SOC 2 audits help businesses demonstrate that they follow strong security and data management practices.
These audits are critical for organisations handling sensitive customer information and can be a requirement in industries such as SaaS, fintech, and cloud services.
This guide outlines what an audit involves, how to prepare, and the key requirements you must meet.
A SOC 2 audit is an independent assessment that reviews how well your organisation protects data. It measures internal controls against criteria covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Many service providers use a SOC 2 compliance audit to meet client expectations and verify that controls meet industry standards. Having this report in place signals that your business takes data protection seriously and can manage risks effectively. It is also a strong asset when competing for contracts that require formal compliance.
To understand how audits support broader compliance, learn more about SOC 2 compliance.
The audit process ensures your internal systems meet best practices and align with the Trust Services Criteria. Each stage of the SOC 2 compliance audit plays a role in identifying risks, addressing gaps, and proving that controls are operating as intended.
A readiness assessment reviews your existing systems and highlights where improvements are necessary. It is often the first step for organisations new to SOC 2.
By reviewing your documentation and processes early, you can address gaps before the formal audit.
You must implement and actively monitor controls that meet SOC 2 standards. These may include access controls, incident response policies, or data encryption. Ongoing monitoring helps prove that your controls remain effective.
Learn more about how to apply and maintain SOC 2 security controls for your business.
The auditor will confirm the audit scope, examine how your organisation applies its internal controls, and advise on factors that may affect your SOC 2 audit cost. They may request documents, system logs, or evidence of operational activity. Clear communication throughout the audit helps ensure timely results.
Once complete, your auditor will provide a detailed report. This document outlines your control environment and notes any exceptions. Clients and stakeholders use the report to assess your risk posture and compliance level.
This process provides a structured way to evaluate your systems and strengthen your security practices.
SOC 2 audits come in two types. Both follow the same principles, but they measure your controls over different time frames.
SOC 2 Type 1 focuses on the design of your controls at a specific point. It confirms that the necessary policies and systems are in place.
SOC 2 Type 2 evaluates how those controls perform over time, ensuring security measures remain effective and providing greater assurance to clients.
SOC 2 Type 1 is suited for businesses that are new to compliance and want to show that controls are set up correctly.
SOC 2 Type 2 is preferred by organisations with established processes that need to prove they work reliably, even though it may involve a higher SOC 2 audit cost due to its extended timeframe.
The best option depends on your business goals and what your clients expect.
SOC 2 audits test how well your organisation meets core compliance requirements. These areas are designed to evaluate your ability to protect data and maintain system availability.
The five Trust Services Criteria include security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Each one plays a role in ensuring your systems are secure and reliable.
Your organisation must document how it manages risks, grants system access, and secures information. Auditors expect to see policies and procedures that are current and consistently followed.
Auditors will request evidence that shows how your systems operate. This may include access logs, monitoring reports, or process records. You should define a clear audit scope to make the process manageable and aligned with your business activities.
Explore the benefits of SOC 2 certification to see why these requirements matter to clients.
Understanding these requirements helps your business prepare properly and avoid delays.
SOC 2 audits are not only for large companies. Small businesses can also benefit by showing that they follow best practices in data management and information security.
Many small businesses handle sensitive client data or work with enterprise partners. An audit for small businesses can help win contracts and strengthen your reputation. It shows that you are serious about protecting customer information.
Audits can be scaled to match your organisation’s size. You can define a focused audit scope based on your systems and available resources. This helps small businesses stay compliant without overextending.
Small teams often struggle with limited time and technical knowledge. We support you through each step of the audit process, from gap assessments to evidence collection. Our experience helps reduce complexity and ensure you are well prepared.
A SOC 2 audit for small businesses provides a practical path to compliance, offering long-term value through improved credibility, client trust, and operational maturity.
We provide full audit support to help you meet SOC 2 standards. Our services are designed to guide your team at every stage.
We begin with a readiness check to review your current processes and highlight any issues. This allows your business to fix potential weaknesses before the audit begins.
Our team supports you across the full SOC 2 compliance audit process. We assist with policy updates, control implementation, and audit documentation. This approach ensures your systems stay aligned with evolving compliance needs.
We help coordinate the audit, respond to auditor requests, and manage timelines. After the audit, we offer guidance to resolve any findings and maintain your control environment.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our SOC 2 certification services for hands-on audit support. With our structured support, your business can achieve audit success with less disruption.
A SOC 2 audit assesses your controls at a point in time or over a defined period. A compliance audit refers to the ongoing activities needed to keep those controls effective.
The SOC 2 audit cost depends on the audit scope, timeline, and size of your business. Small organisations can expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 for an initial audit.
The Type 2 audit includes a review of your internal controls over several months. It covers control design, evidence review, and detailed reporting by a licensed auditor.
Start by reviewing your policies, implementing core controls, and conducting a readiness assessment. Make sure your documentation is complete and up to date.
Yes. A SOC 2 audit provides independent verification of your practices. It helps build trust with clients and shows that your systems meet formal standards.
