The Distribution Blog

Proton Becomes First Distribution CRM to Achieve SOC 2 Type II Certification

September 19, 2024

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Cambridge, Massachusetts – September 19, 2024 – Proton.ai, the AI-powered CRM designed specifically for B2B distributors, is excited to announce its achievement of SOC 2 Type II certification. This makes Proton.ai the first CRM in the distribution sector to reach and maintain this high level of data security.

Update - August 21, 2025 - We’re proud to share that Proton has successfully renewed our SOC 2 Type II certification, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to keeping customer data secure. Read on to learn why this matters for distributors and what it says about our long-term focus on trust and security.

Leading the Way in Data Protection

In the distribution industry, securely handling customer information—like call notes, order details, quotes, and product data—is crucial. Distributors rely on their CRM providers to protect these critical assets. SOC 2 Type II certification ensures that Proton.ai's processes meet the highest standards of data protection, giving distributors confidence that their information is safe.

"Attaining SOC 2 compliance is a major milestone for our team," said Vlad Dobrovolskiy, Director of Engineering at Proton.ai. "It underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our clients' data and reinforces our standing as a trusted partner in the distribution industry. I'm thrilled about this achievement, as it reflects our dedication to excellence and security in supporting distributors."

Why SOC 2 Compliance Matters for CRM Providers

SOC 2 Type II certification reflects Proton.ai's commitment to data security and privacy. For our customers, this means:

  • Regular backups: Ensuring all CRM activities can be restored if needed, protecting vital business operations.
  • Quick incident response: Procedures are in place to quickly address and resolve system issues, minimizing any potential disruptions.
  • Strict data access: Only authorized personnel can view sensitive information, keeping data secure.
  • Continuous monitoring: Our systems are constantly watched to detect and respond to any suspicious activity promptly.
  • Data encryption: All CRM data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

"Our customers trust us with their most critical data, and we take that responsibility seriously. Achieving SOC 2 compliance underscores our commitment to protecting their information. We're proud to lead the way in setting new standards for data protection in the distribution CRM space," added Benj Cohen, CEO of Proton.ai.

Frequently Asked Questions from Distributors about SOC 2

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that evaluates how companies manage customer data. It focuses on five trust principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

What does SOC 2 Type II mean?

There are two types of SOC 2 reports:

  • Type I evaluates controls at a single point in time.
  • Type II tests those controls over a longer period—typically 3–12 months.

Proton’s Type II certification shows that our security practices don’t just look good on paper—we follow them consistently, every day.

Why should distributors care about SOC 2?

Distributors handle sensitive customer data like quotes, call notes, pricing, and purchasing history. That data flows through your CRM. SOC 2 compliance means your CRM provider has passed rigorous audits to prove it can safeguard your business’s most valuable information.

Is SOC 2 required for CRMs?

No, but we think it should be. There are lots of benefits for distributors that pick a SOC 2-certified CRM, including more security protections, faster IT approvals, and fewer headaches for your security team.

How often is SOC 2 renewed?

SOC 2 Type II must be renewed annually to stay valid. As of August 2025, Proton has successfully renewed our certification, reaffirming our commitment to protecting distributor data long term.

Which CRMs for distributors are SOC 2 compliant?

Proton was the first ever distribution-focused CRM to achieve SOC 2 certification back in 2024. We renewed our certification in 2025.

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