5 Cybersecurity Standards to Meet

Brand Insight

Marketing leaders are expected to move fast, cut through the noise and deliver measurable results. As campaigns become more data-driven and integrated, one question stands out: Can we truly trust the systems and partners that power our brand? That’s why working with agencies that don’t just talk about security but are committed to adhering to it with verifiable standards is key.

Short for System and Organization Controls 2, SOC 2^® is a recognized auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It assesses how well an organization protects customer data based on five key trust principles:

Security: Are systems protected against unauthorized access?
Availability: Can your marketing partner's infrastructure handle updates without interrupting your live campaigns?
Processing Integrity: Are operations functioning as intended, without errors or manipulation?
Confidentiality: Are audience segments, campaign data and creative assets handled securely?
Privacy: Are personal details collected, used and stored according to regulatory standards?

“The SOC2 examination doesn’t test intentions — it demonstrates a company is doing the work. It’s the difference between merely saying you take data security seriously and proving that you have processes in place to follow through.”

—Colton Rodgers, Director of Security at Zirous, ZLR Ignition’s Managed Services Provider

A SOC 2 report isn’t bought — it’s earned. And keeping it takes commitment and an ongoing effort. Organizations must build and document robust systems: from those that strengthen data protection and cybersecurity controls to those that audit and upgrade hardware, applications and vendor relationships. It also requires continuous testing, monitoring and staff training.

Working with an agency that has a SOC 2 report means you have a like-minded partner that takes regulatory and reputation risk as seriously as you do. It also leads to stronger governance, smoother continuity and greater accountability.

Xan McNelly, CEO and Chairman of ZLR Ignition

"Having a SOC 2 report signals that our agency understands the stakes. Participation is voluntary and shows we’re invested in the transparency, secure infrastructure and responsible processes to deliver a higher level of support to our claims.”

—Xan McNelly, CEO and Chaiman, ZLR Ignition

ZLR Ignition received its first SOC 2 report from the certified public accounting and advisory firm UHY LLP.

An agency partner with the right cybersecurity and data protections is just one part of safeguarding your brand. Download our free white paper to learn what may be threatening your reputation and brand equity — and how to protect both.