Independent SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FedRAMP, CMMC, and Cybersecurity Compliance Assessments
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ToggleIf you're evaluating Cherry Bekaert for SOC 2 examinations, cybersecurity audits, IT risk assessments, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOX IT controls, or regulatory compliance services, consider Lazarus Alliance as part of your selection process.
With 26+ years of cybersecurity experience, Lazarus Alliance provides independent cybersecurity assessments, regulatory compliance expertise, and a client-focused approach to complex security requirements.
It’s an audit, not an expedition!
Why Consider Lazarus Alliance as an Alternative to Cherry Bekaert?
Selecting an independent cybersecurity assessment provider requires evaluating more than firm size, brand recognition, or general advisory capabilities.
Organizations should compare technical expertise, professional qualifications, independence, assessment methodology, project management, communication, and deliverables.
Cherry Bekaert provides accounting, assurance, tax, advisory, and cybersecurity-related services. Lazarus Alliance offers a cybersecurity-focused alternative for organizations seeking independent assessments across commercial and government security frameworks.
1. Cybersecurity Assessment Specialization
Independent cybersecurity audits, security control validation, regulatory compliance assessments, and technical testing are central to Lazarus Alliance's business.
Our professionals evaluate implemented controls, review objective evidence, perform applicable technical testing, and document findings against relevant requirements.
Our assessment approach emphasizes technical rigor, professional independence, and clear reporting.
2. SOC Attestation Services Through a Licensed CPA Firm
Lazarus Alliance provides SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 examination and attestation services through Lazarus Alliance Compliance, a licensed CPA firm.
These services allow organizations seeking independent cybersecurity-focused SOC examinations to consider Lazarus Alliance alongside established accounting and assurance providers.
SOC examinations are performed subject to applicable AICPA professional standards, licensing, and independence requirements.
3. 26+ Years of Cybersecurity Experience
Lazarus Alliance brings more than 26 years of cybersecurity experience to engagements involving cloud infrastructure, enterprise information systems, payment environments, regulated industries, and federal security programs.
This experience supports organizations requiring detailed technical assessments and objective evaluation of implemented security controls.
4. A Collaborative, Client-Focused Audit Experience
We don't build adversarial relationships.
Our assessment methodology emphasizes defined responsibilities, transparent communication, reasonable project expectations, and professional collaboration.
We believe independent cybersecurity assessments should provide meaningful findings without unnecessary complexity.
5. Federal and Commercial Compliance Expertise
Lazarus Alliance provides assessment services involving:
- SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3
- ISO/IEC 27001 and related ISO standards
- PCI DSS
- FedRAMP and applicable FedRAMP 20X pathways
- CMMC Level 2
- NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171
- DFARS
- FISMA
- GovRAMP
- HIPAA
- SOX 404 IT controls
- FFIEC
- NERC-CIP
Our multi-framework expertise supports organizations managing overlapping security and regulatory requirements.
6. Proactive Cybersecurity®
Cybersecurity compliance should involve more than reviewing policies and collecting documents.
Lazarus Alliance examines whether relevant security controls are implemented and supported by appropriate evidence.
Our Proactive Cybersecurity® philosophy emphasizes security outcomes alongside regulatory compliance.
7. Service, Integrity, and Reliability
Lazarus Alliance has served thousands of clients across commercial, government, and regulated environments.
We combine cybersecurity experience, professional independence, and client-focused service throughout the assessment lifecycle.
Compare Your Cybersecurity Assessment Options
Lazarus Alliance Cybersecurity Audit and Compliance Services
Whether you're comparing Lazarus Alliance with Cherry Bekaert or evaluating another independent assessment firm, our services support a broad range of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance requirements.
SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 Examinations
Lazarus Alliance provides SOC examination and attestation services through Lazarus Alliance Compliance, a licensed CPA firm.
