In this lesson, Nick Palazzolo, CPA, delves into the purpose and organization of the Trust Services Criteria, crucial standards set by the AICPA for evaluating the reliability and security of information systems, especially regarding technology like cloud computing. He explains their role in SOC reports, particularly SOC 2 and SOC 3, and contrasts these with SOC 1 reports, which focus on internal control over financial reporting. Nick highlights how these criteria align with the COSO framework, aiding in the application of a structured methodology across various processing components such as security, availability, and confidentiality. Throughout the session, he discusses the additional specific criteria for deeper control evaluation and the assurance these standards provide to service organizations and their stakeholders.