SOC 2, HITRUST, and Other Certifications to Look for in a Mail Vendor
When you’re handling sensitive communications—especially in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, or legal services—you can’t afford to cut corners on security or compliance. One of the most important (yet often overlooked) factors in choosing a secure mail partner is understanding their certifications.
Certifications like SOC 2 and HITRUST provide third-party assurance that a mail vendor follows best practices for data protection, privacy, and risk management. Here’s what to look for—and why it matters.
Why Certifications Matter
Choosing a mail vendor is not just about print quality or turnaround time. You’re entrusting them with sensitive data—sometimes protected by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA. Certifications offer peace of mind that the vendor has implemented rigorous security protocols and meets industry standards for compliance.
They also provide documentation and validation that may be required during regulatory audits or client due diligence.
Key Certifications to Know
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2)
SOC 2 is a widely recognized standard for managing customer data based on five “trust service principles”: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It is issued by independent auditors and demonstrates that a vendor has implemented strict internal controls.
What it tells you:
– Your data is handled securely and consistently
– The vendor undergoes regular third-party audits
– There’s a proven commitment to accountability and risk management
HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance)
HITRUST certification goes a step further by offering a framework that integrates the requirements of HIPAA, NIST, ISO, and other standards into one comprehensive compliance program.
HITRUST is particularly relevant for healthcare providers and business associates dealing with PHI. It demonstrates that the vendor can be trusted to manage health data securely and meet complex compliance requirements.
ISO/IEC 27001
This is a global standard for information security management systems (ISMS). Vendors with ISO 27001 certification have a structured, risk-based approach to securing data and are committed to continuous improvement.
Additional Credentials to Look For
– HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA) – Required for any vendor handling PHI
– PCI DSS Compliance – Important if processing payments or financial data
– FERPA Awareness – For vendors working with educational institutions
What Certifications Say About a Vendor
– They’ve invested in secure infrastructure
– They take compliance seriously
– They’re audit-ready and accountable
– They reduce your organizational risk
How Lineage Delivers Certified Confidence
At Lineage, we understand that our healthcare, legal, and financial clients depend on us to uphold the highest standards of privacy and protection. That’s why we pursue and maintain leading industry certifications and operate with full transparency.
We support HIPAA compliance, offer secure data transfer, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, and provide audit logs for every project. Our goal is to make your compliance easier—and your data safer.
Final Thoughts
When evaluating mail vendors, don’t stop at pricing or turnaround time. Ask about their certifications. Ensure they meet the highest standards. And remember: the cost of non-compliance is always higher than the cost of doing it right.
Lineage is your secure, certified, and reliable partner for compliant communications at scale.
