Why you should care about SOC 2

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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If you sell software or services to other businesses, sooner or later a prospect’s security team will ask for your SOC 2 report. Here’s what that means and how to get there.

What SOC 2 is

An attestation report, issued by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA standards. It’s often called a “certification,” but strictly it’s an independent auditor’s opinion on your controls.
It covers one or more Trust Services Criteria: security (always required), availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.
There are two types. Type I assesses whether your controls are designed properly at a point in time. Type II tests whether they actually operated effectively over a period, usually 3 to 12 months.

Why you should care

It unblocks sales. Enterprise buyers increasingly require a SOC 2 report before signing, and it replaces long security questionnaires.
It builds trust. Customers get independent assurance that you protect their data.
It improves your security. Preparing forces clear ownership of access, change management, vendor risk and incident response.
It sets you apart. In a competitive deal, having the report ready can be the deciding factor.

Steps to get your SOC 2 report

Define your scope. Decide which systems, teams and Trust Services Criteria are included.
Run a readiness assessment. Compare current practices against the criteria to find the gaps.
Close the gaps. Write policies, implement controls, and set up evidence collection.
Choose your audit firm. Select a licensed CPA firm that fits your timeline and budget.
Decide on Type I or Type II. A Type I can satisfy an urgent deal while your Type II observation period runs.
Operate your controls. For Type II, run your controls consistently through the observation period.
Complete the audit. The auditor tests your controls and issues the report.
Maintain it. SOC 2 reports are typically renewed every year, so keep your controls running.

How Alameda Compliance can help

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Insights on Alameda Compliance

Why you should care about SOC 2

What SOC 2 is

Why you should care

Steps to get your SOC 2 report

How Alameda Compliance can help