SOC 2 (SOC 2)
Also known as: SOC 2 compliance, SOC 2 report
In short
SOC 2 is an auditing framework and report from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that evaluates how a service organization manages customer data. An independent auditor tests the provider's controls against the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Buyers of data, sales, and marketing software often ask for a SOC 2 report during vendor security review. It is evidence about controls, not a legal certification or a guarantee that nothing will go wrong. This is general information, not legal advice.
Type 1 vs. Type 2
- Type 1: Tests whether controls are designed appropriately at a single point in time.
- Type 2: Tests whether controls actually operated effectively over a period, commonly several months. Many security teams give it more weight.
The five trust services criteria
A report can cover only some criteria, so check which ones are in scope.
- Security: Protection against unauthorized access. This one is always included.
- Availability: The system is available as committed.
- Processing integrity: Processing is complete, accurate, and timely.
- Confidentiality: Confidential information is protected.
- Privacy: Personal information is handled according to stated commitments.
Why GTM teams run into it
Say a RevOps lead wants to connect a data enrichment tool to the CRM. The company's security team will probably ask the vendor for its SOC 2 report before approving access to customer records. Sales teams selling to larger companies face the same request in reverse.
- Procurement speed: Having a current report ready shortens security reviews.
- Vendor evaluation: It is one input when choosing tools that touch contact or customer data.
How to read a SOC 2 report
- Report date and period: Check it is recent and, for Type 2, how long the period was.
- Scope: Confirm the product you plan to use is covered, not just the company.
- Exceptions: Read the auditor's opinion and any noted exceptions.
- Subservice providers: See which cloud or other vendors are included or excluded.
Common misconceptions
- "SOC 2 certified": SOC 2 is an attestation report, not a certificate you pass or fail in the usual sense.
- It covers privacy law: It does not replace GDPR or CCPA compliance.
SOC 2 FAQs
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is an audit report, developed by the AICPA, in which an independent auditor evaluates a service provider's controls for protecting customer data. It is based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2?
A Type 1 report assesses whether controls are suitably designed at one point in time. A Type 2 report tests whether those controls operated effectively over a period of time, usually several months, so it gives stronger evidence of day-to-day practice.
Is SOC 2 the same as GDPR compliance?
No. SOC 2 is a voluntary audit of a provider's security and related controls. GDPR is a European law governing personal data processing. A SOC 2 report may support privacy efforts but does not prove legal compliance. This is not legal advice.
Why do buyers ask for a SOC 2 report from software vendors?
Security teams use it as independent evidence that a vendor has controls in place for handling customer data. It helps them assess risk before connecting a tool to systems like the CRM, and it often speeds up vendor security reviews.
