A SOC audit is an independent evaluation of how a company manages and secures customer data.
It’s designed to assess internal controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. This type of audit plays a critical role in demonstrating your organization’s commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. Without one, businesses may face increased security risks, regulatory issues, or a loss of customer trust, especially when handling sensitive information.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about a SOC audit, explore the different types available, and walk you through how to prepare your organization for a successful audit process.
The Importance of a SOC Audit for Cybersecurity
From a cybersecurity standpoint, the value of a SOC audit goes beyond meeting compliance requirements. It helps uncover vulnerabilities in processes and systems before they can be exploited. It also builds transparency between service providers and clients by offering documented assurance from a third-party auditor.
Without a SOC audit, companies may struggle to build trust with partners, delay deals, or face increased scrutiny during vendor assessments. In some cases, a missing or outdated SOC report can even be a deal-breaker for enterprise clients.
Ultimately, a SOC audit strengthens your security posture while demonstrating that your business takes data protection seriously. It’s about creating a culture of accountability and resilience in an increasingly unpredictable cyber landscape.
The Difference Between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 Reports
When it comes to demonstrating trust and accountability in handling data and processes, SOC reports provide the transparency businesses need. But not all SOC reports are created equal. Depending on the nature of your services and what your clients care most about, for instance financial controls, data security, or public-facing trust, you’ll need the right type of report to match.
Understanding the difference between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 reports helps organizations prepare for audits and build trust with stakeholders, partners, and customers.
Let’s discuss these three types in depth.
SOC 1
SOC 1 reports are focused on internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). These are especially relevant to organizations that provide services affecting their clients’ financial data, such as:
- Payroll processors
- Accounting platforms
- Claims administrators
The purpose of a SOC 1 report is to assure clients (and their auditors) that the financial controls are designed effectively and, depending on the type, operating as intended. This type of SOC audits is confidential and intended for use by clients and their financial auditors.
There are two types of SOC 1 reports:
- Type I, which evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time.
- Type II, which assesses how effectively those controls operate over a period (usually 6–12 months).
SOC 2
SOC 2 reports assess a service organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, collectively known as the Trust Services Criteria. These reports are most relevant for SaaS companies, cloud providers, and data processors that store or manage sensitive customer information.
A SOC 2 report gives clients detailed insight into how a provider protects its systems and data.
SOC 2 can be either:
- Type I (design-focused)
- Type II (operational effectiveness)
Because it addresses cybersecurity and data protection, SOC 2 is widely used during vendor risk assessments and procurement processes. These reports are detailed and intended for clients and partners who want to evaluate your security posture.
SOC 3
SOC 3 reports cover the same ground as SOC 2, but in a much more public-friendly format. They are meant for general audiences and are often published on a company’s website to show its commitment to security and compliance without revealing technical details.
Unlike SOC 2 reports, SOC 3 does not include confidential or detailed descriptions of internal systems. It’s a summary report, often just a few pages, and provides high-level assurance to customers, stakeholders, and the public.
SOC 3 is ideal for marketing and trust-building, especially in industries where security transparency is key.
Here is a clear comparison table between the three types of SOC:
| Report Type | Focus Area | Audience |
| SOC 1 | Internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). | Clients and financial auditors. |
| SOC 2 | Security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy (Trust Services Criteria). | Clients, partners, procurement teams. |
| SOC 3 | Same criteria as SOC 2, but summarized for public view. | General public and prospective customers. |
Type of SOC Audits
When preparing for a SOC audit, one of the first decisions a business must make is whether to pursue a Type I or Type II report. Both serve important purposes but vary in scope, timing, and the level of assurance they provide.
SOC Type I
A SOC Type I audit evaluates the design and implementation of controls at a specific point in time. In other words, it examines whether your systems and procedures are properly set up to meet security, compliance, or operational goals on a particular date.
Type I audits are often used as a starting point for companies new to SOC reporting or those with recently implemented controls. While useful, Type I reports only offer a snapshot and do not assess whether the controls are working effectively over time.
SOC Type II
A SOC Type II audit takes things a step further. It examines not just the design, but also the operational effectiveness of your controls over a defined period, typically between 6 to 12 months. This means auditors will review whether the controls have been consistently followed and maintained over time.
Type II reports carry more weight with clients and partners because they demonstrate a long-term commitment to internal security and compliance practices. They’re especially valuable for businesses involved in ongoing service delivery or data handling.
