About
A-LIGN is a trusted third-party compliance and cybersecurity audit firm serving startups to global enterprises across every major regulatory framework. With 400+ auditors, 36,000+ completed audits, and a 96% customer satisfaction rating, A-LIGN combines deep auditor expertise with technology-driven efficiency to deliver compliance certifications that genuinely build customer trust. Their services span SOC 1 and SOC 2 assessments, ISO certifications (ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 22301, and ISO 42001 for AI management systems), healthcare frameworks (HITRUST, HIPAA), federal assessments (FedRAMP, CMMC, FISMA, NIST 800-171), PCI DSS, and privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA). They also provide offensive cybersecurity services including penetration testing, red team engagements, ransomware preparedness assessments, and social engineering simulations. A-LIGN's proprietary A-SCEND platform centralizes audit communication, evidence collection, and progress tracking. It integrates seamlessly with leading GRC tools and enables multi-framework audits in a single motion—allowing organizations to reuse evidence across frameworks and reduce compliance costs. Notably, A-LIGN offers ISO 42001 certification, making them a go-to partner for organizations seeking to establish AI governance and risk management programs. Their customized, in-depth approach ensures reports that satisfy buyers and regulators alike, positioning A-LIGN as a strategic long-term compliance partner.
Key Features
- Multi-Framework Compliance Audits: Covers SOC 1/2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, HITRUST, HIPAA, FedRAMP, CMMC, PCI DSS, GDPR, and more from a single trusted provider.
- ISO 42001 AI Governance Certification: Helps organizations establish and certify an AI Management System under ISO 42001, enabling responsible AI deployment and regulatory readiness.
- A-SCEND Audit Management Platform: Proprietary dashboard that streamlines communication, centralizes evidence collection, tracks audit progress, and integrates with leading GRC tools.
- Cybersecurity & Penetration Testing: Offensive security services including penetration testing, red team engagements, ransomware preparedness assessments, and social engineering simulations.
- Multi-Framework Efficiency: Conduct multiple audits simultaneously and reuse evidence submissions across frameworks, saving significant time and resource costs.
Use Cases
- A SaaS startup pursuing SOC 2 Type II certification to close enterprise sales deals and build buyer trust.
- A healthcare technology company needing HITRUST CSF or HIPAA compliance to serve hospital and insurance clients.
- A defense contractor pursuing CMMC certification to qualify for Department of Defense contracts.
- An organization deploying AI systems seeking ISO 42001 certification to establish AI governance and meet emerging regulatory obligations.
- A cloud provider or federal agency requiring FedRAMP authorization to operate within U.S. government environments.
Pros
- Unmatched Breadth of Services: A-LIGN covers virtually every major compliance framework, eliminating the need to engage multiple audit firms as your compliance program matures.
- Proven Track Record: Over 20 years of experience, 36,000+ audits completed, and a 96% client satisfaction rating demonstrate consistent delivery quality.
- Technology-Driven Efficiency: The A-SCEND platform and GRC integrations reduce audit friction, accelerate timelines, and lower overall compliance costs.
- AI Compliance Leadership: Early mover in ISO 42001 AI governance certification, making A-LIGN a valuable partner for organizations navigating emerging AI regulations.
Cons
- Non-Transparent Pricing: As a professional services firm, pricing is customized per engagement and not publicly listed, requiring direct consultation to receive quotes.
- Not Self-Service: Compliance outcomes require active involvement from A-LIGN's auditor team; there is no fully automated DIY compliance path.
- Primarily Enterprise-Oriented: While startups are served, the depth and cost of engagements may be more suited to mid-market and enterprise organizations with established compliance budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compliance frameworks does A-LIGN support?
A-LIGN supports a wide range of frameworks including SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 22301, ISO 42001, HITRUST, HIPAA, FedRAMP, CMMC, NIST 800-171, FISMA, PCI DSS, GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and more.
What is A-SCEND and how does it help?
A-SCEND is A-LIGN's proprietary audit management platform that centralizes evidence collection, tracks audit progress, streamlines communication with auditors, and integrates with leading GRC tools to simplify the entire compliance process.
Does A-LIGN offer ISO 42001 AI compliance certification?
Yes. A-LIGN offers ISO 42001 certification, which helps organizations establish a formal AI Management System to govern AI risk, demonstrate responsible AI use, and satisfy emerging regulatory requirements.
Can A-LIGN conduct multiple audits at the same time?
Yes. A-LIGN supports multi-framework audits in a single motion, allowing you to review and reuse evidence submissions across frameworks to reduce costs and accelerate your compliance roadmap.
Who are A-LIGN's typical clients?
A-LIGN serves over 6,400 clients globally, ranging from startups seeking their first SOC 2 report to large enterprises managing complex, multi-framework compliance programs across regulated industries like healthcare, government contracting, and financial services.
