SOC 2
Demonstrating Trust for Service Organizations.
Developed by the AICPA, SOC 2 is an auditing standard for service organizations to report on controls they have in place to protect customer data. It is the predominant framework for demonstrating security in North America.
A SOC 2 report is tailored to the specific needs of each organization. Depending on which of the five trust service principles the report covers, it can be used to demonstrate compliance with a wide range of security and privacy requirements.
- Type: Security Framework
- Core Idea: Trust Services Criteria
- Key Elements: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy
Core Components
Understanding the structure of SOC 2.
Applicability
Any service organization that stores, processes, or transmits customer data (e.g., SaaS, cloud hosting).
Status
Voluntary, but a de facto mandatory requirement for selling to mid-market and enterprise customers in the US & Canada.
Core Requirement
Adherence to one or more of the five Trust Services Criteria: Security (mandatory), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
Output
A detailed attestation report (Type I or Type II) from a CPA firm describing controls and their effectiveness.
Perception
The undisputed standard for service organization security in North America. A critical sales enablement tool.
Implementation & Strategy
Costs, timelines, and strategic considerations for adopting SOC 2.
Estimated Project Costs
SOC 2 certification costs can vary widely, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. A small organization might spend between $20,000 and $50,000, while a mid-sized organization could spend between $50,000 and $150,000. Large, enterprise-level organizations can exceed $150,000.
Implementation Strategy
A typical SOC 2 implementation starts with a readiness assessment to identify the organization's current security posture. From there, the organization can develop a remediation plan and implement the necessary controls. The final step is to undergo a formal audit by a CPA firm.
Comparisons
How SOC 2 stacks up against other security frameworks.