Security audits
Vendor-neutral cross-framework guidance — how to choose an auditor, accreditation chains, independence rules, and provider comparisons. Not legal advice. Not procurement advice.
How do you choose a security auditor?
Decision tree: match the assurance outcome you need to provider type and accreditation (SOC 2 CPA, ISO 27001 CB, PCI QSA, HITRUST, FedRAMP 3PAO). Not legal advice.
What is the difference between an auditor, a consultant, and a certification body?
Who issues SOC 2 CPA attestation vs ISO/IEC 27001 certificate vs consultancy-only work. Role comparison table with independence bars. Not legal advice.
What does accreditation mean for security assurance?
Accreditation chain AB → CB → certificate; ISO/IEC 17000-series and IAF MLA; CPA peer review as SOC 2 analogue. Verify on public registers. Not legal advice.
What questions should you ask before hiring an auditor?
Question bank for auditor calls: accreditation, independence, scope, timeline, evidence, price — good vs concerning answers. Not legal advice.
Can the same firm prepare you and audit you?
Independence and self-review under AICPA ET §1.200 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 §5. What one firm may vs may not do. Not legal advice. Not procurement advice.
What are security audit independence requirements?
Independence and impartiality under AICPA ET §1.200 and ISO/IEC 17021-1. Threats: self-review, self-interest, familiarity, advocacy. Not legal advice.
How do major security assurance providers compare?
Provider × authorization matrix: CPA attestation, ISO 27001/42001 CB, PCI QSA, FedRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST. Stated criteria — verify before you buy. Not a ranking.