TL;DR
SOC 2 is a compliance framework for service organizations that proves you protect customer data. It covers five trust service criteria: security (required), availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Enterprise customers commonly require SOC 2 reports before purchasing SaaS products. Getting certified involves implementing controls and passing an audit by a CPA firm.
The Simple Explanation
Enterprise customers want proof that your SaaS product is secure. SOC 2 is that proof. An independent auditor examines your security controls and issues a report. You share that report with customers during sales. It is the standard security checkbox for B2B SaaS.
Trust Service Criteria
| Criteria | Focus | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Protection against unauthorized access | Yes |
| Availability | System uptime and reliability | No |
| Processing Integrity | Data processing accuracy | No |
| Confidentiality | Protecting confidential information | No |
| Privacy | Personal data handling | No |
Type I vs Type II
Type I:
- Point-in-time assessment
- "Are controls designed correctly?"
- Faster to obtain (1-3 months)
- Good starting point
Type II:
- Period of time (3-12 months)
- "Did controls operate effectively?"
- More valuable to customers
- Usually required for enterprise deals
Common SOC 2 Controls
- Access control: Role-based access, MFA, access reviews
- Change management: Code reviews, deployment procedures
- Incident response: Documented procedures, testing
- Encryption: Data at rest and in transit
- Monitoring: Logging, alerting, log retention
- Vendor management: Third-party assessments
- Employee security: Background checks, training
SOC 2 is ongoing. After your first report, you need annual audits to maintain compliance. Set up continuous monitoring and evidence collection from the start.
Getting SOC 2 Certified
- Choose which trust service criteria to include
- Perform gap assessment against requirements
- Implement missing controls and policies
- Collect evidence of control operation
- Select and engage a CPA firm
- Complete the audit
- Receive your SOC 2 report
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I evaluates if controls are properly designed at a specific point in time. Type II evaluates if controls operated effectively over a period (usually 3-12 months). Type II is more valuable to customers because it shows sustained compliance, not just a snapshot.
How long does it take to get SOC 2 certified?
For Type I, typically 1-3 months if you already have controls in place. For Type II, add the observation period (usually 6-12 months) plus audit time. Total timeline is often 9-15 months for first Type II. Using compliance automation platforms can speed up preparation.
Which trust service criteria do I need?
Security is required for all SOC 2 reports. The other four (availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, privacy) are optional. Most SaaS companies include Security and Availability at minimum. Add others based on customer requirements and what data you handle.