Ecova Achieves SOC 2 Type 1 for Data Security and Availability Trust Principles

Ecova’s adherence to emerging industry standards demonstrates commitment to data security

Ecova has successfully obtained its first Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 1 report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Ecova has successfully obtained its first Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 1 report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

SPOKANE, Wash.--()--Ecova, a leading energy and sustainability management company, today announced that it has successfully obtained its first Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 1 report as of October 31st, 2016. Conducted by an independent auditor, the examination was specific to the Security and Availability Trust Services Principles (TSP) and performed in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards. The SOC 2 provides reasonable assurance that Ecova’s description of its system for the Ecova Efficiency Platform (EEP) service, including its information security controls, were fairly presented and that controls were designed and implemented effectively to achieve the AICPA SOC 2 TSPs for security and availability.

The Ecova Energy Efficiency Platform enables optimized energy savings through real-time program visibility and data-driven program management for Utility organizations, home energy improvement and retail channel programs. EEP consolidates program management and operations into a single, flexible and comprehensive solution, driving cost-effectiveness through actionable insights.

Utility organizations are constantly challenged by cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements which can affect critical business operations and strategic growth. These are real risks which can have a material impact on the bottom line and service delivery. As a result, they need external service providers with tested security measures in place to prevent the loss of sensitive data and intellectual property. The SOC 2 Type 1 report for Ecova’s EEP is an important step in providing a level of assurance to clients.

“Ecova is deeply committed to the protection of our clients’ sensitive data,” says Mark Henderson, Chief Utility Solutions Officer of Ecova. “This audit report signals that our systems are designed to meet the challenge of data protection in today’s increasingly connected, complex business environment. Enhanced cybersecurity practices have become the new normal for all service-based organizations as a baseline client commitment to ensure the proper data and breach protections are in place.”

The SOC 2 examination report provides reasonable assurance that controls were designed and implemented effectively to achieve the demanding requirements outlined in the AICPA’s TSP criteria for security and availability. The independent nature of the examination provides a level of confidence that a self-assessment cannot, and the report is intended to meet the needs of a broad range of clients, including those in regulated industries. “Cyber-attacks are a persistent threat in the global marketplace, demanding dedication to the strictest security protocols,” says Paul Carugati, Director of Information Security at Ecova. “Swift detection and response, coupled with risk-based prevention techniques, are the foundations of risk management and data protection. We prioritize security by design and continuous monitoring of our platforms to assure the utmost confidentiality, integrity and availability for ourselves, our utility clients and their customers.”

Ecova’s enterprise information program is built upon standards and industry best practices, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Security and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001-2013 frameworks. For more information visit Ecova’s “Security & Compliance” web page at https://www.ecova.com/security-compliance/.

ABOUT ECOVA

Ecova makes businesses and utilities more successful through energy and sustainability management. Ecova blends data and technology, with people and insight, to drive powerful results for clients. Using insights based on consumption, cost and carbon footprint data spanning thousands of utilities, hundreds of thousands of business sites and millions of households, Ecova provides fully managed, technology-optimized solutions for saving resources, which in turn increase returns, lower risks and enhance reputations. Ecova is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ENGIE, a worldwide, global energy player. For more information, visit the company’s website www.ecova.com, on LinkedIn, or follow Ecova on Twitter at @EcovaInc.

Contacts

InkHouse
Rachael Tucker, 508-280-4846
ecova@inkhouse.com

Release Summary

Ecova announced that it has successfully obtained its first Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 1 report as of October 31st, 2016.

Contacts

InkHouse
Rachael Tucker, 508-280-4846
ecova@inkhouse.com