Imagine waking up to headlines declaring your company's data breach.
Overnight, your hard-earned reputation crumbles. Clients lose trust. Contracts dissolve. All because of a gap in your data security.
That's why in 2025, companies are taking data security more seriously than ever before. One of the main questions they continuously ask us is which SOC 2 report should they opt in for.
In this article we'll settle that question once and for all.
First, let's quickly refresh our understanding of what SOC 2 compliance means.
What is SOC 2 compliance?
SOC 2 compliance, established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), sets the standard for managing and protecting customer data.
At the core of SOC 2 compliance are the Five Trust Services Criteria:
- Security: Protecting your systems against unauthorized access. This means robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and 24/7 monitoring.
- Availability: Ensuring your services are up when your customers need them. Downtime isn't just inconvenient — it can push clients to competitors.
- Processing Integrity: Making sure data processing is complete, accurate, and timely. For example for fintech companies, this means every transaction is recorded correctly.
- Confidentiality: Safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. Encryption and strict access controls are essential here.
- Privacy: Handling personal data responsibly, in line with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Missteps here can lead to hefty fines and tarnished reputations.
Achieving SOC 2 compliance shows clients and partners that you prioritize data security.
Many businesses won't even consider working with a company that isn't compliant. It's about earning trust and reducing the risk of costly data breaches.
What are the two types of SOC 2 reports?
- Type 1: Evaluates your system and the design of your controls at a specific moment.
- Type 2: Assesses how effective those controls are over time, typically 6 to 12 months.
Lets break them down:
What is SOC 2 Type 1?
SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates the design and implementation of your cybersecurity controls at a single point in time.
If you need to demonstrate compliance quickly, perhaps to close a deal or meet a new client's requirements — a Type 1 audit can be the way to go.
What are the key aspects of SOC 2 Type 1?
- Purpose: Shows clients that you have appropriate controls in place to protect their data.
- Audit Duration: Faster than a Type 2 audit, often completed in weeks.
- Ideal For:
- Startups building initial trust with customers.
- Companies that have recently implemented new security measures.
- Organizations needing to meet urgent client compliance demands.
However, a Type 1 report doesn't assess how your controls operate over time.
It's a solid starting point, but clients in highly regulated industries may eventually require a SOC 2 Type 2 report for deeper assurance.
What is SOC 2 Type 2?
SOC 2 Type 2 provides a thorough evaluation of both the design and operational effectiveness of your security controls over a period — typically 6 to 12 months.
This shows that your organization not only has the right controls in place but that they work effectively over time to protect customer data.
What are the key features of SOC 2 Type 2?
- Audit Duration: Covers an extended period, offering detailed analysis of your controls in action.
- Scope of Evaluation:
- Reviews policies, procedures, and controls.
- Examines incident response and access management over time.
- Benefits:
- Builds Client Trust: Demonstrates a strong, ongoing commitment to security and privacy.
- Competitive Edge: Essential in sectors where data protection is paramount.
- Risk Reduction: Helps prevent data breaches and avoid penalties.
While more time-consuming and costly, typically ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 — the SOC 2 Type 2 audit provides a higher level of assurance.
Reports are valid for twelve months after the audit period, so maintaining compliance requires annual audits.
SOC 2 Type 1 vs. Type 2: A detailed comparison
Choosing between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 reports is crucial for aligning compliance with your business needs and client expectations.
Differences in scope and reporting
Compared to other frameworks:
Differences in time frame and testing period
The time frame and testing period are significant differentiators between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 audits.
Type 2 audits provide a more detailed assessment, offering greater assurance to clients who prioritize data security.
Differences in audit process
The audit processes for SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 reports mainly differ in depth and duration.
SOC 2 Type 1 audit process
- Evaluation Focus: Examines the design of controls at a specific point.
- Activities:
- Review documentation.
- Interview key personnel.
- Outcome: Verifies that controls are in place but doesn't test their operation over time.
SOC 2 Type 2 audit process
- Evaluation Focus: Assesses both design and operation over time.
- Activities:
- Continuous testing of controls.
- Observing processes.
- Inspecting records over the period.
- Outcome: Provides assurance that controls work effectively over time.
