What is SOC 2?
SOC (System and Organization Controls) is a security and compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). SOC 2, in particular, helps organizations demonstrate they are handling customer data responsibly through independently audited reports aligned to five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
SOC 2 isn’t limited to a particular industry—it’s relevant for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits sensitive customer information. This includes not only software companies, but also managed service providers, data analytics platforms, payment processors, healthtech firms, legal tech providers, and many more.
SOC 2 Overview
Whether you're delivering a digital service, hosting infrastructure, or managing data on behalf of clients, SOC 2 provides third-party assurance that your security controls are both designed and functioning effectively. It plays a pivotal role in vendor due diligence, procurement approvals, and trust-building with customers, regulators, and partners.
Organizations pursuing SOC 2 compliance often seek to strengthen internal risk management, shorten sales cycles, or meet growing demands for transparency in cybersecurity practices.
Types of SOC 2
- SOC 2 Type I: A point-in-time review that confirms whether the design of controls meets the Trust Services Criteria as of a specific date.
- SOC 2 Type II: A more rigorous assessment that verifies not only control design but also operational effectiveness over a defined period (typically 3 to 12 months). Most enterprise buyers prefer or require Type II reports.
What Drives SOC 2 Adoption
SOC 2 compliance is often sought in response to rising expectations from customers, investors, and regulators for demonstrable data security practices. Key drivers often include enterprise procurement requirements, industry compliance pressures, and the need to build trust in competitive markets.
Business Impact of SOC 2
SOC 2 compliance strengthens an organization’s credibility by proving it can safeguard sensitive information. It also simplifies procurement, improves operational discipline, and unlocks new opportunities with enterprise and regulated partners.
- Establishes trust with customers and partners by demonstrating security maturity.
- Reduces sales friction by streamlining vendor assessments and RFP processes.
- Improves internal processes through control standardization and documentation.
- Enables market access for businesses aiming to work with larger or regulated organizations.
SOC 2 vs ISO 27001
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 both support data security objectives but follow different paths:
|
Feature |
SOC 2 |
ISO 27001 |
|
Geography |
Primarily North America |
Global |
|
Process |
Audit-based attestation |
Audit that provides certification via accredited body |
|
Criteria |
AICPA Trust Services Criteria |
Annex A controls |
|
Output |
SOC 2 Report (Type I or II) |
ISO 27001 Certificate |
SOC 2 offers customization to align with business-specific risks. ISO 27001 provides a standardized, globally recognized framework and is often seen in international or heavily regulated sectors.
Examples of SOC 2 in Action
SOC 2 compliance supports a wide range of organizations that manage sensitive customer data or deliver digital services. These examples show how different companies leverage SOC 2 to meet client expectations, support growth, and demonstrate operational integrity.
Who Might Use SOC 2?
- Data Processor Handling Regulated Information: A legal tech firm processes sensitive case files for law firms and government agencies. By completing a SOC 2 Type II audit, it demonstrates strong controls for data encryption, retention, and incident response—earning trust from clients in a highly risk-averse field.
- Healthcare AI Startup Securing Growth Partnerships: A health analytics company handling PHI (Protected Health Information) seeks to partner with large hospitals. SOC 2 helps verify that its platform enforces HIPAA-aligned access controls and audit trails, smoothing partnership approvals.
Trust Starts with Your DNS Layer
DNSFilter is a SOC 2 compliant provider committed to protecting customer data through rigorous internal security practices. Our platform offers secure, reliable DNS filtering that aligns with modern risk management expectations—helping your organization stay protected and audit-ready where it counts.