Our services include:
- SOC 1 examinations
- SOC 2 Type 1 examinations
- SOC 2 Type 2 examinations
- SOC 3 examinations
- Applicable Trust Services Criteria evaluation
- Security control evidence examination
- Control design and operating effectiveness testing, as applicable
- Independent attestation reporting
SOC 2 engagements may address security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, depending on the examination scope.
ISO/IEC 27001 and Information Security Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides assessment services involving ISO/IEC 27001 information security management requirements and related standards.
Our broader ISO portfolio includes:
- ISO/IEC 27001 — Information Security Management
- ISO/IEC 27017 — Cloud Security Controls
- ISO/IEC 27018 — Protection of Personal Information in Public Clouds
- ISO/IEC 27701 — Privacy Information Management
- ISO/IEC 42001 — Artificial Intelligence Management Systems
- ISO 22301 — Business Continuity Management
Where accredited certification is required, the engagement must comply with the applicable certification scheme and accreditation scope.
PCI DSS Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides PCI DSS assessment and related technical security testing services for merchants, service providers, and other organizations handling payment card information.
Services may include:
- PCI DSS assessment scoping
- Cardholder data environment evaluation
- Security control examination
- Applicable Report on Compliance activities
- Penetration testing
- Network segmentation testing
- Vulnerability assessments
- Remediation verification
The specific assessment requirements depend on the payment environment, applicable validation level, and payment brand obligations.
SOX 404 IT Controls Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides independent IT control assessments relevant to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance.
Engagements may address:
- IT general controls
- Logical access management
- Change management
- IT operations
- System configuration controls
- Evidence examination
- IT control design and operating effectiveness
These services focus on information technology and cybersecurity controls. They are distinct from financial statement audits and opinions on internal control over financial reporting.
FedRAMP Security Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides independent FedRAMP third-party assessment services for cloud service providers pursuing applicable federal authorization requirements.
Assessment activities may include:
- Security assessment planning
- Security control testing
- Technical evidence review
- Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
- Security assessment reporting
- Remediation validation
- Applicable continuous monitoring activities
- FedRAMP 20X pathway-specific assessment services
CMMC Level 2 Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides CMMC Level 2 assessment services for defense contractors and subcontractors subject to applicable Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements.
Engagements address assessment boundaries, NIST SP 800-171 requirements, objective evidence, interviews, technical demonstrations, and applicable reporting procedures.
Certification assessments must satisfy relevant program authorization, independence, and assessment eligibility requirements.
NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and DFARS Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides independent security control assessments supporting federal and defense cybersecurity obligations.
Our services include security control implementation evaluation, technical testing, objective evidence review, and assessment reporting.
HIPAA Security and Privacy Assessments
Lazarus Alliance provides independent HIPAA security and privacy assessments for covered entities, business associates, and organizations handling protected health information.
Additional Cybersecurity Assessment Services
Our broader portfolio includes:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
- NIST SP 800-37 Risk Management Framework
- NIST SP 800-172
- FISMA
- GovRAMP
- CJIS
- IRS Publication 1075 and Publication 4812
- FFIEC
- NERC-CIP
- CNSSI 1253
- Security Control Assessment – Validation (SCA-V)
- ITAR cybersecurity considerations
- FTC Safeguards Rule
- ISO/IEC 27701 and 42001 assessments
Request a Customized Cybersecurity Assessment Proposal
Cherry Bekaert vs. Lazarus Alliance: Compare Cybersecurity Assessment Providers
Evaluating Cherry Bekaert or Lazarus Alliance for your next cybersecurity audit? Compare SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOX IT controls, FedRAMP, CMMC, and other cybersecurity assessment services before selecting your provider.
