Overview of SOC2
Element451 maintains a SOC 2 Type II audited security program, which validates that the company has implemented and operates effective security controls designed to protect institutional, student and other data.
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is an independent auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The standard evaluates how organizations manage data based on a set of defined Trust Services Criteria, which include:
Security
We protect the Element451 platform and customer data from unauthorized access or misuse. This includes safeguards like secure authentication, access controls, constant monitoring, and regular security reviews.
Availability
Element451 is designed to be reliably available when institutions and students need it. We use resilient infrastructure, monitoring, and disaster recovery processes to maintain high uptime and system performance.
Processing Integrity
We ensure that data within Element451 is processed accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. This helps institutions trust that communications, workflows, and data updates occur as intended.
Confidentiality
All information stored within Element451—but especially student data—is kept secure and accessible only to authorized users. We use encryption, access restrictions, and internal policies to safeguard confidential data.
Privacy
We handle personal information, such as student data, responsibly and in accordance with privacy commitments and applicable regulations. This includes clear data handling practices for how information is collected, used, stored, and protected.
Element451’s annual SOC2 Type II audit focuses on the Security Trust Services Criteria, which addresses the protection of systems and data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
The audit is conducted by an independent third-party auditing firm that reviews both the design and operational effectiveness of security controls over the defined observation period.
What is SOC2 Type II
SOC2 reports come in two forms:
SOC2 Type I: Which evaluates whether security controls are properly designed at a specific point in time
SOC2 Type II: Which evaluates whether those controls are operating effectively over a defined period of time, typically several months.
Element451’s SOC2 Type II certification demonstrates that the platform’s security controls are not only properly designed but also consistently followed and validated through ongoing operational testing.
This provides assurance that the organization maintains structured processes to protect customer data and maintain system security.
Security Controls and Practices
Element451’s SOC2 Type II program includes a range of technical, administrative, and operational safeguards designed to protect data and maintain secure platform operations.
Examples of these controls include:
Access Controls
role-based access permissions
authentication and authorization management
least-privilege access principles
Data Protection
encryption of data in transit and at rest
secure data storage practices
controlled access to production environments
Monitoring and Logging
system activity monitoring
centralized logging and audit trails
security alerting and incident detection
Infrastructure and Application Security
vulnerability management and remediation processes
regular penetration testing and security assessments
secure development and change management practices
Operational Security
incident response procedures
vendor and third-party risk management
employee security awareness and training
These safeguards help ensure that institutional data stored within the Element451 platform is protected through structured security policies, monitored systems, and audited operational procedures.
Independent Audit and Ongoing Compliance
The SOC2 Type II audit is performed by an independent third-party auditor who reviews Element451’s security controls, policies, and operational procedures.
During the audit period, the auditor evaluates evidence demonstrating that controls are:
properly designed
implemented as documented
operating effectively over time
Maintaining SOC2 Type II compliance requires ongoing internal governance, continuous monitoring, and regular reassessment of security controls to ensure they remain effective as systems and infrastructure evolve.
Element451's latest SOC2 certification documents may be reviewed at trust.element451.com.