The Benefits of Doing Your SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Audits with MHM

Apr 11

Achieving compliance with both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 can be a game-changer for any organization. These two standards help to demonstrate your commitment to security, privacy, and risk management, but the process of achieving them can be complex. To simplify this , many of our clients choose to engage with us for both audits. While these audits have distinct requirements, having a single auditor for both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications offers numerous benefits. Here's why it makes sense to partner with MHM:

1. Streamlined Audit Process

One of the biggest advantages of using MHM for both audits is the streamlined process. While SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have different frameworks, they do have overlapping areas in terms of controls related to data security, privacy, and risk management. By having MHM handle both audits, we already understand your environment, reducing repetition and making the entire process more cohesive.

Faster Audits: We’re already familiar with your operations, reducing the time needed to conduct the assessments.
Reduced Redundancy: Many of the same processes and controls needed for SOC 2 also align with ISO 27001, so you won’t have to answer the same questions more than once.

2. Cost Savings

Running two separate audits can be costly, especially when hiring different auditors for each. By combining both audits under one firm, our clients can reduce the overall costs associated with the audit process. The cost savings come from:

Reduced Audit Hours: Since the same auditor will already be familiar with your security posture, they won’t need to start from scratch.
Package Pricing: We offer discounted rates for clients that seek both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications.

3. Easier Coordination and Communication

When you're working with different auditors for each audit, coordinating between multiple firms can become complex and time-consuming. A single auditor for both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 simplifies communication and helps ensure that there is no overlap or confusion about audit requirements. With MHM, communication is streamlined, transparent, and reliable. We ensure timely updates, reduce confusion, and keep everyone involved aligned from start to finish, so you can stay focused on what matters most, achieving your compliance goals without the added complexity.

Single Point of Contact: With one auditor, you’ll only have to manage one relationship, reducing administrative overhead and simplifying coordination.
Clear Expectations: Working with the same auditor means that you can set expectations upfront for both audits, avoiding any confusion about timelines, deliverables, and audit scope.

4. Unified Reporting and Documentation

When audits are completed separately, there’s often a lot of duplication of effort in terms of documenting your compliance, preparing reports, and ensuring that all requirements are met. With MHM, you benefit from unified reporting that addresses the requirements of both SOC 2 and ISO 27001. This makes it easier for you to track your progress and prepare for future audits.

Combined Reports: You can create consolidated reports that provide a comprehensive view of your security posture, making it easier for stakeholders to understand your compliance efforts.
Consistent Documentation: With a single auditor, your documentation (e.g., risk assessments, control matrices) will be consistent across both audits, minimizing confusion and ensuring clarity.

5. Reduced Audit Fatigue

Undergoing two separate audits for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 can be overwhelming. The audit process is thorough and time-consuming, and if you’re managing two different auditors, it can become stressful and burdensome for your team. With MHM, you still get two rigorous, independent audits, just without the duplicated effort, miscommunication, or unnecessary complexity, reducing the overall workload.

Less Burden on Your Team: A single auditor allows your team to focus on one audit at a time and reduces the number of meetings, document submissions, and communication efforts.
Clearer Timelines: Since both audits are handled by the same firm, the auditor can coordinate and schedule audits in a way that minimizes disruptions to your business.

6. Simplified Post-Audit Support

After the audit, your organization may require guidance on improving controls or addressing any findings from the audit. Having a single auditor allows for seamless post-audit support. At MHM, our auditors provide ongoing guidance and actionable recommendations to enhance your information security practices, ensuring continuous compliance with both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.

Ongoing Support: Your auditor will have a thorough understanding of your organization’s needs and can offer continuous guidance throughout the year.
Clear Action Plans: The auditor can help you create an integrated action plan that addresses both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 requirements, ensuring continuous improvement.

7. Building a Lasting Partnership with Your Auditor

When you partner with MHM, you're not just ticking off a requirement, you're building a long-term relationship with a team that truly understands your systems, risk profile, and compliance objectives.

Trust and Understanding: One of the most significant benefits of using MHM for both audits is the relationship that develops over time.
Clearer Communication: With a long-term relationship, communication becomes more streamlined. MHM will understand the nuances of your business, making it easier to perform the audits in a straightforward way.
Efficient and Strategic Audits: The ongoing partnership ensures that audits are more efficient, as MHM has a good understanding of your internal processes.

Conclusion

Achieving SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone for any organization. By working with MHM for both certifications, you can enjoy cost savings, streamlined processes, and consistent expertise. The benefits of a unified audit process not only improve your efficiency but also enhance your overall security posture. By consolidating your audit efforts, you ensure a smoother experience for both your team and stakeholders, ultimately strengthening your organization's commitment to information security and compliance.

So, whether you're planning to pursue SOC 2 or ISO 27001 first, or you're ready to achieve both, consider consolidating your audit efforts with MHM. It’s a strategic choice that pays off in terms of time, money, and resources, and one that will ultimately strengthen your organization’s security and compliance efforts.