If you’re a growing SaaS company, chances are you’ve heard about SOC 2. Maybe a prospect asked for your SOC 2 report during a sales call. Maybe your board is pushing for it. Either way, you’re here because you need to understand what SOC 2 really means for your business.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a framework developed by the AICPA for managing customer data based on five “Trust Services Criteria”: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
Unlike some compliance frameworks that are prescriptive about specific controls, SOC 2 is principles-based. This means you have flexibility in how you meet the criteria—but it also means you need to think carefully about what controls make sense for your organization.
Type I vs. Type II: What’s the Difference?
Type I examines your controls at a specific point in time. It answers the question: “Are these controls designed properly?”
Type II examines your controls over a period of time (typically 6-12 months). It answers the question: “Are these controls operating effectively?”
Most enterprise customers will eventually want to see a Type II report, but a Type I can be a good stepping stone—especially if you need to demonstrate compliance quickly.
The Real Timeline
Let’s be honest about timelines:
- Type I: 3-6 months from starting to audit completion
- Type II: 6-12 month audit period, plus preparation time
These timelines assume you’re starting with some foundational security practices in place. If you’re starting from scratch, add a few months for implementation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Trying to do it alone: Generic templates won’t cut it. Your controls need to reflect how your business actually operates.
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Underestimating evidence collection: You’ll need proof that your controls work. Start collecting evidence early.
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Ignoring the human element: Policies don’t mean anything if your team doesn’t follow them. Training and awareness matter.
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Waiting until the last minute: Auditors find issues. Build in time for remediation.
Getting Started
Ready to begin your SOC 2 journey? Here’s where to start:
- Understand your scope: What systems and data are in scope for your audit?
- Assess your current state: Where do you stand against the Trust Services Criteria?
- Build your roadmap: What gaps need to be addressed, and in what order?
- Implement and document: Put controls in place and document everything.
- Test and prepare: Validate your controls work before the auditor arrives.
How We Can Help
At SecureLabs, we’ve guided dozens of companies through their first SOC 2 audit. We know what auditors look for, and we know how to get you there efficiently.
Schedule a free assessment to see where you stand and get a realistic roadmap to certification.