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BLACK BOTTLE IT ACHIEVES SOC 2 CERTIFICATION 

BLACK BOTTLE IT ACHIEVES SOC 2 CERTIFICATION 

Joining the Less Than 1% of Small MSPs to Reach This Elite Security Standard 

Black Bottle IT, a managed IT services and security provider headquartered in Wexford, PA, today announced the successful completion of its SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) certification — a rigorous, independent audit confirming the company meets the highest industry standards for security, availability, and confidentiality in the management of client data and systems. 

This milestone places Black Bottle IT in an elite tier: fewer than 1% of small managed service providers (MSPs) achieve SOC 2 certification, making this a significant differentiator in an industry where trust and security are paramount. 

What Is SOC 2 — and Why Does It Matter? 

SOC 2 is a voluntary compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It requires organizations to demonstrate that their systems, processes, and controls meet strict criteria across five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. 

Unlike self-reported certifications, SOC 2 compliance is verified by an independent third-party auditor, making it one of the most credible and demanding security standards available to IT service providers. Earning this certification requires rigorous preparation, internal process redesign, and the implementation of enterprise-grade security controls across every aspect of operations. 

What This Means for Black Bottle IT Clients 

For businesses that handle sensitive data — including those in finance, healthcare, legal, and professional services — working with a SOC 2-certified MSP is no longer optional. Many clients—no longer only identified by size—insurance providers, and regulatory bodies now require their IT partners to hold SOC 2 certification as a condition of doing business. 

By achieving SOC 2, Black Bottle IT clients gain the assurance that: 

  • Their data is protected by independently verified, enterprise-grade security controls. 
  • Black Bottle IT’s internal processes, infrastructure, and vendor relationships meet the highest standards for risk management and confidentiality. 
  • They can demonstrate to their own customers, partners, and regulators that their IT provider has been rigorously vetted. 
  • They are supported by one of the very few small MSPs in the country to achieve this certification — providing enterprise security without sacrificing the responsiveness of a local partner. 

SOC 2 certification isn’t just a badge; it’s a promise to every client we serve.  It represents our commitment to operating at the highest possible standard of security and accountability. We went through this process because our clients deserve a partner they can trust completely, and because the businesses we serve increasingly need to demonstrate their own vendors meet rigorous compliance requirements,” said John Henberger, president/founder of Black Bottle IT.  

About Black Bottle IT 

Black Bottle IT is a full-service managed IT and security services provider serving businesses across the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond. With a focus on proactive security, reliable infrastructure, and responsive support, Black Bottle IT delivers enterprise-level technology solutions tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. The company’s SOC 2 certification reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting client data and operating with the highest standards of integrity and care. 

Contact us today to get started on your SOC 2 certification. 

Black Bottle IT Makes First Strategic Aquistion

Black Bottle IT Acquires Restart IT, Expanding Regional Managed Services and Cybersecurity Expertise 

Wexford-based MSP and Security Firm Strengthens Its Western Pennsylvania Footprint with Strategic Acquisition of Monroeville’s Restart IT 

WEXFORD, PA — Black Bottle IT (BlackBottleIT.com), a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Security Consultancy headquartered in Wexford, PA, today announced the acquisition of Restart IT (callrestart.com), a well-respected IT services firm based in Monroeville, PA. This strategic move deepens Black Bottle IT’s presence across the greater Pittsburgh region and reinforces its commitment to delivering comprehensive, security-first technology support to local businesses. 

As part of the acquisition, Restart IT founder Bob DiGioia will join the Black Bottle IT leadership team as Vice President, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Restart IT clients while bringing deep regional relationships and hands-on IT expertise to an already-strong team. 

Leadership Perspective 

“When we look at what Bob and the Restart IT team have built — the trust, the relationships, the genuine care for their clients — it perfectly mirrors what we stand for at Black Bottle IT. This isn’t just about growth; it’s about bringing together two teams that share the same values and the same mission: keeping businesses protected, productive, and prepared for whatever comes next. Restart IT clients are gaining access to an expanded depth of security expertise and around-the-clock support, and our team is gaining talented IT professionals who truly know this community.” 

— John Hensberger, Founder & President, Black Bottle IT 

What This Means for Clients 

The combined organization delivers a comprehensive service offering built around five core commitments: 

  • Proactive Protection, Not Reactive Fixes. Black Bottle IT monitors, protects, and advises client organizations around the clock — getting ahead of problems before they impact operations. 
  • Security at the Core. With today’s evolving cyber threat landscape, clients gain access to industry-leading security practices and compliance expertise designed to keep businesses safe and resilient. 
  • Depth of Expertise. A dedicated team of Level 1 and Level 2 support technicians, alongside security and compliance specialists, provides comprehensive, hands-on care for businesses of every size. 
  • Continuity You Can Count On. Restart IT’s client relationships and local familiarity, combined with Black Bottle IT’s proven security capabilities, means clients receive the best of both worlds — familiar faces backed by deeper resources. 
  • A True Strategic Partner. This team is committed to long-term partnership — not just a vendor you call when something breaks, but a forward-thinking ally invested in your business’s future. 

About Black Bottle IT 

Black Bottle IT is a Wexford, Pennsylvania-based Managed Service Provider and Security Consultancy with deep roots in the western Pennsylvania business community. Founded by John Hensberger, Black Bottle IT delivers proactive IT management, cybersecurity, and compliance solutions to businesses across the region. Learn more at BlackBottleIT.com. 

About Restart IT 

Restart IT is a Monroeville, Pennsylvania-based IT services company known for its personalized service and trusted client relationships throughout the Pittsburgh metro area. Founded by Bob DiGioia, Restart IT has built a strong reputation for responsive, practical technology support for local businesses. Learn more at callrestart.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Paulette Duderstadt 

Paulette.Duderstadt@BlackBottle.io 

We’re Joining the IPPA Spring Summit

Cyber Quiz by Black Bottle IT

Join Black Bottle IT at IPPA Spring Summit in Vegas!

We’re packing our bags and heading to the City of Lights! Black Bottle IT will be at the #IPPA2025 Spring Summit at Paris Las Vegas in just a few days, and we couldn’t be more excited to connect with payroll professionals like you.

Is your cybersecurity as lucky as finding a four-leaf clover? Or could your protection use a little more than luck? Either way, we’d love to chat about keeping your sensitive payroll data secure in today’s challenging threat landscape.

Visit us at Booth 112 where we’ll be handing out some lucky swag and sharing our expertise in cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for payroll companies.

Don’t leave your security to chance! Take our 10-Question Quiz to find our your rate your cyber posture – below average, average, about average.  

Stop by our booth to learn how Black Bottle IT can help protect your most valuable assets. We’d be “lucky” to connect with you and learn more about your business needs.

See you in Vegas! 🍀