SOC 2

SOC 2 is a widely recognised information security and data protection framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It provides a framework for designing, implementing and operating controls that protect customer data based on defined Trust Services Criteria.

SOC 2 is important because it helps organisations:

• Protect customer data from unauthorised access and security incidents
• Demonstrate strong security and risk management practices
• Provide assurance to customers, partners and stakeholders
• Meet procurement and compliance expectations, particularly in the US market

By achieving a SOC 2 report, organisations demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting customer data and operating effective, well governed security controls.

Although ISO 27001 is widely recognised as a leading standard for information security, some enterprise customers (particularly in the US) may still require SOC 2. SOC 2 provides an independent assessment of operational controls and data protection practices. This is why larger tech companies often aim to have both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance.

No, SOC 2 is not legally required. It is a voluntary compliance framework designed to demonstrate that an organisation has effective controls to protect customer data. However, it can be requested by customers, particularly in the US.

• Customer Confidence: Compliance demonstrates that your organisation follows recognised controls to protect sensitive data
• Demonstrates Mature Security Governance: SOC 2 shows that your policies, processes, and controls are not ad hoc but formally designed, implemented, and operating effectively
• Process Transparency: Provides clear visibility into how data is handled, stored, and processed.
• Supports compliance with other frameworks: SOC 2 aligns closely with other security standards, including HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR, and Cyber Essentials, making it a strong foundation for broader compliance efforts.
• Business Growth Opportunities: Many US based enterprise customers require SOC 2 as part of vendor due diligence. Having a SOC 2 report ready can significantly reduce security questionnaires and sales cycle time.

The process includes a gap analysis, implementation of controls, internal audits, and an external certification audit conducted by an accredited certification body.

• Define Scope and Trust Services Criteria - Determine which systems, services and Trust Services Criteria will be included. From the criteria, Security is required and others are included based on your business' needs.
• Readiness Assessment and Gap Analysis - Compare current controls and practices against the selected criteria to identify missing or weak controls. Plan remediation and documentation.
• Implement Controls and Document Policies - Put in place the technical and procedural controls needed and formalise policies and procedures. Begin collecting evidence of how controls operate in practice.
• Observation Period (for Type II only) - For SOC 2 Type II reports, operate and monitor controls over a defined period (typically 3-12 months) to produce evidence of their ongoing effectiveness. Type I does not require this period and focuses on design.
• Audit and Evidence Review - A CPA firm or agency accredited by the AICPA conducts the audit, reviews collected evidence, tests controls, and may interview personnel to ensure documentation aligns with practice.
• Report Issuance - The auditor finalises the SOC 2 report, which includes the management assertion, system description and auditor's opinion. This report is shared with stakeholders as proof of compliance.

Use the Assuric platform to achieve all of the above in record time.