Cobalt Data Centers, a provider of high density colocation and virtual data center solutions, announced the completion of both a SOC 1 (SSAE 16) Type I audit and a SOC 2 Type I audit.
An SOC 1 audit, prepared in accordance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization, is specifically intended to meet the needs of customers and their auditors as they evaluate the effect of the controls at the service organization relevant to customer’s financial reporting. As Cobalt Data Centers hosts systems relevant to customer’s financial reporting, an SOC 1 (SSAE 16) audit is required by most Cobalt customers.
An SOC 2 audit, prepared under AT Section 101, Attest Engagement (AICPA, Professional Standards), follows a predefined, rigorous framework to report on the controls of service organizations, including data center providers, including the design and effectiveness of policies, communications, procedures and monitoring based on detailed criteria.
“As a leading carrier-neutral data center in Nevada, Cobalt Data Centers remains committed to the highest levels of compliance, including a thorough examination of controls and procedures,” said Mike Ballard, chief executive officer of Cobalt Data Centers. “These audit reports provide our customers a high level of confidence that extensive controls, processes and protocols, pursuant to both SOC 1 (SSAE 16) and SOC 2 audit frameworks, are in place and maintained to help ensure their mission critical assets, systems and resources are protected.”
Extensive Type I audits provide independent third party verification by a licensed audit firm as to whether the controls and safeguards maintained by the service organization are operating effectively over a significant period of time.
“As the newest data center provider in Nevada, and in light of our commitment to innovation, advancement and transparency, we are early adopters of undertaking annual SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits,” said Joseph Gallagher, chief financial officer for Cobalt Data Centers. “These audits are also a benefit to our customers and their auditors. With the retirement of SAS 70 in 2011, many customers, including publicly traded entities, require a SOC 1 (SSAE 16) audit as part of their own audit process. At the same time, SOC 2 audits benefit customers by providing detailed validation of our controls and procedures.”
These SSAE 16 audits were conducted by A-lign CPAs. Florida-based A-lign CPAs provides risk advisory and regulatory compliance services to companies world-wide. Their team of audit professionals has world-renowned experience in providing SSAE attestation services. They have held key positions with global accounting firms, and have completed hundreds of financial audits, SAS 70/SSAE 16 audits and other attestation services.