| Evaluation Criteria | Lazarus Alliance | Cherry Bekaert |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Business Focus | Independent cybersecurity audits, compliance assessments, and security control testing | Accounting, assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services, including cybersecurity |
| Cybersecurity Experience | 26+ years of cybersecurity experience | Established professional services firm with cybersecurity and technology risk capabilities |
| Independent Cybersecurity Assessments | ✓ Core service offering | Cybersecurity assurance and advisory services |
| Licensed CPA Firm | ✓ Lazarus Alliance Compliance is a licensed CPA firm | CPA assurance services through applicable Cherry Bekaert entities |
| SOC 1 Examinations | ✓ SOC 1 examination and attestation through Lazarus Alliance Compliance | SOC 1 assurance services |
| SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2 | ✓ SOC 2 examinations through Lazarus Alliance Compliance, a licensed CPA firm | SOC 2 examination and assurance services |
| SOC 3 Examinations | ✓ SOC 3 examination and attestation services | Confirm applicable SOC 3 examination services |
| ISO/IEC 27001 | ✓ ISO information security assessment services | Information security and compliance services; confirm certification scope |
| PCI DSS Assessments | ✓ PCI DSS assessment and technical testing services | Confirm current PCI DSS assessment qualifications and scope |
| SOX 404 IT Controls | ✓ IT general controls and cybersecurity control assessments | SOX, internal controls, and risk advisory services |
| FedRAMP Assessments | ✓ FedRAMP 3PAO assessment services | Confirm current FedRAMP assessment qualifications and scope |
| FedRAMP 20X | Applicable FedRAMP 20X assessment services | Confirm current FedRAMP 20X pathway and service scope |
| CMMC Level 2 | ✓ CMMC assessment services | CMMC cybersecurity services; confirm current certification assessment authorization |
| NIST SP 800-53 & 800-171 | ✓ Independent security control assessments | Cybersecurity and technology risk services |
| HIPAA Security & Privacy | ✓ HIPAA security and privacy assessment services | Healthcare risk and compliance services |
| Penetration Testing | ✓ Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing | Confirm current technical testing scope and services |
| Multi-Framework Coverage | Broad federal, commercial, and industry-specific cybersecurity portfolio | Broad professional services, cybersecurity, and risk advisory portfolio |
| Engagement Methodology | Client-focused, risk-based cybersecurity assessment approach | Request engagement-specific methodology and project plan |
| Client Communication | Emphasis on collaboration, transparent communication, and defined responsibilities | Confirm assigned team, communication cadence, and escalation procedures |
| Assessment Deliverables | Defined by engagement scope and applicable assessment or attestation requirements | Confirm reporting deliverables, scope, and exclusions |
| Assessment Pricing | Custom, scope-based cybersecurity assessment proposals | Request a comparable written proposal |
| Assessment Scheduling | Based on project scope, resources, and availability | Confirm assessment availability and proposed timeline |
| Service Philosophy | Proactive Cybersecurity® — It's an audit, not an expedition. | Broad accounting, assurance, and advisory services |
Important: This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. SOC examinations and attestations are provided through Lazarus Alliance Compliance, a licensed CPA firm, subject to applicable professional standards and independence requirements. ISO certification, PCI DSS QSA services, FedRAMP assessments, and CMMC certification assessments are subject to applicable program qualifications and authorization requirements. Current services, professional licensing, accreditation, pricing, and scheduling should be confirmed directly with each provider. Lazarus Alliance is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Cherry Bekaert.
Already Working With Cherry Bekaert? Explore Your Independent Assessment Options.
Organizations may evaluate another cybersecurity assessment provider when preparing for a SOC reporting period, pursuing new regulatory requirements, comparing assessment pricing, or seeking additional technical security expertise.
If you're considering a change from Cherry Bekaert or simply obtaining another assessment proposal, Lazarus Alliance welcomes the opportunity to compete for your business.
When Should You Consider Another Assessment Provider?
Obtaining a second proposal may be valuable when:
- Your SOC 2 Type 2 reporting period is approaching renewal.
- Your organization requires a SOC 1 or SOC 3 examination.
- You want to compare SOC examination pricing and deliverables.
- You need ISO 27001 assessment services.
- You require PCI DSS assessment or penetration testing services.
- Your compliance obligations have expanded into FedRAMP or CMMC.
