SOC 2 Compliance in 2025: What You Need to Know

SOC 2 compliance has become a non-negotiable requirement for SaaS providers and service organizations. As we navigate 2025, new expectations and evolving best practices are raising the bar for what constitutes adequate security controls. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about achieving and maintaining SOC 2 Type II compliance.

What is SOC 2?

System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 is a voluntary compliance standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for service organizations that store customer data in the cloud. Unlike SOC 1, which focuses on financial reporting controls, SOC 2 examines controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II

• Type I: Examines the design of controls at a specific point in time
• Type II: Tests the operating effectiveness of controls over a period (typically 6-12 months)

Most customers and partners require SOC 2 Type II certification, as it demonstrates that your controls not only exist but actually work as intended over time.

The Five Trust Service Criteria

1. Security (Common Criteria - Required)

The foundation of SOC 2, security criteria must be included in every report. This covers:

• Access controls and authentication
• Network and endpoint security
• Vulnerability management
• Incident response
• Change management

2. Availability (Optional)

Ensures systems are available for operation and use as committed. Key controls include:

• Infrastructure monitoring
• Disaster recovery and business continuity
• System capacity planning
• Incident management

3. Processing Integrity (Optional)

System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized.

4. Confidentiality (Optional)

Information designated as confidential is protected as committed.

5. Privacy (Optional)

Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of in accordance with privacy commitments.

What's New in 2025?

Enhanced Cloud Security Requirements

Auditors are placing increased emphasis on cloud-specific security controls, particularly for organizations using AWS, Azure, or GCP. According to AWS compliance guidance, organizations must demonstrate:

• Proper configuration of cloud security groups and IAM policies
• Implementation of encryption for data at rest and in transit
• Regular review of cloud access logs
• Automated compliance monitoring

Supply Chain Security

Following several high-profile supply chain attacks, auditors now require detailed vendor risk assessments. Organizations must:

• Maintain an inventory of all vendors with access to systems or data
• Review vendors' own SOC 2 reports or equivalent certifications
• Document vendor security requirements in contracts
• Conduct regular vendor security reviews

Zero Trust Architecture

While not explicitly required, auditors are increasingly looking for evidence of Zero Trust principles, including:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users
• Least privilege access controls
• Network segmentation
• Continuous monitoring and verification

The SOC 2 Audit Process

Step 1: Readiness Assessment (1-2 months)

Before engaging an auditor, conduct an internal assessment:

• Document all systems and data flows
• Identify applicable Trust Service Criteria
• Gap analysis against SOC 2 requirements
• Prioritize remediation efforts

Tools like Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe can automate much of the compliance monitoring process.

Step 2: Control Implementation (3-6 months)

Address identified gaps by implementing required controls. Common areas requiring attention:

• Access Management: Implement SSO and MFA (Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace)
• Endpoint Security: Deploy EDR solution (CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, SentinelOne)
• Vulnerability Management: Regular scanning and patching (Qualys, Rapid7, Tenable)
• Log Management: Centralized logging and SIEM (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Datadog)
• Backup & DR: Regular backups with tested recovery procedures

Step 3: Documentation (Ongoing)

Comprehensive documentation is critical. Required documentation includes:

• Information security policy
• Access control policy
• Change management procedures
• Incident response plan
• Business continuity and disaster recovery plans
• Vendor management procedures
• Data classification and handling guidelines

Step 4: Evidence Collection (6-12 months)

For Type II audits, you'll need to demonstrate controls operating over time:

• Quarterly access reviews
• Monthly vulnerability scans
• Security awareness training completion records
• Incident response tickets and resolutions
• Change management tickets
• Backup and restore test results

Step 5: Audit Engagement (2-4 months)

Select an accredited CPA firm to perform your audit. Major firms include:

• Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG (Big 4)
• A-LIGN, Schellman, Coalfire (Specialized SOC auditors)

Common SOC 2 Audit Findings

Based on our experience supporting dozens of SOC 2 audits, here are the most common control deficiencies:

1. Incomplete Access Reviews

Issue: Access reviews not performed quarterly or lacking proper documentation.

Solution: Implement automated access review workflows and maintain detailed documentation of all review activities and remediation actions.

2. Missing Security Awareness Training

Issue: Not all employees completed annual security training.

Solution: Use platforms like KnowBe4 or Proofpoint Security Awareness to track training completion and send automated reminders.

3. Inadequate Vendor Management

Issue: Vendor security assessments not performed or documented.

Solution: Create a vendor risk assessment questionnaire and document all vendor reviews, including review of vendors' SOC 2 reports.

4. Weak Change Management

Issue: Production changes deployed without proper approval or testing.

Solution: Implement change control procedures with segregation of duties, required approvals, and testing documentation.

5. Insufficient Monitoring

Issue: Security logs not regularly reviewed or alerts not investigated.

Solution: Deploy SIEM solution with defined alert rules, escalation procedures, and documented investigation activities.

Cost Considerations

Budget for these SOC 2 related costs:

Maintaining Compliance

Achieving SOC 2 is just the beginning. To maintain compliance:

• Conduct quarterly internal audits
• Review and update policies annually
• Monitor control effectiveness continuously
• Address audit findings promptly
• Perform annual recertification audits

According to Microsoft's Trust Center, organizations that maintain strong compliance programs experience fewer security incidents and faster customer trust establishment.

Conclusion

SOC 2 compliance requires significant investment but delivers substantial value through improved security posture, customer trust, and competitive advantage. By starting early, leveraging automation tools, and maintaining disciplined processes, organizations can achieve and maintain SOC 2 certification efficiently.