Island, the creator of the Enterprise Browser, is redefining how work gets done by embedding security, compliance, and productivity directly into the browsing experience. Island enables organizations across defense, financial services, government, higher education, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail to modernize their security and streamline end users’ productivity.
Island prioritized customer trust early on through a trusted third party. The company selected A-LIGN as its compliance partner to achieve FedRAMP SAR High Authorization and CMMC Level 2 certification to meet the demands of government agencies and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
The challenge: How Island meets FedRAMP and CMMC requirements
As a fast-growing company handling sensitive data across countless SaaS applications, compliance is not just a checkbox for Island; it is a foundational pillar of its security strategy and a critical component of its market success.
Island faced the significant audit complexities that come with highly regulated industries, serving many organizations operating within the DIB. Without the required third-party attestations, gaining traction with these customers would be nearly impossible.
Island’s challenge was to find a single, trusted firm that could understand its unique product, navigate complex FedRAMP and CMMC requirements, and scale as they expanded their compliance frameworks.
“We needed more than just an auditor. We needed a strategic partner who could help us achieve our current and future federal compliance goals. We found a true partner in A-LIGN.”
– Micah Hedges, Senior Compliance Manager
Why A-LIGN
Island evaluated three potential audit partners, and A-LIGN distinguished itself through its people, collaborative approach, and technical depth.
The difference-maker was finding a partner that could offer consistency across multiple audit frameworks. Working with A-LIGN allowed Island to avoid redundant evidence collection and duplicate efforts, which saved significant time and resources during its FedRAMP and CMMC assessment processes.
A-LIGN offered a true partnership, not just a transactional, check-the-box audit. A combination of practical guidance and clear communication resonated with Island’s own “security by design” philosophy – A-LIGN understood Island’s goals at its core.
The trust and transparent communication established early on between the two companies created a strong foundation, enabling Island to grow its security and compliance strategy with confidence by partnering with A-LIGN for its audit needs.
“We chose A-LIGN because their expertise in handling multiple audit frameworks made the process much more efficient for our team. Their ability to streamline evidence collection and eliminate redundancy saved us time and resources, allowing us to focus on strengthening our overall security and compliance strategy.”
– Micah Hedges, Senior Compliance Manager
The results: A strategic partnership powers Island’s federal and industry expansion
By working with A-LIGN as its 3PAO and C3PAO, Island has shown that the Enterprise Browser can meet the most demanding government and industry security requirements. A-LIGN’s rigorous audit methodology has validated Island’s security controls, making its Enterprise Browser product more viable and attractive to organizations with strict security requirements for vendors.
The collaboration has been fruitful for both organizations, helping Island place the right internal experts in positions where they can work effectively with A-LIGN’s professionals to achieve its compliance goals. This strategic relationship has been instrumental in navigating the heavily regulated DoD space and meeting foundational CMMC framework requirements.
“By working with a reputable audit firm like A-LIGN, our team has saved valuable time, reduced risk across our information security systems, and reinforced our trust with clients and vendors across the federal landscape.”
– Micah Hedges, Senior Compliance Manager
Island’s philosophy is to rely on one trusted partner that can provide expertise and help bridge gaps, rather than dedicating internal resources to every new challenge.
The ongoing collaboration between Island and A-LIGN ensures consistency and allows Island to flex and adapt to new requirements efficiently. The relationship with A-LIGN is viewed as a long-term strategic asset that will continue to support Island’s growth and its unwavering commitment to customer security.
About Island
Island created the Enterprise Browser, a simplified enterprise workspace delighting CIOs, CISOs, and end users. Organizations in defense, financial services, government, higher education, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail modernize their security and jumpstart productivity with a browsing experience they know and love. Investors include Canapi Ventures, Capital One Ventures, Cisco Investments, Citi Ventures, Coatue Management, Cyberstarts, EDBI, Georgian, Insight Partners, J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners, Prysm Capital, Sequoia Capital, ServiceNow Ventures, and Stripes. Email [email protected] or call (866) 832-7114.