What is SOC 2?
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the AICPA that evaluates how service organizations protect customer data. It is one of the most requested security certifications for SaaS companies and technology vendors.
Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 is built around five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
- Security (required) — protection against unauthorized access
- Availability — system uptime and operational reliability
- Processing integrity — accurate and complete data processing
- Confidentiality — protection of confidential information
- Privacy — handling of personal information per commitments
Most organizations start with Security and add additional criteria based on customer requirements.
Type I vs Type II
- SOC 2 Type I evaluates whether controls are designed appropriately at a specific point in time
- SOC 2 Type II evaluates whether controls operated effectively over a period (typically 3-12 months)
Type II reports carry more weight with enterprise buyers because they demonstrate sustained compliance rather than a single snapshot.
Who needs SOC 2?
SOC 2 is not legally required, but it is effectively mandatory for SaaS companies selling to enterprises. Buyers, procurement teams, and security reviewers routinely request SOC 2 reports as part of vendor diligence.
How long does a SOC 2 audit take?
A typical timeline:
- Readiness assessment: 2-4 weeks
- Remediation: 4-12 weeks depending on gaps
- Type I audit: 2-4 weeks
- Observation period for Type II: 3-12 months
- Type II audit: 4-6 weeks
How episki helps with SOC 2
episki maps controls to Trust Services Criteria, tracks evidence with ownership and review cadences, and provides auditor portals for streamlined collaboration. Learn more on our SOC 2 compliance page.
