Productive Achieves SOC2 Compliance

Margarita Aranza

November 21, 2024

Our commitment to data security has only grown over the years.

As a SaaS business, we understand the risks of handling our customers’ data. Achieving and maintaining the highest standards of security is not just a requirement; it’s a core part of how we build trust with our clients. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we have successfully achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance. This milestone reflects months of effort, rigorous evaluations, and a culture dedicated to safeguarding sensitive information.

What prompted the decision to pursue SOC 2 compliance?

The decision to pursue SOC 2 compliance was driven by a commitment to meeting high data security and privacy standards. These standards are critical in today’s SaaS landscape, especially for tools like Productive, which manages sensitive agency and client information. Our clients expect this level of security assurance, and SOC 2 helps to address that expectation.

Can you explain the SOC 2 compliance process from start to finish?

The SOC 2 compliance process began with a readiness assessment, during which we evaluated our current practices against SOC 2 requirements with the help of Vanta. We’re proud to say that we have achieved type II compliance. We identified gaps and areas for improvement, followed by implementing necessary controls, such as access restrictions, monitoring, and logging.

After that, we conducted an internal audit to confirm everything was in place, leading up to the formal audit by an external auditor, which, in our case, was Darata. During the audit, they reviewed our policies, processes, and evidence to ensure compliance. Once completed, we received the SOC 2 report, which documents our compliance and provides assurance to our customers.

What were some of the biggest challenges faced during the process?

One of the biggest challenges was aligning our operational practices with the extensive documentation requirements and implementing controls without disrupting service. Another challenge was getting everyone on board, ensuring teams across development, operations, and support were aligned with new procedures.

What changes or improvements did we implement in our systems or processes to meet SOC 2 requirements?

To meet SOC 2 requirements, we focused on enhancing access control, auditing, and monitoring. We were already following best practices with multi-factor authentication, stringent data encryption, and role-based access control to limit data access to only those who need it. We’ve now enhanced these measures to ensure even greater security. We also improved our logging practices, ensuring all critical activities are logged and regularly reviewed for anomalies.

How did the process impact our operational practices?

The compliance process made security a more integral part of our daily operations. We now conduct regular security training for all employees, follow stricter change management protocols, and ensure continuous monitoring of our systems. This heightened focus on security helps reinforce best practices across teams and keeps everyone aware of their role in safeguarding customer data.

What are the main benefits of SOC 2 compliance for our company and our clients?

For us, SOC 2 compliance demonstrates a commitment to security and helps us meet contractual and regulatory obligations with clients. For our clients, it provides confidence that’ data is managed securely, which is especially important for agencies handling sensitive client information.

How does SOC 2 enhance our competitive advantage in the SaaS market?

SOC 2 gives us a competitive edge by signaling to potential clients that we are serious about security and committed to following industry best practices. In competitive B2B SaaS markets, where agencies prioritize data protection, SOC 2 compliance can be a deciding factor.

In what ways does SOC 2 compliance build trust with our customers?

SOC 2 compliance builds trust by providing an objective, third-party assessment of our security controls, reassuring customers that their data is in safe hands. It shows that we’re proactive about security and committed to continuously meeting high standards.

What are the next steps now that we are SOC 2 compliant?

With SOC2 compliance in place, our next step is to maintain compliance by conducting periodic internal and yearly external audits that will allow us to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.

How do we plan to maintain compliance and continue improving our security practices?

Maintaining compliance involves regular training, ongoing risk assessments, and timely updates to our policies and controls to adapt to evolving security challenges. We will continue to refine our incident response plan, invest in security tools, and stay updated on new threats. We’ve also set up continued automated monitoring of our processes with Vanta, which will help us improve our practices and ensure compliance.

What message do you want to convey to our customers regarding our commitment to security and compliance?

Security is at the heart of everything we do. By achieving SOC 2 compliance, we commit to safeguarding your data and protecting your business operations. We’re committed to upholding the highest standards in security and compliance and will continue to invest in practices that keep your data secure, reliable, and in your control.

Margarita Aranza

Marketing Assistant

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