SOC 2 certification is a vital credential for organisations committed to safeguarding sensitive customer data and ensuring secure, reliable, and compliant operations.
It involves meeting stringent criteria related to security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy.
SOC 2 certification demonstrates your company’s dedication to protecting both internal and customer data while maintaining trust in your operations.
To understand how the SOC 2 certification process works, refer to our SOC 2 Audit Framework Services.
SOC 2 is part of the broader SOC (System and Organisation Controls) reporting framework, specifically designed to assess the effectiveness of a company’s internal controls related to five key Trust Service Criteria:
SOC 2 Type 2 focuses on evaluating the operational effectiveness of these controls over a period, typically six to twelve months. This ongoing assessment differentiates it from SOC 2 Type 1, which only reviews the design of controls at a specific point in time.
SOC 2 Type 1 audits assess the design of your security controls at a specific point in time, while SOC 2 Type 2 audits evaluate both the design and operational effectiveness of those controls over a defined period.
SOC 2 Type 2 certification is generally more comprehensive and often involves higher costs, but it provides a more complete assurance of your security measures.
For more details, see our guide on SOC 2 Type 2.
For organisations looking to demonstrate continuous compliance and reliability, SOC 2 Type II certification is generally the preferred option.
However, if your organisation is newly implementing security controls, a Type I audit may be sufficient to prove the adequacy of your design at a specific point in time.
To achieve SOC 2 certification, an organisation must demonstrate the operational effectiveness of its internal controls over time, as defined by the Trust Service Criteria.
This includes regular reviews and updates to security protocols and documentation, as well as conducting regular internal audits and risk assessments. Organisations must also maintain detailed records and adhere to privacy and confidentiality agreements.
For a comparison between SOC 2 certification requirements and ISMS-based frameworks, see What is ISMS?.
SOC 2 requires comprehensive documentation of internal controls, including:
This SOC 2 certification requirement serves as evidence of compliance and helps auditors evaluate your organisation’s security practices during the certification process.
The SOC 2 certification process generally involves several stages:
1. Readiness Assessment: A pre-audit to assess gaps in security controls and determine your organisation’s compliance with SOC 2 certification requirements.
2. Audit Planning: Working with your SOC 2 auditor certification to define the scope and timeline of the audit.
3. Audit Execution: The auditor will assess the effectiveness of your controls, typically over a 6-12 month period.
4. Final Report: The auditor provides a report that outlines the effectiveness of your controls and whether your organisation meets SOC 2 compliance requirements.
Engaging an experienced and certified SOC 2 auditor is crucial to completing the SOC 2 certification process.
Your auditor will help guide you through the process, ensuring that your internal controls are up to standard and assisting with any improvements required.
The SOC 2 certification cost can vary based on several factors, such as:
SOC 2 certification timelines can vary based on the audit type and the readiness of your organisation. A SOC 2 Type I audit may take several months, while a SOC 2 Type II audit typically requires 6 to 12 months to evaluate the effectiveness of controls over time.
For a detailed breakdown, see our full guide on SOC 2 Costs.
A qualified SOC 2 auditor must have extensive experience with SOC 2 compliance requirements, deep knowledge of your industry’s regulatory environment, and a comprehensive understanding of the Trust Service Criteria.
They should also be able to provide clear guidance throughout the process and help your organisation understand the necessary steps to achieve compliance.
Engaging an experienced and certified SOC 2 auditor is crucial to completing the SOC 2 certification process.
An independent auditor can also help identify areas for improvement and offer recommendations for optimising security and compliance efforts.
At Sustainable Certification, we provide expert guidance to help you achieve SOC 2 certification. We ensure no unexpected hitches, giving you peace of mind and making sure your certification journey is smooth and efficient.
We take the hassle out of the process, ensuring that you meet SOC 2 compliance requirements with minimal stress and full confidence.
SOC 2 Certification is a standard for managing sensitive customer data, particularly for service organisations that handle data in sectors like SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and cloud services. It demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to security and privacy.
SOC 2 certification costs vary based on the scope of the audit and the size of the organisation. On average, the cost of a SOC 2 audit ranges from $10,000 to $40,000, with additional costs for ongoing surveillance audits.
The main requirements include demonstrating operational effectiveness of your security controls over time, maintaining clear documentation, and meeting the five Trust Service Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
SOC 2 certification can take anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the audit type and the readiness of the organisation.
SOC 2 Type I audits assess the design of controls at a specific point in time, while SOC 2 Type II audits assess both the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a defined period.