Below we have a brief comparison table between the two types of SOC:
| Audit Type | Focus | Audit Period | Use Case |
| Type I | Design of controls at a single point in time. | One specific date | Good for new programs or early-stage assurance. |
| Type II | Design and operational effectiveness of controls over time. | 6–12 months | Preferred for mature programs and client trust. |
What Is the Trust Service Criteria (TSC)?
The Trust Services Criteria (TSC) is a framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to evaluate and report on the controls of service organizations, particularly in the context of SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits.
It focuses on how companies:
- Protect customer data
- Maintain system reliability
- Uphold privacy standards
At its core, the TSC outlines the essential principles organizations should follow to build and maintain trust in a digital environment. Whether you’re a cloud service provider, a SaaS company, or any business managing sensitive customer information, aligning with the TSC is a crucial step toward strengthening your cybersecurity posture and demonstrating accountability.
The framework consists of five key criteria, each addressing a different aspect of system and data management, as follows:
| Trust Services Criteria | Description |
| 1. Security | Security is the foundation of the TSC. It refers to the protection of systems and data against unauthorized access, whether physical or digital. Controls under this category focus on firewalls, intrusion detection, access management, encryption, and employee training. The goal is to prevent breaches, data leaks, or sabotage that could compromise system integrity or customer information. |
| 2. Availability | Availability ensures that systems are accessible and operational when users need them. It’s not just about uptime. It also covers how well an organization manages performance, backups, and disaster recovery. Availability criteria help reduce the risk of unexpected outages and provide service continuity even during incidents or infrastructure failures. |
| 3. Confidentiality | Confidentiality focuses on restricting access to sensitive information. Whether dealing with intellectual property, financial records, or customer data, companies must implement proper security measures to ensure that only authorized individuals or systems can view or use confidential information. Techniques like encryption, access controls, and secure data storage are key components here. |
| 4. Processing Integrity | This criterion verifies that systems process data accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. It’s especially relevant for businesses that handle transactions, generate reports, or automate decision-making processes. Processing integrity means users can trust that the output of a system reflects true and reliable input, without errors or delays. |
| 5. Privacy | Privacy relates specifically to how personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared. It requires organizations to follow clear data handling policies that align with both internal standards and external regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Transparency, consent, and data subject rights are all core to this principle. |
Together, these five criteria offer a holistic framework for building secure, reliable, and trustworthy systems. By aligning with the TSC, companies not only prepare for SOC 2 or SOC 3 audits but also strengthen their overall security and compliance posture, thus earning trust from clients, partners, and regulators alike.
The Benefits of a SOC Audit
Whether you’re a SaaS provider, a financial services firm, or any organization that processes or stores sensitive information, a SOC audit offers more than just a compliance report. It’s a strategic asset.
Below are some of the key benefits a SOC audit brings to your organization:
- Demonstrates Trust and Transparency – A SOC report shows that your organization is serious about security and internal controls. It provides external validation from an independent auditor, helping you build credibility with customers, partners, and regulators.
- Improves Internal Processes – The audit process encourages a deeper look into your current systems and controls. As a result, many organizations uncover inefficiencies, outdated practices, or overlooked risks, and use the findings to strengthen operations.
- Supports Regulatory Compliance – A SOC audit can help meet requirements from other frameworks or regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. It shows that your controls align with established industry standards, which can ease the burden during other audits or assessments.
- Accelerates Sales and Vendor Approvals – Many enterprise clients and procurement teams request a SOC report before doing business. Having one ready can speed up deal cycles and help you stand out from competitors that lack formal audits.
- Reduces Risk Exposure – By identifying control gaps and documenting how risks are managed, a SOC audit provides a roadmap to mitigate vulnerabilities before they lead to incidents.
- Fosters a Security-First Culture – Preparing for a SOC audit often encourages a mindset shift across the organization. Employees become more aware of their role in protecting data, and security becomes a shared responsibility, not just an IT concern.
How to Get Ready for a SOC Audit
Preparing for a SOC audit can feel overwhelming at first, especially if it’s your organization’s first time going through the process. However, with the right preparation and a structured approach, it can be a smooth and valuable experience.
Here are the key steps to help you get ready:
- Understand the Type of Audit You Need
Start by determining which SOC report is right for your business, SOC 1, SOC 2, or SOC 3, and whether a Type I or Type II version fits your situation. Each serves a different purpose depending on the nature of your services and the expectations of your clients.
