Prepare for a SOC 2 audit

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2, derived from Service Organization Control, is a standard designed to provide confidence to customers by providing insight into the control measures and processes of IT service organizations. The process includes three phases: baseline assessment, SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2, assessing both the design and operation of the controls.

Importance for start-ups and scale-ups?

For start-ups and scale-ups, obtaining SOC 2 compliance is essential to gain customer trust and pursue new business opportunities. Without an SOC 2 compliance rating, potential customers may be hesitant to partner with your company, which can hinder growth.

Check out the benefits of SOC 2 compliance in our blog: SOC 2 for start ups as well as scale ups

How to prepare for a SOC 2 audit: 10 steps

Preparing for a SOC 2 audit can be a challenging process, but with the right steps, you can position your organization for success:

1. Define the scope of the audit, both for the system and the criteria.
2. Delve into the criteria and understand what is being tested.
3. Document formal procedures and processes and ensure compliance.
4. Create awareness within the organization about the importance of information security.
5. Enable accountability of measures through documentation.
6. Establish a detailed system description that meets all requirements.
7. Conduct an internal audit to identify and improve any gaps.
8. Follow up on recommendations from previous audits to encourage continuous improvement.
9. Create a file containing all relevant documentation for the audit.
10. Ensure availability of relevant knowledge and create a detailed schedule for the audit.
    
    

Looking for support with SOC 2 compliance?

If you need help preparing for a SOC 2 audit or want to learn more about how we can support your organization, contact our SOC 2 specialists.