How NDB Offers SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA Reports for Businesses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston

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Jan 8, 2025
6 min read

In today’s world of increasing cybersecurity threats and regulatory scrutiny, businesses need to implement robust security measures and ensure their operations are compliant with industry standards. Organizations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and beyond need to demonstrate their commitment to security, privacy, and compliance to build trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

One of the most effective ways for companies to show they are meeting these requirements is by obtaining certifications and reports such as SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA. These certifications help ensure that an organization is safeguarding customer data and following the best practices in data security.

As a trusted provider of compliance and security solutions, NDB offers tailored SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA services for businesses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. With years of experience in cybersecurity and compliance assessments, NDB ensures that companies in Texas are able to meet the highest standards of security and compliance.

Understanding SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA Reports

Before diving into how NDB helps businesses achieve these important certifications, it’s essential to understand what SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA reports are and why they matter.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a widely recognized security standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). SOC 2 reports are designed for service organizations that handle sensitive data, ensuring they have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of customer data.

SOC 2 reports assess an organization’s security posture in five key Trust Service Criteria (TSC):

Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access.
Availability: The system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed.
Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, accurate, timely, and authorized.
Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as required.
Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, and disclosed in conformity with the organization’s privacy notice.

SOC 2 reports are critical for companies in industries such as SaaS (Software as a Service), healthcare, finance, and any business that handles sensitive or confidential data. A successful SOC 2 audit demonstrates that an organization has the right processes and controls in place to protect client information, boosting trust and confidence.

What is HITRUST?

The HITRUST Alliance developed the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework), which integrates various standards and regulations, including HIPAA, ISO, NIST, PCI DSS, and more. HITRUST provides a comprehensive and scalable framework designed to address the security, privacy, and regulatory compliance needs of organizations across various industries, particularly in healthcare and financial services.

HITRUST certification is a powerful tool for companies that need to demonstrate they are meeting or exceeding industry standards for data protection and privacy, particularly in healthcare where HIPAA compliance is a significant concern.

What is SOC 2 + HIPAA?

SOC 2 + HIPAA is a combined approach to SOC 2 reporting and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA governs the protection and confidentiality of healthcare information, particularly in the healthcare industry.

SOC 2 + HIPAA reports are beneficial for healthcare organizations, service providers, or third-party vendors who must meet both SOC 2 security standards and HIPAA’s specific privacy and security regulations. These reports ensure that companies handling healthcare-related data are compliant with HIPAA while also demonstrating the appropriate controls to safeguard sensitive information per SOC 2.

How NDB Supports Businesses with SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA Reports

NDB has extensive experience in helping organizations across Austin, Dallas, and Houston achieve SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance. NDB provides a comprehensive, tailored approach to assist companies at each stage of the reporting process, from initial assessments to audit completion and certification. Here's how NDB supports businesses with these critical compliance reports:

1. Initial Assessment and Gap Analysis

The first step to achieving SOC 2, HITRUST, or SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance is conducting a thorough assessment to identify where your current security practices align or differ from the relevant framework requirements. NDB works with you to perform a comprehensive gap analysis to evaluate your existing systems, processes, and controls.

By reviewing your internal policies, procedures, technology, and employee training, NDB identifies any weaknesses or areas that need improvement to ensure compliance with SOC 2, HITRUST, or HIPAA. This step allows businesses to prioritize areas for improvement and ensure they are on the right track before undergoing a formal audit.

2. Documentation and Control Implementation

SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA frameworks require organizations to have comprehensive documentation in place regarding their security policies and procedures. NDB assists businesses in documenting their information security practices, including risk management, access controls, data protection, and compliance with privacy regulations.

Furthermore, NDB helps organizations implement the necessary security controls to address the requirements of the frameworks. This may include enhancing data encryption, ensuring secure access management, updating disaster recovery plans, and more. NDB ensures businesses meet the standards set forth by SOC 2, HITRUST, and HIPAA.

3. Pre-Audit Readiness and Remediation

Once the required controls and documentation are in place, NDB helps businesses prepare for the audit phase. This includes ensuring that all necessary evidence is gathered and that internal teams are trained and ready for the audit process.

NDB's experts assist with conducting pre-audit readiness reviews, where we simulate an audit to identify potential issues that could arise during the actual audit. If any gaps or deficiencies are discovered, we help organizations remediate them quickly to ensure that they pass the audit successfully.

4. Formal SOC 2, HITRUST, or SOC 2 + HIPAA Audit

Once your organization is fully prepared, NDB guides you through the formal audit process. NDB works with trusted third-party auditors who are experts in SOC 2, HITRUST, and HIPAA audits. We ensure that the audit is conducted smoothly, with all necessary evidence and documentation provided to auditors.

The auditors will evaluate your organization’s security practices against the criteria established by SOC 2, HITRUST, or HIPAA. This process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your organization, but NDB remains involved to assist with any questions or issues that may arise during the audit.

5. Post-Audit Report and Certification

After completing the audit, NDB assists businesses with obtaining the final SOC 2, HITRUST, or SOC 2 + HIPAA report, which includes an official certification if the organization has passed the audit. These reports are essential for demonstrating your organization's commitment to data security and compliance with industry standards.

NDB helps businesses understand their report and provides guidance on how to address any areas of improvement noted by the auditors. This ongoing support ensures that your organization is always prepared for future audits and maintains continuous compliance.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

Compliance is an ongoing process. NDB doesn’t just help businesses achieve SOC 2, HITRUST, or SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance; we also assist with maintaining it. We offer continuous monitoring services to ensure that security controls remain effective and that your organization stays compliant with the required frameworks over time. This includes assisting with regular assessments, vulnerability scans, and updates to your security practices as needed.

Why Choose NDB for SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA Reports?

Here are the key reasons why businesses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston trust NDB to help them achieve SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance:

Expert Guidance: NDB’s team of experts has a deep understanding of the SOC 2, HITRUST, and HIPAA compliance requirements, ensuring businesses receive the best advice and support throughout the compliance journey.
Tailored Solutions: Every business is unique, and NDB tailors its approach to each client’s specific needs and industry requirements, whether they are a SaaS provider, healthcare organization, or financial services firm.
Local Expertise: NDB has a strong presence in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, making us the go-to firm for businesses across Texas looking to meet SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA standards.
Comprehensive Support: From initial assessments to post-audit reporting and ongoing monitoring, NDB offers end-to-end support to ensure your business is fully compliant with SOC 2, HITRUST, and HIPAA.
Proven Track Record: NDB has helped numerous businesses in Texas achieve and maintain SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance, making us a trusted partner for your compliance needs.

Conclusion

In an increasingly regulated and competitive business environment, demonstrating your commitment to security, privacy, and compliance is crucial. SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA reports provide the necessary assurance that your organization is taking the necessary steps to protect sensitive information and comply with relevant standards.

For businesses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, NDB offers expert services to guide you through the process of obtaining SOC 2, HITRUST, and SOC 2 + HIPAA certifications. Whether you are a healthcare provider, SaaS company, or financial institution, NDB’s team of experts will ensure your business meets the highest security and compliance standards.

Contact Christopher Nickell, CPA, at cnickell@ndbcpa.com to learn more about how we can help you achieve SOC 2, HITRUST, or SOC 2 + HIPAA compliance and demonstrate your commitment to data security.