SOC 2 Type II Compliance is a globally recognized auditing standard developed to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of a service organization's internal controls over a specified period of time. It primarily focuses on aspects such as security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
STS consistently strives to adopt an ethical and responsible approach to its work, ensuring that its clients' valuable and confidential content is protected to the highest level possible. James Waryck, CEO and co-founder of STS, asked the question, “If we don't operate at a high level, why should our customers operate at a high level?” Ta. This statement underscores STS' commitment to excellence and dedication to customer protection.
STS is SOC 2 Type II compliant, which eliminates the “what-if” aspect of risk understanding and provides a clear and complete understanding of a company's existing risk and level of exposure when using STS services. can. It also outlines the likelihood of a breach occurring and the impact of a breach. STS applies this proactive approach to risk management to benefit law firms and emphasizes STS' commitment to our clients and their security.
security risk
The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that approximately 29% of law firms experienced a security breach in 2023. This is a slight increase from the 27% reported in 2022. Additionally, according to LegalTech News (LTN), some law firms experienced significant breaches in 2023. ), resulting in the exposure of sensitive client and company data. These incidents led to large ransom demands and class action lawsuits.
Third-party vendor risk is a real concern, and understanding the vendors you're dealing with is a key aspect of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Law firms invested in protecting and mitigating risk for their IT environments should also scrutinize the security practices of third-party vendors to ensure alignment.
When an IT vendor lacks robust security controls, law firms that rely on its services become vulnerable to supply chain attacks. These attacks occur when a breach that affects a vendor or supplier has a cascading effect that affects the client.
Sam Sheth, CIO and co-founder of STS, asked, “How do managed service providers (MSPs) protect law firm data? It asks an important question: “Are there any?” Many IT providers and vendors claim to be compliant, but upon closer inspection, they may not be directly compliant. Some companies make security claims based on the use of AWS or Azure-based environments, assuming that the security of these cloud platforms extends to their own operating systems and tools. However, this assumption is incorrect. The secure environment provided by AWS and Azure is about the infrastructure, not the specific tools, that MSPs and vendors use to run their businesses. Would you hire a lawyer who hasn't passed the bar exam or go to an unlicensed doctor? The same concept applies when it comes to IT security.
Although cybersecurity compliance is not currently mandated for the MSP industry, STS believes that pursuing such compliance is the right course of action. STS demonstrates our commitment to our clients and their security by voluntarily adhering to high standards.
As an early innovator in the managed IT services industry, STS is taking a proactive approach by incorporating Security Maturity Assessment (SMLA) processes, methodologies, and approaches into our sales and onboarding procedures. Remarkably, there are very few MSPs, especially those with a legal focus. By adopting the SMLA process, STS demonstrates our commitment to robust security practices and dedication to protecting our clients' valuable data.
Rigorous compliance process
In fact, SOC 2 Type II compliance requires a significant investment in time, resources, and finances. But for the team at STS, this rigorous process is extremely important. This serves as strong evidence of their unwavering dedication to protecting both their own confidential information and that of their clients.
STS Security Initiatives
At STS, cybersecurity is a foundation, not an afterthought. STS stands out as an early innovator in the managed IT services industry leveraging the SMLA process, especially in the legal space.
Here's why it's important:
Experience and Expertise: STS has achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance over several years and has developed expertise in both the cybersecurity and legal industries. These dual expertise allow STS to focus on protecting the interests of its clients.
Client trust:
STS guides and provides assurance for law firms' cybersecurity efforts. Clients know that STS continues to walk the path and invest in them, and they understand the nuances of protecting “their home.”
Evidence-based approach:
STS' cybersecurity strategy is not based on assumptions. We assess our clients' current cybersecurity maturity, identify risks, establish a baseline, and chart a path forward. This approach is based on concrete evidence based on the Center for Internet Security (CIS) 18 and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks.
James Waryck, CEO and co-founder of STS, sums it up as, “A vision backed by evidence – providing the right information to make knowledgeable and informed decisions.” STS's commitment to security is more than just a promise. It's a proven reality.
Key components of the STS cybersecurity approach:
· Identify gaps in your cybersecurity program across people, processes, and technology.
· Determine the base of your current security maturity level and your company's desired level.
· Compare and contrast your company's security maturity with other companies facing similar challenges and risks.
· Recommend and prioritize opportunities to improve cybersecurity maturity levels while reducing overall risk.
For more information about Strategic Technology Solutions (STS), please visit the company's website at https://stspartner.com.
About Strategic Technology Solutions (STS): STS provides managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity services to the legal industry. One of the few IT business partners to hold SOC II Type 2 cybersecurity compliance, STS leverages over 25 years of experience and focuses on legal technology, law firm culture, and the business of law. . Their mission is to help law firms achieve stronger performance, growth, and overall profitability.
