The Basics: What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is an independent audit report that evaluates how a company protects customer data. Developed by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), it has become the gold standard for security in the B2B and SaaS industries.
Is SOC 2 a certification?
Technically, no. Unlike ISO 27001, SOC 2 is an attestation report. An auditor doesn't just hand you a badge; they provide a detailed document expressing their professional opinion on whether your security controls are designed properly and working effectively.
What does the audit actually evaluate?
The framework is built around five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
- • Security (The Mandatory Core): Protection against unauthorized access and breach-points.
- • Availability: Ensuring your systems are up and running as promised.
- • Processing Integrity: Confirming that data processing is accurate and authorized.
- • Confidentiality: Protecting data that is restricted to a specific set of people.
- • Privacy: How you handle personal information (PII).
Most companies start with just the "Security" criteria. You can add the others based on your specific business needs or customer demands.
SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: Which do you need?
You will hear these two terms often. The difference comes down to time.
- • SOC 2 Type I: Evaluates your controls at a specific point in time. It proves you have a solid plan in place today. It's faster to get, but less comprehensive.
- • SOC 2 Type II: Evaluates how those controls perform over an observation period (usually 3 to 12 months).
👉 The Bottom Line: Most enterprise customers eventually require a SOC 2 Type II because it proves you don't just have policies on paper, you actually follow them.
Timeline and Project Phases
How long does it take? For a typical startup or mid-sized company, the journey looks like this:
Readiness & Remediation (1–4 months)
You identify gaps in your current setup, write policies, and fix technical vulnerabilities.
Observation Period (3–12 months)
For a Type II report, the auditor watches your controls in action. Most startups opt for a 3-month window to start.
The Audit (1–6 weeks)
The auditor reviews your evidence, interviews your team, and drafts the final report.
Ongoing Maintenance
SOC 2 isn't a "one and done." You'll need to renew it annually to maintain trust.
💡 Pro Tip: To speed things up, ensure your infrastructure is stable. Frequent major changes to your tech stack during an audit can cause delays.
Budgeting for SOC 2: What Does It Actually Cost?
Compliance doesn't need to cost six figures. According to our blog article "What is SOC 2 cost?", small businesses can stay compliant for around $10,000 per year by taking a lean approach.
The Cost Breakdown
- • The Audit: For a small business, expect to budget $6,000–$7,000 for the official audit. Type II audits are more expensive than Type I because of the extended review period.
- • Implementation: Hiring a consultant can run you $50,000+, while automation platforms often cost around $10,000.
- • Penetration Testing: While not required for SOC 2, a manual test is a great security investment as you scale. Budget at least $5,000 if you choose to do one.
- • Security Training: You don't need expensive suites; $100/month or free resources are usually sufficient for early-stage teams.
The "Hidden" Cost: Internal Time
The biggest expense isn't the auditor's fee, it's internal distraction. Without a streamlined process, a CTO or Lead Engineer can spend months acting as a part-time compliance manager, chasing down screenshots and logs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is penetration testing required?
No. While many companies choose to do a pen test as a best practice, it is not a formal requirement for SOC 2 compliance.
SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: Which is better?
- • Choose SOC 2 if your customers are primarily in North America. It is the standard language of trust for US-based enterprise deals.
- • Choose ISO 27001 if you are focusing on international or European markets, as it is a globally recognized certification.
Can SOC 2 help us close deals?
Absolutely. A SOC 2 report is often a prerequisite for passing vendor security reviews. Having it ready can turn a "maybe" into a "yes" and significantly shorten your sales cycle by removing security hurdles upfront.
How Probo Simplifies Your SOC 2 Journey
Compliance shouldn't be a full-time job for your engineering team. Probo provides a "done-for-you" service that combines expert guidance with a powerful compliance platform.
- • Custom Programs: We design security controls that fit your actual workflow, not a generic template.
- • Automation: Our platform centralizes evidence and policy management, so you aren't chasing down screenshots.
- • Full Audit Management: We handle the coordination with auditors from start to finish.
- • Zero Distraction: We tell your team exactly what is needed and nothing more, keeping your product roadmap on track.
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