SOC2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for service organizations to demonstrate their security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy controls.
Unlike SOC1, which focuses on financial reporting controls, SOC2 is specifically designed for technology and cloud service providers to demonstrate their operational controls to customers and stakeholders.
SOC2 is built around five Trust Services Criteria, though organizations typically focus on the first two:
Protection against unauthorized access, both physical and logical. Includes access controls, system monitoring, and incident response.
System availability for operation and use as committed or agreed. Includes system monitoring, capacity planning, and disaster recovery.
System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized. Includes data validation and processing controls.
Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed. Includes data classification and handling procedures.
Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of in conformity with the commitments in the entity's privacy notice. Includes privacy notice compliance and data subject rights.
Define the system boundaries, services, and Trust Services Criteria to be included in the assessment.
Assess current controls against SOC2 requirements and identify gaps that need to be addressed.
Implement missing controls, update policies and procedures, and establish monitoring mechanisms.
Test control effectiveness, gather evidence, and prepare comprehensive documentation for the audit.
Engage a CPA firm to conduct the SOC2 audit and issue the final report.
Get expert guidance on SOC2 implementation and certification.
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