SOC 2 report

SOC 2 in brief

A SOC 2 report is an assurance report in which an independent auditor assesses how your organisation protects your customers' data. The report evaluates you on five key points: security, availability, integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

There are two types of SOC 2 reports:

Type I

This report shows how well your security is designed at a single point in time.

Type II

This report assesses over a longer period (often 6 to 12 months) how effectively your security operates.

Organisations often choose a Type II report when clients want strong assurance that their data is continuously well protected. The report is prepared by an independent IT auditor.

Who is SOC 2 relevant for?

SOC 2 is especially important for companies that manage and process customer data. Think of:

Cloud providers
SaaS companies
IT outsourcers
Fintech companies

Organisations are increasingly asking for a SOC 2 report before selecting a new supplier. Internal stakeholders such as boards and compliance managers also value a SOC 2 report to gain assurance about security.

Why do organisations choose a SOC 2 report?

Trust with clients and partners

With a SOC 2 report you objectively demonstrate that customer data is well protected at your organisation. That saves lengthy questionnaires and speeds up trust from new clients.

Control over risks

You get clear insight into which security measures work and what can be improved. This helps you prevent security incidents proactively.

Simpler compliance

You become compliant with other regulations, such as GDPR, more quickly. SOC 2 acts as a foundation on which other compliance programmes can build. In addition, the effort is more efficient than you may be used to thanks to the 'test once, comply many' principle.

What is involved in obtaining a SOC 2 report?

Obtaining a SOC 2 report does not have to be complicated. With a clear approach you can have your report in hand quickly. The process looks like this:

Preparation and gap analysis

We first review what measures your organisation has already taken. This gives you quick insight into the extent of improvements needed.

Define the audit scope

Together we determine which systems and processes are part of the SOC 2 audit. This keeps the audit manageable and practical.

Implementation of improvements

Based on the gap analysis you implement improvements. We support you until the gaps are closed.

Independent audit

One of our RE-auditors assesses your security measures, conducts interviews, observes configurations, and reviews procedures and policies. With good preparation this runs smoothly.

SOC 2 reporting and follow-up

You receive the SOC 2 report. With it you demonstrate to clients and partners that their data is secure. Afterwards we work together on ongoing compliance without unnecessary burden.

SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: what is the difference?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 can seem very similar. Yet there are clear differences. Which report best fits your organisation depends on your clients and your goals.

SOC 2 is an assurance report that you can use as evidence towards clients. The report gives clear insight into specific security measures and how effective they are, often over a full year.

ISO 27001 delivers a certificate that is internationally recognised. This certificate shows that you have set up a complete information security management system.

Organisations often choose ISO 27001 first to get their internal security in order. Then SOC 2 follows to provide assurance to clients. Both tracks can be combined smoothly, without duplicate effort.