SOC 2SOC 2 is the gold standard for demonstrating your organization's commitment to security. This checklist walks you through every phase from scoping trust service criteria to passing your Type II audit with confidence.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that defines criteria for managing customer data based on five trust service principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
SOC 2 reports are unique to each organization as they require companies to establish and follow strict information security policies and procedures, encompassing the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.
These reports are increasingly important for service providers, particularly those that store customer data in the cloud, as they demonstrate the organization's commitment to data security and privacy.
Trust Criteria
Reports
Audit
Click each step to expand the details. Work through them in order — each step builds on the previous one.
Establish the boundaries of your SOC 2 engagement
Identify the systems, applications, and infrastructure that will be in scope for your SOC 2 report. Select the trust service criteria (Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy) that apply to your organization's commitments to customers.
Identify gaps before the formal audit begins
A readiness assessment evaluates your current security posture against SOC 2 requirements. This pre-audit exercise reveals gaps in your controls, policies, and evidence collection so you can remediate issues well before engaging your auditor.
Build the documentation foundation for your controls
SOC 2 requires formalized, documented policies and procedures that govern your security operations. These documents establish the rules your team follows and provide the basis for auditor evaluation of your control environment.
Deploy the technical and operational safeguards
With policies in place, implement the technical controls that enforce them. This includes deploying security tools, configuring systems to meet SOC 2 requirements, and establishing the operational processes that keep your environment secure.
Build repeatable processes for audit evidence
Auditors need evidence that your controls are operating effectively. Establish systematic processes for collecting, organizing, and retaining the artifacts that demonstrate compliance throughout your observation period.
Ensure everyone understands their compliance role
Security awareness training is a core SOC 2 requirement. Beyond checking the box, effective training ensures every team member understands the policies, recognizes threats, and knows how to handle security incidents.
Select and onboard your audit firm
SOC 2 reports must be issued by a licensed CPA firm with experience in IT auditing. Engage your auditor early so they can review your readiness, agree on scope, and schedule the audit observation period.
Execute a smooth audit from fieldwork to report
With your controls operating and evidence collected, it is time for the formal audit. Preparation is key to a clean report. Organize your evidence, brief your team, and ensure your auditor has everything they need to evaluate your controls efficiently.
Feeling overwhelmed? You don't have to do this alone.
Transparent cost ranges so you can plan and budget. Costs vary based on organization size, current security posture, and environment complexity.
Including preparation, tooling, and assessment fees
Depending on current maturity and scope
Independent verification of your compliance
Compliance management and evidence collection tools
SIEM, EDR, vulnerability scanning, encryption tools
Hundreds of hours across IT, security, and leadership
Annual reviews, continuous monitoring, recertification
The cost of non-compliance far exceeds the investment in getting certified. Consider what's at stake:
The question isn't whether you can afford compliance — it's whether you can afford not to have it.
Illumen specializes in helping organizations achieve SOC 2 compliance — from initial assessment through certification. We meet you wherever you are in the journey.
Know exactly where you stand against requirements
Close gaps with expert guidance and support
Policies, procedures, and evidence packages
Common questions about SOC 2 compliance and certification.
