your customers that you take their data seriously.
A 2022 survey revealed that 75% of organizations listed data breaches as one of their top security concerns[3].
If that’s the case for your business, partnering with a provider that isn’t SOC 2 compliant means putting your company at unnecessary risk.
You might also find it helpful to explore state-specific tax compliance guides, such as Kansas City Sales Tax 2024 and Denver Sales Tax 2024.
SOC 2 Certification
SOC 2 certification isn’t something you can just slap on your website after one quick audit. It’s earned through a rigorous, third-party audit process focusing on five key areas: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
There are two types: Type 1, which looks at the design of your systems, and Type 2, which tests how well those systems work over time.
At Kintsugi, we’ve achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, meaning our security measures aren’t just good on paper—they’ve been proven to work effectively over time. This level of assurance is crucial for businesses that depend on sensitive data, like tax automation.
Why SOC 2 Type 2 Matters for Your Business
Let’s get real for a second. We know data protection is at the top of your priority list. But here’s the truth: if your provider hasn’t earned SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, you’re leaving the door wide open for trouble.
75% of organizations say security is a top factor when choosing a SaaS provider[4] and with good reason.
The financial and reputational cost of a data breach isn’t something any business wants to deal with.
SOC 2 Type 2 compliance isn’t just a badge for Kintsugi—it’s a commitment to protecting your business’s most sensitive data. It means we’ve passed the toughest security tests and are continuously monitoring and updating our systems to keep your data safe.
Learn more about how we protect your business in our About Us section.
Your Data, Our Commitment
At Kintsugi, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is more than just a certification—it’s a promise. We’re not here to just meet the minimum security requirements. We’re dedicated to going above and beyond to keep your data safe. The threat landscape is always changing, and we’re constantly upgrading our defenses to stay ahead of new risks.
"SOC 2 Type 2 compliance isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting your data,” says Michael Eastman, Chief Security Officer at Kintsugi.
Why Kintsugi is the Right Partner for Your Business
If your current provider isn’t SOC 2 compliant, you risk your business. The reality is that security should never be an afterthought. It’s not a bonus feature—it’s a necessity. At Kintsugi, we take your security seriously, and our SOC 2 Type 2 compliance proves it.
So, ask yourself: Can you afford to work with a provider who is less committed to your data security than you are?
Explore What Items Are Exempt from Sales Tax in California or Massachusetts Clothing Tax Explained to learn more about how we help businesses navigate tax laws safely.
Continuous Improvement and Looking Forward
SOC 2 Type 2 compliance isn’t the finish line for us—it’s just the beginning. As cyber threats evolve, so do our security measures. We’re committed to continuously improving our systems to ensure your data stays protected.
With 75% of businesses saying that security is key when selecting a SaaS partner[4], trust is everything.
Our SOC 2 Type 2 certification is one of the many reasons you can trust Kintsugi to protect your data and help your business grow securely.
Sources
[1] www.inc.com/samuel-edwards/why-60-percent-of-small-businesses-close-following-a-cyberattack.html
[2] www.ibm.com/security/data-breach
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