01Introduction
For B2B SaaS companies, SOC 2 is often the first security question a prospect asks. Without a report, deals stall in security review.
02What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an attestation framework from the AICPA. An independent CPA firm examines and reports on a service organization's controls against the Trust Services Criteria: security (required), availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.
A Type I report assesses control design at a point in time. A Type II report tests operating effectiveness over a period, usually 3 to 12 months. Not to be confused with a security operations center.
03How SOC 2 works
A SOC 2 program moves from readiness to report.
- 1.
Scope
Choose the systems and Trust Services Criteria in scope.
- 2.
Readiness
Implement and document controls, then gap-assess against the criteria.
- 3.
Observation period
Operate controls for Type II, including monitoring, vulnerability management and change management.
- 4.
Audit and report
The CPA firm tests controls and issues the report you share with customers.
04Threats and risks
SOC 2 is where evidence gaps show up.
Missing test evidence
Auditors commonly expect penetration testing under CC4.1 and CC7.1. An absent or stale test is a gap.
Unremediated findings
Pentest findings with no tracked fix weaken the report.
Change management gaps
Code shipped without review or security testing.
Compliance as ceiling
Passing SOC 2 doesn't mean an attacker can't get in.
05How Parameter helps
Parameter turns SOC 2 testing into a continuous record. See SOC 2 penetration testing.
Audit-grade reports
The pentesting agents produce reports aligned to what SOC 2 auditors request.
Remediation trail
Retests on fix show findings were closed during the observation period.
Secure change management
Sentinel reviews every pull request, as evidence of security in the change process.
