Workplace glossary

What is SOC 2?

Definition & practical guide1 min read

SOC 2 is an audit framework, from the American Institute of CPAs, for how service organisations handle customer data, assessed against trust criteria covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. A Type I report checks design at a point in time; Type II verifies the controls operated over months.

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It plays the same procurement role as ISO 27001 with a North American accent: many enterprises ask for either or both. For buyers, the Type II report is the one that carries weight.

Common questions

What does SOC 2 mean in simple terms?

SOC 2 is an audit framework, from the American Institute of CPAs, for how service organisations handle customer data, assessed against trust criteria covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. A Type I report checks design at a point in time; Type II verifies the controls operated over months.

How is SOC 2 measured and reported?

It plays the same procurement role as ISO 27001 with a North American accent: many enterprises ask for either or both. For buyers, the Type II report is the one that carries weight.