SOC 2 audit and report, Type I and Type II
A SOC 2 report is an independent auditor's opinion on the controls that protect your customers' data, covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. If you sell software, a platform or infrastructure to enterprise customers, they will ask for one during procurement. Securance issues SOC 2 reports, recognized in Europe under ISAE 3000, from our own audit team in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 1,800+ audits performed, 20 years of experience.
1,800+ audits performed for organizations including Planday, Fujitsu and Axians
SOC 2 from a European issuer
SOC 2 is the American Institute of CPAs' framework for reporting on a service organization's security and data protection controls. In Europe, qualified auditors issue the equivalent report under the ISAE 3000 standard, covering the same Trust Services Criteria. Securance issues SOC 2 reports recognized by international customers, including US enterprises, so you do not need to engage a separate US CPA firm.
Your SOC 2 journey in phases
The five SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
A SOC 2 report is built around five Trust Services Criteria defined by the AICPA: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. Security is required in every SOC 2 report. The other four are added based on what your customers expect and the type of data you handle, so no two organizations' SOC 2 scope looks exactly the same.
- Security: controls that protect systems against unauthorized access
- Availability: controls that keep systems operational and accessible as agreed
- Processing integrity: controls that ensure system processing is complete, accurate and timely
- Confidentiality: controls that protect information designated as confidential
- Privacy: controls over the collection, use, retention and disposal of personal information
1,800+ audits. One SOC 2 process that works.
Give your clients and investors confidence that their data is protected by achieving SOC 2 with a European issuer. Our audit team and streamlined process help you meet rigorous standards for security, availability and privacy, often faster than a traditional audit. Beyond the core criteria, you can extend scope to processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy depending on what your customers require. You receive a SOC 2 report with a clear executive summary, proving your commitment to security and giving clients confidence.
What we stand for
We make sure you meet your goals, achieve compliance and improve your processes, so you can approach new customers with confidence.
Our standard plans are tailored to your industry and specific needs. Custom solutions are used only when truly necessary, saving you time and money.
We've completed 1,800+ audits and know the exceptions and pitfalls inside out, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Get the customers you want
You’re targeting corporate clients because that’s where you belong. But winning their trust means proving your credibility. Here's how.
Join the community of SOC 2 compliant organizations and showcase your commitment to excellence in security and data protection. A SOC 2 report provides trusted, independent assurance of your controls, strengthening confidence among clients and stakeholders.
Many organizations expect their suppliers and partners to meet strict security and industry standards. Achieving SOC 2 compliance gives your company a competitive edge, making you more attractive to clients who value data security and regulatory compliance.
Implementing SOC 2 helps organizations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. By adopting and maintaining the controls defined in the SOC 2 framework, companies reduce the likelihood of security incidents and protect their operations and reputation from potential harm.
SOC 2 compliance highlights a firm's dedication to strong corporate governance, proactive internal controls, risk management and data integrity. This commitment to transparency and accountability builds stakeholder confidence and reinforces the organization's reputation for excellence in security and data protection.
Choose the report that suits your needs the best
In a Type I audit, the auditor determines whether the risk management framework and control measures cover the normative framework (design) and exist at a specific point in time. To establish this, the auditor ‘walks through’ the processes, known as line controls.
Type I: an opinion of an external auditor on the controls placed in operation at a specific moment in time
In a Type II audit, the auditor assesses whether the control measures have been operating effectively over a minimum period of six months.
Type II: reports on the existence and suitability of the design and existence of controls and on the operating effectiveness of these controls in a predefined period of six months minimum.
Most organizations start with a Type I report to confirm their controls are designed correctly, then move to a Type II report once those controls have been running for at least six months. If your enterprise customers already require ongoing assurance, we can help you scope directly for Type II.
Download our SOC 2 guideSOC 2 vs SOC 1: which report do you need
SOC 2 applies when your services affect the security, availability or privacy of customer data, which is typical for SaaS, PaaS and IaaS providers. SOC 1 applies when your services affect a client's financial statements, such as payroll, claims processing or fund administration. Some organizations, including fintechs and platform providers, need both, and Securance can deliver a combined audit that reuses evidence across both reports.
SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: which should you get first
SOC 2 is an attestation report, most often requested by US and enterprise customers during procurement. ISO 27001 is a certification against an international information security management system standard, often expected by European and public sector buyers and by organizations bidding into regulated industries. Many growing SaaS companies eventually need both. Securance can reuse evidence across a SOC 2 and ISO 27001 engagement to reduce total effort and cost.
How much does a SOC 2 audit cost
SOC 2 audit cost depends on which Trust Services Criteria are in scope, the size and complexity of your environment, and whether you need a Type I or Type II report. Combining SOC 2 with ISO 27001 or with an ISAE 3000 based report in one engagement typically reduces total cost, since evidence is collected once and reused. Securance scopes your organization in the first phase of the process and provides a fixed, transparent proposal before any work begins.
Why Securance
Our roots lie in one of the Big Four, and many of our team members have worked there. We bring those high professional standards and proven ways of working, ready for you to benefit from.
Our experts are trained to the highest standards, not only in technical skills but also in communication, making them skilled professionals and great partners to work with.
Our processes scale to fit your organization's size and needs, delivering solutions at a price that fits your budget.
We understand your challenges and focus on your specific goals, so our solutions are a better fit.
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A SOC 2 report is an independent auditor's report on the controls a service organization has in place to protect customer data. It is built around the AICPA Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. SaaS, PaaS and IaaS providers use it to show enterprise customers that their data is protected.
Yes. In Europe, qualified auditors issue SOC 2 reports under the ISAE 3000 standard. These reports cover the same Trust Services Criteria and are accepted by international customers, including US enterprises. Securance issues SOC 2 Type I and Type II reports from its own audit team in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
A Type I report gives an auditor's opinion on whether controls are suitably designed and placed in operation at one point in time. A Type II report tests whether those controls operated effectively over a period of at least six months. Most enterprise buyers eventually require Type II.
The five Trust Services Criteria are security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. Security is required in every SOC 2 report; the other four are included based on which best match your customers' expectations and the data you handle.
SOC 2 applies when your services affect the security, availability or privacy of customer data, which is typical for SaaS, PaaS and IaaS providers. SOC 1 applies when your services affect a client's financial statements, such as payroll or fund administration. Some organizations need both, which Securance can deliver in one combined audit.
SOC 2 is an attestation report most often requested by US and enterprise customers during procurement, while ISO 27001 is a certification against an international management system standard, often expected by European and public sector buyers. Many growing SaaS companies eventually need both; Securance can reuse evidence across both engagements to reduce total effort.
A Type I report can typically be completed within a few months once scoping and control documentation are in place. A Type II report requires an observation period of at least six months before the auditor can test operating effectiveness. Securance uses a six phase process with a pre-audit walkthrough to keep the timeline predictable.
SOC 2 audit cost depends on which Trust Services Criteria are in scope, the size and complexity of your environment, and whether you need a Type I or Type II report. Combining SOC 2 with ISO 27001 or with an ISAE 3000 based report in one engagement typically reduces total cost. Securance scopes your organization first and provides a fixed, transparent proposal before any work begins.