BlogReads.net | Read More. Stay Updated!

Home - Business - 3 Mistakes To Avoid Before Starting A SOC 2 Audit

3 mistakes to avoid before starting a SOC 2 audit

Since data security has become a problem, companies must conduct a SOC 2 audit. This audit lets people know the company is working to protect their data. As a result, it increases customer loyalty, boosts the business’s reputation in the market, and provides many other benefits. However, one must prepare well and be careful during the process. Here are the three most common mistakes to avoid before starting a SOC 2 audit.

Not assigning a project manager
A company must assign a project manager after deciding to perform a SOC 2 audit. The individual oversees several audit-related tasks, one of the most important being data collection. During the audit, the company must collect documents and information from different departments, such as business operations, human resources, system admins, etc. This process can fall apart without a designated manager. Plus, there will be nobody to ensure effective communication between all departments, which can create confusion during the audit.

Skipping a readiness assessment
Skipping a readiness assessment is another big mistake companies must avoid before starting a SOC 2 audit. Before the external auditor arrives, a company must evaluate itself to check if it is ready for the audit. During this assessment, the company must evaluate the controls (security, privacy, confidentiality, etc.) the auditor will examine. By doing this, the company can identify any missing documents or gaps in the controls that could cause it to fail the audit.

Not identifying the audit’s scope beforehand
A company can delay the process if it adopts new systems or processes after the documentation (and before the final audit). Even if the company adds new systems within the audit period, it would lead to delays since the new systems need to be examined. Therefore, before starting, a company must identify the scope of the SOC 2 audit and tailor it accordingly. Doing this can take some time, but it avoids unnecessary hassle once the audit is underway.

Avoiding these mistakes can help companies pass the evaluation. However, one should realize that even after a successful SOC 2 audit, the firm needs to keep updating its cybersecurity.

4 printing mistakes and ways to avoid them

When it comes to printing, some mistakes can prove more costly than others. It is important to learn to recognize mistakes early and correct them so that you can get the best quality prints. From leaving the right margins to choosing the correct print quality, being aware of minor details can help. Here are four common printing mistakes and ways to avoid them, so you get a quality print each time. Not creating bleeding space Even though machines have become far more precise in cutting artwork to its intended size, you may still find 1-2 mm of inconsistency. Not adding bleeding space will result in a thin white border around your artwork. To rectify this, create a bleed or extra space of 5 mm around your image, so even if the paper moves, there wonât be any white space on the print. Printing in RGB If youâre wondering why your print doesn't match the colors on the screen, it may be because you are printing in RGB color mode. Artworks and documents set in RGB are meant for digital viewing, whereas those set in CMYK are meant for print. To avoid this error, ensure that the color mode of your design is set to CMYK. Typos and errors Grammar, spelling mistakes, missing fonts, and smaller font sizes can hurt your printâs appearance. Documents with these errors can appear unprofessional or even illegible. To avoid this, set the smallest font size of the document to at least 6 pt. You can rasterize or convert your text to a Smart Object, if you are using Photoshop, or to outlines, if you are using Illustrator. Proofread your document several times. You can even ask a friend to do it for you, or use an online spell check program to avoid any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. High ink coverage Images that require too much ink to print can cause the paper to bruise or wrinkle since the paperâs ink absorption capacity is limited. Avoid this mistake by using a preflight tool to check the ink coverage of your artwork. This tool checks which images require too much ink to print, so they can be edited accordingly. You can also opt for preflight tools that are specially designed for lowering the ink coverage of an image. It's important to remember that there is always space to make edits while printing. Double check your work before printing or sending them to a printing shop to get the best quality prints each time.

4 reasons why businesses need PEOs

A professional employer organization or PEO works as an outsourcing partner for businesses, helping manage human resource functions. PEOs share employment liability, making it easier for organizations to offer employees better benefits. Acting as an extension of the business, a PEO engages with the management team and addresses complex employee-related matters. Some PEOs also manage platforms for handling employee data. Here are a few reasons why businesses may need PEOs: 1. Limited resources This usually happens with small or new businesses. Such organizations may not have enough funds to build a full-fledged in-house HR department. While they get on their feet, a PEO can offer the organization necessary human resource support. They can assist with streamlining administrative tasks, legalities, employee handbook edits, updating company policy updates, and other tasks. For businesses that already have an HR team in place, a PEO can manage the basic HR activities so that the team can focus on strategic HR initiatives for business growth. 2. Excessive paperwork While administrative paperwork is a crucial part of business, it can be tedious and time-consuming. When paperwork piles up, a business loses critical time that could have been spent on revenue-generating activities. In such situations, PEOs can be useful businesses, helping them outsource tasks such as record-keeping and benefits management. The time saved on such activities can be utilized toward growth initiatives for the business. 3. Payroll is too time-consuming How a company processes its payroll can have a direct impact on employee morale. For instance, if an organization frequently delays the payment of salaries or processes the wrong payroll, employees can start feeling dissatisfied. These problems usually occur when a company is unable to manage payroll efficiently. Here, a PEO can provide help with timely payroll processing. The PEO will also help ensure accurate calculations, remittances, and tax filings. 4. Compliance issues Businesses often have to ensure adherence to a wide variety of rules and regulations. If they do not comply with laws, they are at risk of a lawsuit. In such cases, a PEO can offer businesses access to a team of experts and advisors with in-depth and updated knowledge of state and federal employment laws. This way, businesses can get help keeping up with ACA compliance, tax laws, ERISA, and HIPAA, among other laws.