Choosing between the two depends on your needs, client expectations, and the level of assurance required.
Audit cost
- Type 1: Typically between $5,000 and $25,000.
- Type 2: Generally ranges from $30,000 to $60,000.
Which SOC 2 report is right for your business?
Selecting the right SOC 2 report depends on your industry, business goals, client expectations, and resources.
- Assess Your Industry: If you handle sensitive customer data as companies in SaaS, finance, or healthcare do — SOC 2 compliance isn't optional. It's essential to stay competitive.
- Understand Your Goals: Need quick compliance to close a deal? A Type 1 report might suffice. Aiming to build long-term trust with enterprise clients? Type 2 is the way to go.
- Consider Client Requirements: Some clients might accept a Type 1 report initially but will expect a Type 2 report down the line.
- Weigh Your Resources: Type 2 audits require more time and money. If resources are tight, opting for a cost-effective solution like a Type 1 audit makes sense.
How do you transition from SOC 2 Type 1 to Type 2?
Moving from a SOC 2 Type 1 to a Type 2 report deepens your compliance and shows ongoing commitment to security. But this transition can be challenging without the right approach.
Steps to transition effectively
- Perform a Gap Assessment:
- Identify where your current controls meet or fall short of the Trust Services Criteria.
- Prioritize areas that need improvement.
- Update Documentation:
- Ensure all policies and procedures are up-to-date and align with SOC 2 requirements.
- Document any changes and new controls implemented.
- Implement Continuous Monitoring:
- Set up systems to regularly monitor and record control activities.
- Use tools that automate evidence collection.
- Train Your Team:
- Educate employees about their roles in maintaining compliance.
- Emphasize the importance of following procedures consistently.
- Engage with Auditors Early:
- Establish a relationship with a trusted CPA firm experienced in SOC 2 audits.
- Understand their expectations and prepare accordingly.
So, now you understand the differences between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 reports.
Select the right approach, align with client expectations, and implement robust security controls - you'll position your company for growth and success.
Key takeaways
- SOC 2 compliance is essential for building trust with clients and safeguarding your business against data breaches.
- Type 1 reports provide a snapshot of your controls at a specific point in time — ideal for quick compliance needs.
- Type 2 reports assess the effectiveness of your controls over a period, offering deeper assurance to clients.
- Transitioning from Type 1 to Type 2 involves ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement of your security practices.
- Choosing the right SOC 2 report depends on your industry, client requirements, and available resources.
Achieve SOC 2 Compliance Faster and More Affordably with EasyAudit
Traditional SOC 2 compliance methods can take up to 10 months and cost over $100,000, consuming valuable time and resources. But what if you could cut that time and cost in half?
EasyAudit makes this possible.
- Cut compliance time by 50%: Get certified in 2-3 months instead of the usual 6-8.
- Save up to $50,000: Eliminate the need for expensive consultants.
- Custom-Crafted Security Controls: Unlike other tools that make you create controls yourself, EasyAudit designs them for you, tailored to your unique operations.
- AI-Driven Automation: Our advanced AI handles the heavy lifting, reducing errors and ensuring a seamless process.
Reclaim your time, reduce expenses, and close more deals. Schedule a demo and experience the power of EasyAudit yourself.
FAQs
Who needs a SOC 2 Type 1 report?
Organizations new to SOC 2 compliance need a SOC 2 Type 1 report. If you're in the early stages of implementing controls or want to show clients that you've designed the right measures to protect their data, this report does just that.
It builds trust by demonstrating your commitment to security, even if those controls haven't been tested over time yet.
Who needs a SOC 2 Type 2 report?
Companies that handle sensitive data and need to prove their controls work effectively over time require a SOC 2 Type 2 report.
If you want to assure clients that not only do you have the right controls in place, but they're also operating smoothly day in and day out, this comprehensive assessment is essential. It demonstrates ongoing compliance and solidifies trust with stakeholders.
How often should you do a SOC 2 Type 1 report?
There's no strict timetable for conducting a SOC 2 Type 1 report. Organizations typically perform one when they're first establishing controls or after significant changes in their control environment.
Some choose to do it annually to confirm that their control design meets the necessary standards at that point in time.
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