Achieving SOC 2 Compliance

For managed service providers and security-focused organizations, SOC 2 compliance isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s foundational.

Whether you’re supporting regulated industries, managing sensitive client data, or simply trying to close deals faster, SOC 2 demonstrates that your security practices are built on trust, transparency, and operational maturity.

This guide walks you through the full SOC 2 journey, from readiness assessments and control design to audit, reporting, and ongoing compliance.

What Does It Mean to Be SOC 2 Compliant?

SOC 2 compliance means your organization has implemented and documented controls that align with the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria, including:

• Security (required)
  
• Availability
  
• Processing Integrity
  
• Confidentiality
  
• Privacy
  

SOC 2 isn’t a certification, it’s a third-party attestation. An independent auditor verifies whether your policies, systems, and practices meet these standards, and documents the results in a formal SOC 2 report.

Why SOC 2 Compliance Is a Competitive Advantage

Achieving SOC 2 signals to clients and partners that you take data protection seriously. It creates tangible business value:

• Builds Trust – Shows that your security posture is mature, verified, and auditable
  
• Accelerates Sales Cycles – Reduces back-and-forth in vendor reviews and security questionnaires
  
• Supports Enterprise Deals – Meets the requirements of larger clients and regulated industries
  
• Reduces Churn Risk – Gives existing clients confidence in your long-term compliance and security practices
  

Your SOC 2 Compliance Roadmap

Follow these steps to reach, and maintain, SOC 2 compliance:

1. Readiness Assessment
   Evaluate which Trust Services Criteria apply. Review your current environment to identify policy gaps, control weaknesses, and documentation needs.
   
2. Control Design and Documentation
   Draft the necessary policies and procedures. Assign ownership and timelines for implementing controls like onboarding, access review, and incident response.
   
3. System Scoping
   Define which systems, tools, vendors, and environments are included in the audit. Document any subservice organizations and their impact on your controls.
   
4. Control Implementation
   Put the controls into action, technical (e.g., MFA, logging, encryption) and procedural (e.g., HR checklists, vendor reviews, change management).
   
5. Evidence Collection and Testing
   Collect documentation, logs, screenshots, and artifacts that demonstrate your controls are in place. Conduct internal testing or a mock audit if needed.
   
6. Formal SOC 2 Audit (Type I or II)
   Engage a licensed CPA or audit firm to conduct the SOC 2 assessment.
   
   • Type I validates control design.
     
   • Type II validates both design and operational effectiveness over a 3–12 month period.
     
7. Post-Audit Remediation and Maintenance
   Address any findings or control gaps. Set up a process for continuous monitoring and ensure your controls are maintained ahead of annual renewals.
   

SOC 2 Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Avoid these common challenges during your compliance journey:

• Lack of Documentation
  Even well-implemented controls can fail an audit if they aren’t formally documented.
  
• Undefined Control Ownership
  Assign specific responsibilities for each control, ambiguity leads to missed deadlines and audit delays.
  
• Shadow IT and Visibility Gaps
  Untracked tools or infrastructure can expose risk and create audit friction.
  
• Unprepared Teams
  Team members should understand and follow documented processes, they may be interviewed by auditors.
  
• Manual Evidence Collection
  Gathering logs and documentation from scattered systems wastes time and increases the risk of inconsistency. Automation is key.
  

Frequently Asked Questions About SOC 2 Compliance