In SOC 2 Auditing, how many categories make up the security principle?

The security principle in SOC 2 Auditing is made up of five categories, which are vital for evaluating the effectiveness of a service organization's controls related to security. These categories include:

1. Access Control - This involves restricting access to systems and data to authorized users to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.

2. System Operations - This assesses the monitored operations of systems to ensure they function correctly and securely.

3. Change Management - This evaluates how changes to systems and operations are managed, ensuring that updates do not introduce vulnerabilities.

4. Risk Management and Incident Response - This focuses on how potential risks are identified and managed, and how incidents are responded to effectively.

5. Data Integrity - This ensures that the data is accurate, complete, and protected throughout its lifecycle.

These categories collectively form the framework for assessing the effectiveness of security measures in place within an organization, underscoring the importance of having a structured approach to safeguarding data and systems.