SOC 2 Compliance Services
SOC 2 has become the standard security certification for B2B technology companies. Enterprise customers require it. Investors expect it. We help companies achieve SOC 2 certification efficiently—as part of building security programs that actually reduce risk, not just check compliance boxes.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a compliance framework developed by the AICPA that evaluates how organizations protect customer data. Unlike compliance frameworks that dictate specific controls, SOC 2 is principles-based—it evaluates whether your controls achieve security objectives.
The Five Trust Service Criteria:
- Security (required): Protection against unauthorized access
- Availability: System uptime and accessibility commitments
- Processing Integrity: Accurate and complete data processing
- Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information
- Privacy: Personal information handling practices
Most companies start with Security as the sole criterion, adding others based on customer requirements or business needs.
Type I vs. Type II:
- Type I: Evaluates control design at a single point in time. Faster to achieve but less valuable to customers.
- Type II: Evaluates both design and operating effectiveness over a period (typically 6-12 months). What enterprise customers actually require.
Enterprise buyers almost always require Type II because it demonstrates controls work consistently, not just on audit day.
Why SOC 2 Matters Now
Enterprise Sales Require It: SOC 2 has become table stakes for selling to enterprise customers. Security questionnaires ask for it. Vendor risk teams require it. Without SOC 2, you're either excluded from RFPs or stuck in endless security review cycles.
Investor Expectations: VCs and PE firms increasingly expect portfolio companies to achieve SOC 2. It demonstrates operational maturity and reduces due diligence friction during funding rounds or exits.
Competitive Differentiation: In crowded markets, SOC 2 certification differentiates you from competitors still answering "no" on security questionnaires. It can accelerate sales cycles and increase win rates.
Cyber Insurance: Insurers are tightening requirements. SOC 2 certification demonstrates the controls that help you obtain and maintain coverage at reasonable premiums.
Foundation for Other Frameworks: SOC 2 controls map well to ISO 27001, HIPAA, and other frameworks. Achieving SOC 2 first creates a foundation for additional certifications with less incremental effort.
Our Approach to SOC 2
We approach SOC 2 as one component of comprehensive security program development—not isolated compliance theater. This means your SOC 2 controls actually reduce risk, not just satisfy auditors.
Gap Assessment & Readiness We evaluate your current state against SOC 2 requirements:
- What controls exist and what's missing?
- What policies and procedures need development?
- What evidence collection processes are needed?
- What's the realistic timeline to audit readiness?
Control Design & Implementation We help you build controls that work for your organization:
- Practical policies teams will actually follow
- Technical controls appropriate for your architecture
- Evidence collection that doesn't create operational burden
- Controls designed to satisfy multiple frameworks where possible
Audit Preparation & Coordination We prepare you for successful audits:
- Pre-audit readiness assessments
- Evidence collection and organization
- Auditor coordination and communication
- Remediation support for any identified gaps
Ongoing Compliance SOC 2 isn't one-and-done:
- Continuous monitoring of control effectiveness
- Annual audit preparation and support
- Control updates as your environment evolves
- Expansion to additional criteria as needed
Realistic SOC 2 Timelines
First-Time SOC 2 Type II: 9-15 months total
- Gap assessment and remediation planning: 2-4 weeks
- Control implementation and policy development: 2-4 months
- Observation period (Type II requirement): 6-12 months
- Audit and report issuance: 4-6 weeks
Accelerated Path (Type I First): Some companies achieve Type I quickly (3-4 months) to satisfy immediate customer requirements, then convert to Type II over the following observation period.
Factors That Affect Timeline:
- Current security maturity (more mature = faster)
- Complexity of environment (cloud-native is typically simpler)
- Resource availability for control implementation
- Auditor availability and scheduling
We're direct about realistic timelines. If a customer needs your SOC 2 report in 90 days and you're starting from scratch, that's not achievable for Type II. We'll help you develop interim solutions while building toward full certification.
Common SOC 2 Questions
How much does SOC 2 certification cost?
Total cost varies significantly based on your current state and complexity. Audit fees typically range from $20K-$50K for Type II. Implementation costs (consulting, tools, personnel time) can range from $50K-$200K+ depending on gaps. We help you understand true costs upfront and find efficient paths to certification.
Can we achieve SOC 2 without a full-time security person?
Yes. Many companies achieve and maintain SOC 2 with fractional CISO support. We provide the security leadership and expertise; your team handles day-to-day operations with our guidance. This is often more efficient than hiring full-time for the compliance sprint.
What's the difference between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
SOC 2 is US-centric and evaluates controls against trust service criteria. ISO 27001 is international and certifies your Information Security Management System (ISMS). Many companies do both—SOC 2 for US customers, ISO 27001 for international or enterprise customers. Controls overlap significantly, so pursuing both is more efficient than doing them separately.
Which auditor should we use?
Auditor selection matters. We help you evaluate auditors based on industry experience, timeline flexibility, communication style, and cost. We maintain relationships with quality auditors and can help you find the right fit.
What if we fail the audit?
Audits don't pass or fail in a binary sense. Auditors issue reports with opinions on your controls. If significant issues are found, they're documented as exceptions. We work with you throughout the process to identify and remediate issues before they become audit exceptions.
Ready to Start Your SOC 2 Journey?
Let's discuss your timeline, requirements, and the most efficient path to certification.