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A-LIGN's Fifth Annual Compliance Benchmark Report: Key Insights

A-LIGN, a leader in cybersecurity compliance, has released its fifth annual Compliance Benchmark Report, revealing essential trends and challenges affecting the compliance landscape. With insights derived from over 1,000 global respondents from diverse sectors, this year's report provides a detailed analysis of compliance strategies and priorities that organizations are currently facing.

Key Findings

1. Importance of Audit Quality

One of the primary takeaways from the report is that audit quality remains paramount for organizations. An impressive 70% of the survey's participants emphasized that the quality of audit reports is crucial. The factors deemed most important in achieving high-quality audits include the number of controls tested (36%) and the length of reports, with 26% of respondents underscoring this aspect.

2. Surge in AI Compliance Policies

As businesses increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, compliance with AI regulations has surged. A notable 90% of respondents either have an established AI compliance policy or are actively developing one. Furthermore, 76% of organizations plan to pursue an AI audit or certification within the next two years, indicating a strong trend toward rigorous AI governance.

3. Beyond SOC 2: Need for Multiple Certifications

The report reveals a significant shift in the perception of the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 framework. Once considered a competitive advantage, it has now become a baseline expectation. A staggering 92% of organizations report conducting two or more audits, with 58% engaging in four or more. This highlights the growing need for companies to adopt multiple frameworks to meet client and regulatory expectations.

4. Increasing Audit Complexity

The complexity of compliance needs is on the rise, particularly for enterprise-level organizations. Respondents from larger entities are more than twice as likely as smaller companies to conduct six or more audits annually (35% vs. 15%). As companies expand, the demand for effective compliance management solutions, including audit consolidation and harmonization, has intensified.

Conclusion

The insights presented in A-LIGN's 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report reflect the evolving landscape of cybersecurity compliance. With significant advancements in technology and an increasing regulatory environment, organizations need to prioritize quality audits, embrace AI compliance, and expand their certification strategies to navigate these challenges successfully. The report serves as a valuable resource for businesses looking to enhance their compliance practices and ensures they maintain trust with customers while mitigating risks.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of the findings, the full report can be downloaded from A-LIGN's official website at www.a-lign.com.

About A-LIGN

A-LIGN is recognized as the premier provider of high-quality and efficient cybersecurity compliance programs. Their extensive range of services includes SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, CMMC, and penetration testing, ensuring organizations can efficiently navigate compliance challenges. A-LIGN is the leading issuer of SOC 2 and excels as a HITRUST and FedRAMP assessor. Visit a-lign.com for more details.