What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (Service Organisation Control 2) is an assurance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to assess how well organisations protect customer data.
Unlike ISO certifications, SOC 2 results in an independent assurance report issued by a licensed CPA firm, demonstrating that appropriate controls are in place and operating effectively.
For UK technology companies selling to US enterprise clients, SOC 2 is often a baseline requirement rather than a differentiator.
The Five Trust Services Criteria
Security (Required)
Protection against unauthorised access, both physical and logical. The foundation of every SOC 2 report.
Availability
Systems are available for operation and use as committed. Uptime, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
Confidentiality
Information designated as confidential is protected. Encryption, access controls, and data classification.
Processing Integrity
System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorised. Data quality and accuracy controls.
Privacy
Personal information is collected, used, retained, and disclosed in conformity with commitments and criteria.
Type I vs Type II Reports
SOC 2 Type I
- ✓ Point-in-time assessment
- ✓ Controls are designed appropriately
- ✓ Faster to achieve (typically 2-4 months)
- ✓ Good starting point for first-time SOC 2
- ✓ Lower cost than Type II
Best for: Organisations new to SOC 2
SOC 2 Type II
- ✓ Assessment over 3-12 month period
- ✓ Controls operate effectively over time
- ✓ Provides stronger assurance
- ✓ Required by most enterprise buyers
- ✓ Annual renewal maintains credibility
Best for: Established organisations selling to enterprise
Why UK Companies Need SOC 2
✓ US Market Access
SOC 2 is the expected standard for US enterprise procurement. Without it, UK SaaS companies face significant barriers to American markets.
✓ Reduce Security Questionnaires
A SOC 2 report answers most customer security questions upfront, reducing the burden of lengthy vendor assessments.
✓ GDPR Alignment
SOC 2 controls support UK GDPR accountability requirements, demonstrating appropriate technical and organisational measures.
✓ Build Customer Trust
Independent third-party assurance provides customers with confidence in your security posture and operational maturity.
✓ Shorten Sales Cycles
Having a current SOC 2 report removes security as a blocker in enterprise sales, accelerating deal closure.
✓ Strengthen Security Posture
The SOC 2 process drives real security improvements, reducing your actual risk of breach or incident.
Who Needs SOC 2?
SaaS Providers
Cloud software platforms hosting customer data
Managed Services
IT, security, and infrastructure providers
Data Analytics
Business intelligence and data platforms
Fintech
Payment and financial technology platforms
HR Tech
Payroll, recruitment, and HR platforms
HealthTech
Healthcare software and digital health
The SOC 2 Process
Readiness Assessment
Gap analysis against Trust Services Criteria, identify missing controls, and develop remediation roadmap.
Control Implementation
Implement technical controls, policies, procedures, and evidence collection mechanisms to meet requirements.
Audit Period (Type II)
For Type II, operate controls and collect evidence over 3-12 months to demonstrate sustained effectiveness.
CPA Audit & Report
Licensed CPA firm conducts audit, tests controls, and issues formal SOC 2 report for customer distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: Which do I need?
If selling to US enterprise, SOC 2 is typically required. ISO 27001 is more common in Europe. Many organisations pursue both - they complement each other well and share significant control overlap.
How long does SOC 2 take?
Type I can be achieved in 2-4 months. Type II requires 3-12 months of operating controls before the audit can be completed. First-time implementations typically take longer.
How much does SOC 2 cost?
Costs vary based on scope and complexity. Budget for readiness preparation, control implementation, and CPA audit fees. We help you plan realistic budgets and avoid common cost overruns.
Is SOC 2 a certification?
No, SOC 2 results in an assurance report, not a certification. The report is issued by a licensed CPA firm and provides an opinion on your controls. This distinction matters for marketing claims.
How Much Does SOC 2 Cost?
The cost of SOC 2 certification varies based on several factors. Some consultants and certifiers adopt charging models based on the project's complexity, company size, and sometimes even the company's turnover.
At Certigence, our pricing is straightforward, calculated by multiplying an agreed day rate by the number of days work. This is based on the work to be done, mitigated by any the company has done already or will be doing internally. This ensures clarity and transparency, giving you a clear understanding of the commitment before the project commences.
We provide a free telephone or Zoom consultation with one of our consultants to find out enough about your organisation to be able to make a formal proposal without charge or obligation. This allows you to research costs for free before making any commitments!
How Can Certigence Consultants Help?
Certigence's extensive consultant network spans the entire UK and has been operating ISO systems expertise combined with industry know-how for over 25 years. This dual proficiency enables them to comprehend your unique needs and translate them into certifier-accepted procedures that genuinely suit your organisation's operations.
Our services encompass full or partial ISO system development and implementation, including GAP analysis and customised internal training to support system functionality. We craft organisation-specific reports tailored to your activities.
Beyond initial implementation, we conduct internal audits, facilitate management review meetings, and offer ongoing maintenance for short, medium, or long terms. Our presence during certification stages, if desired, ensures assessors avoid unnecessary complexity. Furthermore, we offer pre- and post-certification review services to address certifier-raised concerns, reinforcing your ISO system's effectiveness.
Process Overview
Initiation and Assessment Discussion
We engage in a free, no-obligation discussion to understand your existing systems and operations, allowing us to generate a formal proposal.
Work Commencement and Collaborative Development
Upon acceptance, collaborative work commences to create and install systems, involving you and your team to ensure alignment with your needs, your understanding and acceptance of the results and compliance with ISO standards.
Initial Assessment (Stage 1): Ensuring Systems Meet Standard
The certifier reviews that systems cover all relevant parameters correctly. You may choose to have our consultant present during the initial assessment to assist with any questions the certifier may have.
Final Evaluation (Stage 2): Achieving Certification
The consultant ensures internal audit, management review, and training aspects are covered. The certifier conducts the conclusive Stage 2 assessment, verifying operational systems' alignment with Standard requirements. Upon successful completion, you attain Certification.
Why Should You Use a Certigence Consultant?
At Certigence, we match your requirements with suitable consultants based on their industry expertise, proximity, and compatibility. In the event of a consultant's unavailability, a substitute can step in promptly, avoiding project disruptions and re-hiring expenses. Our consultants have often previously worked with certifiers, learning that side of the procedure – facilitating a seamless Certification process.
This commitment reflects in our track record – a 100% first-time certification success rate spanning over 25 years.
Ready to Speak? What Happens Next?
After contacting Certigence, you'll receive an email or a call from the Director or a consultant. Discussions about needs, timelines, reasons, and costs occur. A consultant will directly engage with you to understand your requirements and system alignment. A formal proposal is then presented for your consideration. Charges apply only from that point if you proceed with the proposal.
Achieve SOC 2 Compliance
Partner with our SOC 2 specialists to build trust with enterprise customers and demonstrate your commitment to security excellence.