Imagine you’re building a rocket ship. But it’s not going to Mars—this one’s headed straight to trust. That’s what SOC 2 is all about. It’s the golden ticket for tech companies that handle customer data. If you’ve never dealt with compliance before, it can feel like you’re lost in space. But don’t worry. We’re going from zero to SOC 2—you’ll get there, and we’ll make it fun.
What is SOC 2 Anyway?
SOC 2 stands for System and Organization Controls 2. In short, it shows your company is serious about security, privacy, and handling data correctly. The SOC 2 report is issued by independent auditors. And yes, it’s as official as it sounds.
Getting SOC 2 certified means you’ve put strong controls in place that meet the Trust Services Criteria. These are:
- Security – Are you keeping stuff safe?
- Availability – Is your system up and running?
- Processing Integrity – Does your system work as it should?
- Confidentiality – Are sensitive details locked up?
- Privacy – Are you respecting and protecting user data?
Now that you know what you’re aiming for, let’s talk about how to get there.
Step 1: Know Your Why
Why do you want SOC 2? If the answer is “a potential customer asked for it,” that’s okay. But also remember, it’s about building long-term trust. Treat SOC 2 as a business superpower, not just a checkbox.
And don’t panic—you don’t have to go full superhero overnight.
Step 2: Pick Your Flavor – Type I or Type II?
SOC 2 comes in two types:
- Type I – A snapshot. It shows that you have the right controls in place at a point in time.
- Type II – A journey. It shows that your controls are working over a period of time (usually 3–12 months).
If you’re just starting out, Type I is a solid first step. It proves you’ve got your house in order. Then, once you’ve lived and breathed those security practices for a while, go for Type II.
Step 3: DIY or Call for Backup?
Some companies try to do it all themselves. Others bring in external help. Here are your options:
- DIY – Totally doable if you have time, internal expertise, and low complexity.
- With Tools – Use compliance platforms like Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe. They automate a lot of the process.
- Hire Consultants – If things are messy or high-stakes, someone who’s been there can help.
Many startups today go for Option 2: tools with some internal hustle. It’s faster and still teaches you a lot.
Step 4: Lock Down Your Policies
You can’t pass an audit without written policies. This is where the paperwork starts.
Here are must-have policies for SOC 2:
- Information Security Policy
- Access Control Policy
- Encryption Policy
- Incident Response Policy
- Risk Assessment Policy
Don’t worry—these don’t have to be novels. Just be clear about what your rules are and how you enforce them.
Step 5: Implement Controls
Here’s where you walk the walk. You need to show that you actually do the things you say in your policies.
Examples of real SOC 2 controls include:
- Using SSO (Single Sign-On)
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication
- Keeping audit logs
- Managing employee onboarding/offboarding
- Regular vulnerability scans
Set up systems and processes to monitor and maintain these controls. Many tools (like the ones we mentioned) will help track this for you in real time.
Step 6: Practice Makes Passed
Do a readiness assessment. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big show. You’re testing whether your company is really following the rules you’ve set. Find the gaps and fix them before audit day.
This step might feel tedious, but it’s key to avoiding surprises.
Step 7: Schedule the Audit
When you’re ready, call the auditors. They’re licensed CPAs who perform SOC 2 audits. Not all firms are the same, so choose one with tech experience and good vibes.
The auditor will review your evidence, interview your team, and test your controls. For Type I, this might take a few weeks. For Type II, they’ll check how things went over months.
Step 8: Get That Report
After the auditor finishes their work, you get your shiny SOC 2 report. It includes:
- A description of your system
- The criteria being assessed
- The controls in place
- The auditor’s conclusion
Share this report with customers and partners. But only the ones who need it—it’s confidential.
Tips to Keep It Simple
Getting SOC 2 doesn’t have to be painful. Here’s how to make it smoother:
- Start early. You can’t rush good habits.
- Document everything. If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.
- Automate what you can. Time saved is stress saved.
- Make security a team thing. Not just IT’s job. Everyone plays a part.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keep your SOC 2 journey drama-free by steering clear of these mistakes:
- Putting it off until a big deal depends on it
- Writing policies but not following through
- Not training employees on security practices
- Assuming tools will do it all for you
Maintaining SOC 2
Once you’re certified, you’re not done. SOC 2 is a lifestyle. That means keeping your controls up and adapting as your company grows.
Book your next audit early. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Schedule training refreshers. Keep logs current. Think of it like a daily workout—it gets easier with habit.
It’s Not Just About Compliance
The best part of SOC 2 is this: you don’t just get a report—you get stronger. You build better systems. You teach your team to think about risk before it explodes. You earn trust with every new customer.
And trust is the best growth hack there is.
Ready for Launch?
Going from zero to SOC 2 takes effort, yes. But it’s totally achievable—even kind of fun. Especially when you break it down and get your team involved.
You’ve got the map. You know the steps. Now all that’s left is the countdown.
Three… Start learning.
Two… Build your controls.
One… Engage launch sequence.
Go build that trust rocket. You’ve got this.