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SOC 2 Reports

AUDIT & ASSURANCE

Prove Your Commitment to Data Security

What is a SOC 2 Report?

A SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) report is an internal control report capturing how a company safeguards customer data and how well those controls operate. Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), these reports are the gold standard for service organizations that store, process, or transmit sensitive data.

While SOC 1 reports focus on financial reporting, SOC 2 reports focus on non-financial reporting controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. For SaaS providers, data centers, and technology-driven service organizations, a SOC 2 report is often the primary document clients request to vet your security posture.

Why Your Organization Needs a SOC 2 Report

In an era of increasing cyber threats and data breaches, your clients need assurance that their information is safe in your hands. A SOC 2 report provides that verification through an independent third-party audit.

  • Build Trust & Credibility: Prove to clients and stakeholders that you take data security seriously with verified, independent attestation.
  • Accelerate Sales Cycles: Eliminate lengthy security questionnaires and hurdles in the procurement process by having a ready-to-share SOC 2 report.
  • Enhance Security Posture: The process identifies vulnerabilities in your systems, allowing you to strengthen your defenses against potential breaches.
  • Meet Vendor Compliance: Satisfy the vendor management requirements of enterprise clients who mandate SOC 2 compliance for their partners.

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The Five Trust Services Criteria

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Security (Required)

Evaluating whether the system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical). This is the “Common Criteria” included in every audit.

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Availability

Ensuring the system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed. This is critical for data centers and SaaS platforms with uptime SLAs.

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Processing Integrity

Verifying that system processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized. This is key for transaction processing firms

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Confidentiality

Protecting information designated as confidential (e.g., intellectual property, proprietary business information) from unauthorized disclosure.

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Privacy

Addressing how personal information (PII) is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of in conformity with the entity’s privacy notice.

Understanding Report Types: Type I vs. Type II

Choosing the right report type depends on your organization’s maturity and client requirements.

SOC 2 Type I (Point-in-Time):

    • Focus: Tests the design of your controls at a specific single date.
    • Best For: Startups or organizations needing to demonstrate compliance quickly to close a deal or satisfy an immediate requirement.

Verdict: Good for showing you have the right systems in place.

SOC 2 Type II (Period of Time):

    • Focus: Tests both the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a period of time (typically 6–12 months).
    • Best For: Established organizations proving consistent security practices to mature enterprise clients.
    • Verdict: The gold standard for demonstrating long-term reliability and security.

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Meet the Team

Antonina McAvoy

CISA, CISM, QSA, PCIP
Partner, Risk Advisory Services
Norfolk

Neena Shukla

CPA, CFE, CGMA, FCPA, CTP
Partner, Government Contracting Team Leader
Fairfax