ROAD TO COMPLIANCE

STEP-BY-STEP SOC 2 GUIDE

Download our step-by-step guide to SOC 2 compliance! Find out more about the SOC 2 standard and the Trust Services Criteria. Learn how to prepare the scope of your SOC 2 project, and the project phase of a SOC 2 implementation and audit.

Step-by-step Guide SOC 2

ASSURANCE | SOC 2

SOC 2 COMPLIANCE

Reassure your clients and investors that their data is in safe hands by obtaining a SOC 2 assessment report from the European leading issuer.

Leveraging our skilled auditing team and highly efficient compliance management strategy, we ensure a streamlined path toward SOC 2 compliance, completing the process in a fraction of the time compared to other auditors.

Initiate your journey toward SOC 2 compliance today, gaining a competitive advantage, accelerating deal closures, and securing more business opportunities.

SOC 2 Certificate

SOC 2 REPORTS

Becoming SOC 2 compliant plays a pivotal role in instilling trust and confidence among your clients. The market indicates that clients and partners prioritize providers who can demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of data security and integrity.

The primary criteria essential for SOC 2 compliance are the Security and Availability criteria, collectively referred to as the Common Criteria. Additionally, there is an option to include criteria for processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Incorporating these elements, especially when handling sensitive customer data, ensures that your organization is prepared to meet evolving security challenges and adhere to industry standards.

After completing the implementation and auditing process with Securance, your organization will receive a SOC 2 report that articulates your commitment to security and compliance. The SOC 2 report includes an executive summary, providing a high-level overview of the audit process and key findings. It also delves into the specific controls and procedures implemented in response to each Trust Services Criterion. This detailed breakdown offers both your organization and its clients a clear understanding of the security measures in place.

SOC 2 Report Cover

KEY BENEFITS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

Why SOC 2?

Outsourcing the processing or hosting of data requires third-party assurance of security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy of data. SOC 2 audits are external confirmations that these criteria are met.

Many organizations require their suppliers and partners to adhere to certain security and industry standards. Achieving SOC 2 compliance gives your company a competitive advantage, making it more appealing to potential clients who prioritize data security and compliance.

The SOC 2 implementation process helps identify and mitigate risks associated with information security. By implementing and following the controls outlined in the SOC 2 framework, a company can reduce the likelihood of security incidents and the potential impact on its operations and reputation.

Audits performed by our group company Certicus will help you to continuously improve procedures and reduce the interruption of business operations by multiple user organization audits. 

The difference between

soc 1 AND soc 2

SOC1

SOC2

SCOPE

SOC 1 focuses on controls relevant to financial reporting.
It is designed for service organizations whose activities impact their clients’ financial statements.

SOC 2 always addresses the security and availability criteria within its scope. The criteria of processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy are optional. 

APPLICABILITY

Relevant for service organizations that handle financial transactions or impact the financial reporting of their clients.

Applicable to any organization storing or processing customer data, particularly in the technology and SaaS sectors.

CRITERIA

SOC 1 follows the criteria set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and focuses on controls relevant to financial reporting, such as transaction accuracy and completeness.

SOC 2 follows the Trust Service Criteria developed by the AICPA. These include security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The emphasis is on ensuring the overall security and reliability of systems, not just financial controls.

CLIENT IMPACT

For clients seeking assurance about the accuracy of financial data, SOC 1 is crucial. It proves that the service organization’s controls adequately protect the integrity of financial information.

Clients concerned about the security and privacy of their data, find reassurance in SOC 2. This framework assures robust measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Report Types

Typically results in a Type I or Type II report. Type I evaluates the suitability of design and existence of controls at a specific point in time, while Type II assesses the effectiveness of controls over a period.
Also generates Type I and Type II reports, with Type II being more comprehensive as it evaluates the operational effectiveness and existence of controls over time.

Audience

The primary audience includes stakeholders concerned with financial reporting, such as external auditors, regulators, and clients relying on the services.
Targeted at a similar audience, including clients, business partners, and stakeholders interested in the security and privacy practices of the service organization.

Industry Focus

Commonly requested in industries with a focus on financial services and outsourcing.
Prevalent in technology, cloud computing, and SaaS industries, where data security and privacy are critical considerations.

Trust Service Criteria SOC1

Focuses on controls related to financial statement assertions, including the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of financial transactions.

Trust Service Criteria SOC2

Concentrates on controls ensuring the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of information systems and data.

Report Types SOC1

Typically results in a Type I or Type II report. Type I evaluates the suitability of design controls at a specific point in time, while Type II assesses the effectiveness of controls over a period.

Report Types SOC2

Also generates Type I and Type II reports, with Type II being more comprehensive as it evaluates the operational effectiveness of controls over time.

SCOPE

SOC 1 focuses on controls relevant to financial reporting. It is designed for service organizations whose activities impact their clients’ financial statements.

SOC 2 always addresses the security and availability criteria within its scope. The criteria of processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy are optional. 

APPLICABILITY

Relevant for service organizations that handle financial transactions or impact the financial reporting of their clients.

Applicable to any organization storing or processing customer data, particularly in the technology and SaaS sectors.

CRITERIA

SOC 1 follows the criteria set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and focuses on controls relevant to financial reporting, such as transaction accuracy and completeness.

SOC 2 follows the Trust Service Criteria developed by the AICPA. These include security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The emphasis is on ensuring the overall security and reliability of systems, not just financial controls.

CLIENT IMPACT

For clients seeking assurance about the accuracy of financial data, SOC 1 is crucial. It proves that the service organization’s controls adequately protect the integrity of financial information.

Clients concerned about the security and privacy of their data, find reassurance in SOC 2. This framework assures robust measures to safeguard sensitive information.

REPORT TYPES

Typically results in a Type I or Type II report. Type I evaluates the suitability and existence of design controls at a specific point in time, while Type II assesses the effectiveness of controls over a period.

Also generates Type I and Type II reports, with Type II being more comprehensive as it evaluates the operational effectiveness and existence of controls over time.

Industry Focus

Commonly requested in industries with a focus on financial services and outsourcing.

Prevalent in technology, cloud computing, and SaaS industries, where data security and privacy are critical considerations.

TRUST THE EUROPEAN LEADING PROVIDER OF SOC 2 REPORTS

Securance, Europe's leading provider of SOC 2 reports, takes cybersecurity to the forefront. Renowned for our expertise and efficient working method, we guide organizations through the SOC 2 compliance journey, showcasing their unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and privacy.

As your trusted independent SOC 2 auditor, Securance meticulously assesses the evidence you present for controls within each category, culminating in the issuance of a comprehensive SOC 2 report. This isn't just about compliance; it's about fortifying your digital presence with the assurance that comes from Europe's cybersecurity market leader—Securance.

MEET SOME OF OUR SATISFIED CLIENTS

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Get to know our clients by reading our case studies. Together with our clients, we overcome challenges to achieve organizational goals by creating internal security and compliance frameworks.

SOc 2 & PEN-Testing

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ISAE 3402 | SOC 1

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