What is SOC 2? All You Need to Be Compliant

What is SOC 2? All You Need to Be Compliant

Protecting customer data isn’t just a technical responsibility, responsibility; it’s a business imperative. With cybersecurity threats growing in both frequency and sophistication, organizations are under increasing pressure to prove that their systems and processes are secure. That’s where SOC 2 compliance comes in. 

A SOC 2 report demonstrates that your organization has the right controls in place to safeguard customer data. It validates to clients, partners, and regulators that your systems are managed securely, consistently, and in alignment with industry best practices. 

Whether you’re preparing for your first SOC 2 examination or completing your annual examination,ation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about what SOC 2 compliance is, how it works, and what it takes to get there. 

What is SOC 2? 

The Service Organization Control (SOC) framework was established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in 2011 to standardize how service providers demonstrate data protection and operational reliability. 

SOC 2 specifically focuses on the controls that affect security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy; known collectively as the Trust Services Criteria. 

In simpler terms, a SOC 2 report evaluates how your organization protects customer information and ensures your systems operate securely and reliably.

SOC 1 vs. SOC 2 vs. SOC 3  

While these reports are related, they serve distinct purposes: 

• SOC 1: Evaluates controls relevant to financial reporting. 

• SOC 2: Evaluates controls related to operational and data security to support users’ vendor risk management needs. 

• SOC 3: A public summary of the same content as a SOC 2 report designed for broad distribution. 

If your business provides technology services, especially SaaS, cloud hosting, managed IT, or financial technology, SOC 2 is the gold standard for building trust and demonstrating accountability. 

Types of SOC 2 Reports  

SOC 2 compliance comes in two forms, depending on how deep the audit goes and what it measures.  

SOC 2 Type 1 Report 

A Type 1 report assesses the design and implementation of your organization’s controls at a specific point in time. Think of it as a snapshot; it shows whether your controls are properly designed, but doesn’t verify how they perform over time. 

SOC 2 Type 2 Report 

A Type 2 report evaluates both the design and operating effectiveness of your controls over an extended period, usually six to twelve months. This is the most comprehensive level of assurance and is typically required by clients and partners. 

Most organizations start with a Type 1 report to validate readiness, then progress to Type 2 once controls are consistently in place. 

Learn more about achieving your SOC 2 Report with confidence. 

Benefits of a SOC 2 Examination 

Achieving SOC 2 compliance goes far beyond checking a compliance box. It’s a strategic investment in your organization’s credibility, resilience, and growth. 

Key benefits include: 

• Enhanced client trust: Demonstrate your commitment to protecting sensitive data. 

• Competitive advantage: Stand out in RFPs and vendor assessments. 

• Risk reduction: Identify and mitigate internal vulnerabilities early. 

• Regulatory alignment: Align with privacy and data security frameworks like HIPAA, ISO, and GDPR. 

• Operational efficiency: Establish repeatable, well-documented security processes. 

For many service organizations, SOC 2 examinations become the foundation of their security and compliance posture. 

What are the SOC 2 compliance requirements? 

SOC 2 compliance is based on five Trust Services Criteria (TSC) developed by the AICPA: 

1. Security: Protecting information and systems from unauthorized access and breaches. 

1. Availability: Ensuring systems are operational and accessible as promised. 

1. Processing Integrity: Guaranteeing that system processing is complete, accurate, and authorized. 

1. Confidentiality: Protecting information designated as confidential from unauthorized disclosure. 

1. Privacy: Managing personal data according to defined privacy principles. 

Organizations can choose which TSCs apply to their operations, but security is mandatory for all SOC 2 audits. 

Related Reading: Updated SOC 2 Certification 

What is the Process for a SOC 2 Examination? 

The SOC 2 process follows a structured approach that typically includes: 

Readiness Assessment: Before your official examination, a readiness assessment identifies control gaps, missing policies, and process weaknesses. 
→ Begin with a SOC 2 Readiness Assessment to set a strong foundation. 

Remediation: Address any findings by implementing the required controls, documentation, and monitoring mechanisms. 

Audit Fieldwork: Your auditor reviews evidence, interviews stakeholders, and tests control performance. 

Report Issuance: After testing, the auditor issues your SOC 2 Type 1 or Type 2 report summarizing findings, control effectiveness, and provides an opinion on the design and operating effectiveness of controls. 

Continuous Monitoring: SOC 2 is not a one-time exercise. Maintaining compliance requires ongoing monitoring and annual reassessment. 

Best Practices for a Successful SOC 2 Audit 

• Start early: Begin planning at least 6–9 months before your desired audit date. 

• Document everything: Policies, procedures, and system configurations should be clearly outlined. 

• Assign ownership: Each control should have a responsible individual and department. 

• Automate where possible: Use tools to streamline evidence collection and monitoring. 

• Engage a qualified auditor: Choose a CPA firm experienced in SOC 2 that has passed peer review by a reputable peer reviewer, not just the lowest-cost provider. 

• Leverage continuous testing: Integrate vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and internal audits into your security program. 

Explore our guide: Future Trends in SOC 2 Compliance