In May 2024, Vodafone Idea (Vi) became the first Indian telecommunications company to achieve the SOC2 (Service Organization Control 2) Type II Attestation. This accomplishment not only underscores the company’s commitment to stringent security standards but also sets a benchmark for the entire industry.
The attestation was conducted by VISTA InfoSec, a global Information Security Consulting firm with offices based in the US, UK, Singapore, and India specializing in GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and other types of security compliance standards.
Understanding SOC 2 Type 2 Attestation
SOC 2 Type 2 is a widely recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). It focuses on controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data.
It must be noted that Vi was first received its SOC2 Type 1 attestation in 2022, which was also done by VISTA InfoSec. While Type 1 assesses the design of controls at a specific point in time, Type 2 evaluates the effectiveness of these controls over a period, usually upto twelve months. This rigorous assessment involves thorough scrutiny by independent auditors to ensure that the controls are not only in place but also operating effectively.
Narendra Sahoo, Founder & Director of VISTA InfoSec, further added, “SOC 2 compliance reflects our ongoing dedication to evolving our security practices alongside the ever-changing threat landscape. The support and commitment provided by the Vi team was remarkable and commendable.”
Securing SOC 2 Type 2 attestation is no mean feat. It demands meticulous planning, robust infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to data security. By becoming the first Indian company to attain this certification, Vi has demonstrated its proactive approach towards safeguarding customer data and upholding industry-best security practices.
This achievement positions it as a trailblazer in the Indian telecom landscape, setting a precedent for others to follow suit.
Narendra Sahoo (PCI QPA, PCI QSA, PCI SSF ASSESSOR, CISSP, CISA, CRISC, 27001 LA) is the Founder and Director of VISTA InfoSec, a global Information Security Consulting firm, based in the US, Singapore & India. Mr. Sahoo holds more than 25 years of experience in the IT Industry, with expertise in Information Risk Consulting, Assessment, & Compliance services. VISTA InfoSec specializes in Information Security audit, consulting and certification services which include GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, NESA, MAS-TRM, PCI DSS Compliance & Audit, PCI PIN, SOC2 Compliance & Audit, PDPA, PDPB to name a few. The company has for years (since 2004) worked with organizations across the globe to address the Regulatory and Information Security challenges in their industry. VISTA InfoSec has been instrumental in helping top multinational companies achieve compliance and secure their IT infrastructure.
