Symosis is certified and can bring in an accredited partner to provide security certifications. Certification and surveillance audits are terms commonly associated with ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), SOC2, NIST CMMC and other security certifications. These audits are conducted by external certification bodies to assess an organization’s compliance with the relevant standard and its ongoing commitment to maintaining quality and best practices.
Certification Audit
Stage 1 Audit:
Also known as the “documentation review,” this audit involves the certification body reviewing the organization’s documentation, processes, and procedures to ensure they align with the requirements of the chosen standard. This audit is often done remotely and aims to determine the readiness of the organization for the next stage.
Stage 2 Audit:
This is the main certification audit. Auditors visit the organization to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the documented processes and procedures. They verify that the organization is adhering to the standard’s requirements and producing the expected outcomes. If the auditors find that the organization meets the standard’s requirements, they recommend the organization for certification.
After a successful Stage 2 Audit, the organization is granted certification, indicating that it meets the requirements of the chosen standard. The certification is usually valid for a certain period, typically three years, subject to surveillance audits.
Surveillance Audits:
After receiving certification, organizations are subject to surveillance audits at regular intervals (usually annually). These audits ensure that the organization is maintaining its compliance with the standard and is continuing to implement the necessary processes effectively. Surveillance audits are shorter and less extensive than the initial certification audit but still involve a review of key processes, records, and performance indicators.
The surveillance audits also provide an opportunity for the organization to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to improvement and adherence to the standard’s requirements. If the organization consistently demonstrates compliance during surveillance audits, its certification remains valid.
It’s important to understand that certification audits and surveillance audits are integral parts of a continuous improvement cycle. Organizations are expected to use the feedback and findings from these audits to refine their processes, address any non-conformities, and strive for ongoing improvement.
Certification is a way for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality, compliance, and best practices to their stakeholders, clients, partners, and regulators. It can enhance an organization’s reputation, increase customer confidence, and provide a competitive advantage in the market.