- You need independent SOX IT control testing.
- Your organization must address several cybersecurity frameworks.
- You want to compare project schedules, communication practices, and assessment team qualifications.
Any transition should account for professional independence requirements, reporting periods, applicable regulatory obligations, and existing contractual commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lazarus Alliance an alternative to Cherry Bekaert?
Yes, for independent cybersecurity audits, SOC examinations, security control assessments, and regulatory compliance engagements.
Cherry Bekaert provides a broad portfolio of accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory services, while Lazarus Alliance specializes in cybersecurity assessments and related compliance services.
How does Lazarus Alliance compare with Cherry Bekaert?
Both organizations provide services relevant to cybersecurity assurance and technology risk.
Lazarus Alliance emphasizes independent cybersecurity assessments, federal and commercial compliance expertise, and a client-focused audit methodology.
Organizations should compare the specific qualifications, scope, deliverables, pricing, and scheduling applicable to their engagements.
Is Lazarus Alliance a licensed CPA firm?
Lazarus Alliance Compliance is a licensed CPA firm that provides applicable SOC examination and attestation services.
These engagements are subject to professional licensing, independence requirements, and relevant AICPA standards.
Can Lazarus Alliance perform SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 examinations?
Yes. SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 examination services are provided through Lazarus Alliance Compliance.
The appropriate examination depends on the organization's objectives, controls, reporting period, and applicable professional standards.
Does Lazarus Alliance provide SOC 1 examinations?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance Compliance provides SOC 1 examination services involving controls relevant to user entities' internal control over financial reporting.
Does Lazarus Alliance provide SOC 3 examinations?
Yes. SOC 3 examination services are available through Lazarus Alliance Compliance, subject to applicable professional requirements.
Does Lazarus Alliance provide ISO 27001 assessments?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance provides ISO/IEC 27001 information security assessment services.
Where accredited certification is required, organizations should verify the applicable certification scheme and accreditation scope.
Can Lazarus Alliance perform PCI DSS assessments?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance provides PCI DSS assessment and related technical testing services, subject to applicable program qualifications and assessment requirements.
Does Lazarus Alliance provide SOX 404 assessments?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance provides IT control assessments relevant to SOX 404 compliance.
These engagements are distinct from financial statement audits and audit opinions on internal control over financial reporting.
Can Lazarus Alliance provide FedRAMP assessments?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance provides independent FedRAMP third-party assessment services for cloud service providers pursuing applicable federal authorization requirements.
Does Lazarus Alliance provide CMMC Level 2 assessments?
Yes. Lazarus Alliance offers CMMC Level 2 assessment services subject to applicable program authorization, independence, and assessment eligibility requirements.
Can an organization change SOC 2 auditors?
Yes, subject to professional standards, independence considerations, contractual commitments, and reporting-period requirements.
Organizations should plan the transition carefully to avoid unnecessary disruption to their examination schedules.
How much does a Lazarus Alliance cybersecurity assessment cost?
Assessment pricing depends on the applicable framework, technical environment, organizational scope, reporting period, testing requirements, and anticipated effort.
Lazarus Alliance provides customized proposals based on the engagement requirements.
Experience a Different Approach to Cybersecurity Audits
Lazarus Alliance is Proactive Cybersecurity®.
Your organization deserves experienced cybersecurity professionals, independent assessments, technically rigorous testing, and dependable client service.
If you're evaluating Cherry Bekaert or comparing independent cybersecurity assessment firms, discover what Lazarus Alliance can offer.
26+ Years of Experience | Independent Assessments | International Service
Request Your Competitive Assessment Proposal
Tell us about your assessment requirements, anticipated timeline, and applicable compliance framework.
Call +1-888-896-7580 or schedule your free consultation today.
Lazarus Alliance and Lazarus Alliance Compliance are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Cherry Bekaert. References to Cherry Bekaert are provided for comparative informational purposes only.