Though the timeline of a completed report varies greatly based on numerous factors within your organization, a SOC 1 examination generally always moves through the same three phases of planning and preparation, fieldwork, and reporting stages.

If you’ve ever owned a home in a neighborhood that has a homeowners association, you likely know that you have to pay those fees to avoid a lien being placed on your property, which could complicate your life in annoying ways. But on the flip side, paying those fees should mean you also reap the benefits like landscaping, community pool management, security, or maintenance.

With the new SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule requiring both the reporting of material cybersecurity events and the disclosure of cybersecurity programs for public companies, those affected are taking a closer look at cybersecurity frameworks that—while previously considered optional or “nice to have”—could help their organization meet the new regulatory requirements.

Among the many changes in the new PCI DSS v4.0 are those regarding requirement 11.4.4, which refers to the remediation of "exploitable vulnerabilities" and "security weaknesses”—though history has more clearly established what is meant by the former, there may be some confusion concerning the latter as organizations continue to make the transition to the new version.

Now that artificial intelligence (AI) has more fully engrained itself into the digital world and economy, it makes sense that the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)—as the organization that sets the most recognized auditing standards in the U.S.—would have an opinion on AI use, particularly in terms of the possibility of related SOC-compliance issues.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made a significant move in introducing its groundbreaking AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF). Designed to empower organizations and individuals with comprehensive risk management guidance, the AI RMF aims to create a world where AI can thrive responsibly.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schellman & Company, LLC, a leading provider of attestation and compliance services and top 50 CPA firm, is pleased to announce the successful carve-out of Cohen & Company's System and Organization Controls (SOC) Practice. In this transaction, Cohen & Company’s SOC practice, including select personnel, will transition to Schellman. This strategic relationship is a testament to the outstanding values and focus on company culture, quality, and client service the two firms mutually share.

If you’ve ever been told by your customers or stakeholders that you need to conduct some kind of external audit to win or keep their business, the first question that likely came to mind was, “How much will that cost?” The initial answer, at least, is that it depends.