Strategic Information Resources dedicated to data security; Completes third-party IT assurance and compliance exam

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Strategic Information Resources, a trusted provider of merged credit reports, appraisal management services, independent verifications and background screening services for a wide array of businesses and professions for almost a century, has successfully completed a rigorous third-party examination of its compliance with the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 1 data security standards.

The SOC 2 Type 1 exam, which required several months to complete, assessed SIR’s controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity and confidentiality for its background screening, appraisal management and credit reporting/risk assessment services.

“We are pleased this audit confirmed that our processes and controls have us well positioned as a safe and secure provider for these services, protecting both consumers and our business partners,” commented Maureen Devine, SIR President. “We are committed to investing in these secure validation steps and look forward to further review efforts which reinforce our position as a leader in compliance standards for the industry.” 

The comprehensive examination that led to compliance with the data security standards was administered by the professional IT assurance and compliance staff at 360 Advanced, a national Qualified Security Assessor and Certified Public Accountant firm based in Tampa, FL.

“We’ve always had the processes and protocols in place, but decided to have a well-recognized, qualified third party conduct a review to assure the integrity and high standard we’ve chosen to implement.” said Jackie Drziak, SIR Vice President for Compliance. “It definitely sets us apart from other entities in our industry. Most providers would say that they have great controls, but this gives us something that is demonstrable and documents a high standard we can prove.” 

Financial institutions and employers are increasingly demanding this type of formalized compliance to ensure a high level of security and privacy regarding consumer data.

“We believe the demand for these higher standards of compliance will continue to increase, and our investment in this achievement is a very proactive move by SIR to get out in front of the trend and set the bar for the industry,” Devine said.

ABOUT SIR

Strategic Information Resources, SIR, is headquartered in Springfield, MA, with offices in Maine, New Hampshire and Florida. Its history dates back to 1926, when SIR started as a regional provider of credit information helping financial institutions evaluate loan applicants. Today, SIR is a leading provider of information solutions, delivering a mix of comprehensive products at competitive prices by a committed and knowledgeable staff.

ABOUT 360 ADVANCED

Known for its responsiveness, experience and professionalism, 360 Advanced has clients in more than 35 states that are major service providers in various industries, including cloud and SaaS based organizations. 360 Advanced is one of only a few specialized firms in the U.S. that assist service providers as their independent IT assurance and compliance assessor in maintaining and communicating security and compliance to their clients. In Massachusetts, 360 Advanced is Hiestand, Brand, Loughran (HBL).