- Identify the Scope
Define the systems, processes, and departments that will be included in the audit. This step is crucial for avoiding unnecessary complexity and making sure that the audit focuses on relevant operations and data flows.
- Perform a Readiness Assessment
Before the official audit begins, conduct a readiness assessment to identify gaps in your controls and documentation. This allows you to fix issues proactively, reducing the chances of delays or negative findings during the actual audit.
- Strengthen and Document Controls
Ensure your security, availability, and confidentiality controls are not only in place but also clearly documented. Policies, procedures, and evidence of compliance, namely logs or reports, should be organized and easy to access.
- Train Your Team
Educate key staff on what the SOC audit involves and how they may be asked to participate. Everyone from IT and compliance to operations should be familiar with internal policies and ready to answer questions from auditors.
- Partner with an Experienced Auditor
Choose a licensed CPA firm or auditing partner who specializes in SOC reports. Their guidance throughout the process can help you stay aligned with industry expectations and reduce unnecessary stress.
With preparation, clarity, and the right support, your SOC audit can become a strategic advantage.
The SOC Audit Process Step by Step
Whether you’re preparing for SOC 1 or SOC 2 compliance, understanding the audit process step by step helps you get ready to be aligned with industry standards.
Here are the five steps of an SOC audit process:
- Scoping and Planning – The process begins by defining the audit scope. This step involves identifying which systems, departments, and services will be evaluated. At this stage, organizations also decide on the type of SOC report needed (e.g., SOC 1 vs. SOC 2, Type I vs. Type II) and select a reporting period. Setting clear expectations here will guarantee the audit is both efficient and targeted.
- Readiness Assessment – Before diving into the full audit, a readiness assessment is typically conducted. This pre-audit review helps identify any gaps in current controls or documentation. It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended to improve the likelihood of passing the final audit without surprises.
- Control Implementation and Documentation – Organizations must implement the required security, privacy, and operational controls based on the applicable SOC framework. Auditors will need to see formal policies, procedures, access logs, risk assessments, and evidence of ongoing monitoring.
- Fieldwork and Evidence Collection – This is the core of the audit. Auditors perform interviews, request documentation, and test the effectiveness of controls in practice. For SOC 2 Type II, they evaluate control performance over a specific period, usually between 3 to 12 months.
- Reporting and Remediation – Once the audit is complete, the auditor delivers a detailed report. If issues are identified, remediation steps must be taken promptly. A clean report strengthens your organization’s credibility and demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding sensitive data.
Get CyberGlobal’s Expert-Lead SOC Auditing
CyberGlobal‘s expert-led SOC auditing services are designed to help your organization strengthen its security posture and ensure full visibility across your digital environment.
With internationally recognized accreditations such as the NIS2 Directive, CREST, NATO Top Secret, and ISO/IEC 27001, our credibility and technical capabilities are well-established across global markets. We’ve helped over 1,000 businesses worldwide improve how they detect, contain, and respond to cyber threats.
Our SOC audit service includes:
- Detection Capability Review – We assess the configuration and effectiveness of your SOC’s alerting, correlation rules, and analytics. By aligning with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, we help you uncover missed signals and reduce false positives.
- Data & Log Source Coverage Assessment – We evaluate whether your SOC is collecting the right data from across your infrastructure, including servers, endpoints, cloud environments, and network devices, to ensure reliable threat detection.
- Comprehensive Reports & Remediation Roadmaps – After the audit, you’ll receive a tailored report with a clear executive summary, technical findings, and a prioritized roadmap to enhance performance and close any gaps.
At CyberGlobal, we believe that a high-performing SOC starts with a thorough understanding of your current environment. Our auditing process is designed to be both collaborative and results-driven, ensuring your security operations are ready for today’s evolving threat landscape.
Your SOC should be more than just a reactive center; it should be a proactive force that strengthens your entire cybersecurity ecosystem. Whether you’re operating an internal SOC or relying on a third-party provider, CyberGlobal’s expert-led audit will help you identify weaknesses, optimize detection and response workflows, and align with global best practices.
Don’t wait until a breach exposes what you didn’t know.
Get in touch with our cybersecurity specialists today and schedule your tailored SOC audit. Let’s secure your business one layer at a time!
