The journey toward SOC 2 can feel daunting: fragmented documentation, unclear control mapping, and labor-intensive evidence collection often slow progress and increase audit risk. That’s where compliance platforms come in.
These technology-driven solutions promise to streamline the entire SOC 2 process, from readiness assessments and control implementation to continuous monitoring and audit preparation. However, with so many platforms claiming to simplify compliance, most businesses ask two questions: Do I need a platform, and which one is right for me?
This article explores compliance platforms’ role in managing SOC 2 requirements, what capabilities matter most, and how they compare to traditional audit preparation methods.
What Is a Compliance Platform?
A compliance platform is a centralized, technology-based solution designed to help organizations manage, automate, and streamline all aspects of their compliance efforts. These platforms typically offer features such as:
- Policy and Procedure Management: Centralize and update your compliance policies, procedures, and controls to remain accessible and current.
- Risk Assessments and Gap Analysis: Automate identifying compliance risks and gaps in your current security or regulatory posture.
- Evidence Collection and Audit Readiness: Facilitate the gathering, organizing, and storing of documentation and evidence needed for audits (such as SOC 2) through integrated workflows.
- Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: Track compliance status in real-time with dashboards and automated alerts to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Integration with Other Systems: Connect with various internal tools (like IT service management or HR systems) to automatically update and maintain your compliance documentation.
Overall, a compliance platform simplifies the complex process of meeting regulatory requirements and helps organizations maintain a proactive and efficient compliance posture over time.
What Should I Look for In a SOC 2 Platform Provider?
The key to effective attestation and security maintenance rests in your choice of partner. SOC 2 is an ongoing requirement, and it’s crucial that you can trust them with both the big picture and the smaller details of compliance.
Additionally, a good SOC 2 partner will not only help you achieve compliance but also add long?term value to your security via
- Experience and Industry Expertise: Look for a partner with a proven track record in conducting SOC 2 audits—ideally one that has worked with organizations of your size and within your industry. This ensures they understand your unique risk profile and regulatory requirements.
- AICPA Affiliation: If they’re performing the audit, ensure they are either an independent CPA firm or affiliated with one. Sometimes, an experienced provider can offer security services while handing you off to a certified firm..
- Clearly-Defined Processes: The partner should have a well-defined audit process, from scoping and evidence collection to reporting, and be proactive in communication. Look for firms that use modern tools or platforms to streamline evidence gathering and keep you updated throughout the process.
- Customization and Alignment with Your Business: A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Ensure your partner takes the time to understand your systems, controls, and business objectives so that the SOC 2 report reflects your true security posture.
- Reputation and References: Ask for references and review case studies or testimonials from similar organizations. Positive feedback and a solid reputation indicate that the partner will deliver a thorough and actionable report.
- Cost and Long-Term Support: While price is essential, consider the value of comprehensive, high-quality work. Ensure their pricing is transparent and they offer ongoing support, as SOC 2 is a continuing process rather than a one-off certification.
What Makes a Qualified SOC 2 Assessor?
Not just anyone can issue a SOC 2 attestation. To be recognized by the AICPA and deliver a credible, audit-grade report, a SOC 2 assessor must meet strict professional and technical qualifications. Here’s what to look for:
- Affiliation with a Licensed CPA Firm: SOC 2 audits must be conducted by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm registered with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Only licensed CPA firms, or entities formally affiliated with one, are authorized to perform SOC 2 audits and issue valid attestation reports.
- AICPA Peer Review Compliance: The CPA firm must participate in the AICPA’s triennial peer review program, which ensures ongoing adherence to professional auditing standards and quality control. This assures that the audit firm’s practices meet AICPA expectations.
- Deep Expertise in Security and IT Audits: A qualified assessor must have strong technical expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT audit methodologies, beyond accounting credentials. Look for certified auditors such as CISA, CISSP, or CISM.
- Mastery of SOC 2 and the Trust Services Criteria (TSC): The assessor should have a thorough command of the five Trust Services Criteria that form the foundation of SOC 2: Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy. Additionally, they should be familiar with how SOC 2 maps to adjacent frameworks such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, and HIPAA, especially if your organization aligns with multiple standards.
- Demonstrated SOC 2 Audit Experience: Look for firms with a strong track record conducting SOC 2 audits for companies comparable in size, industry, and technical complexity. Many experienced assessors also offer SOC 2 readiness assessments to help you close control gaps before the formal audit begins.
- Independence and Impartiality: SOC 2 auditors must remain independent throughout the engagement. They cannot design, implement, or operate your controls—doing so would compromise the objectivity of the attestation. Their role is strictly to evaluate and verify.
The Only Platform or Partner You’ll Need for SOC 2 Attestation
Continuum GRC is a quick and reliable SOC 2 platform that provides high-quality attestation with partners certified by the AICPA. Contact us today to learn more about attestation services (starting at $1,250 for Security Trust policies and additional cost-effective kits).
Continuum GRC is a cloud platform that stays ahead of the curve, including support for all certifications (along with our sister company and assessors, Lazarus Alliance).
- FedRAMP
- StateRAMP
- NIST 800-53
- FARS NIST 800-171 & 172
- CMMC
- SOC 1 & SOC 2
- HIPAA
- PCI DSS 4.0
- IRS 1075 & 4812
- COSO SOX
- ISO 27001 + other ISO standards
- NIAP Common Criteria
- And dozens more!
We are the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized compliance and risk management solution worldwide.
Continuum GRC is a proactive cybersecurity® and the only FedRAMP and GovRAMP-authorized cybersecurity audit platform worldwide. Call 1-888-896-6207 to discuss your organization’s cybersecurity needs and learn how we can help protect its systems and ensure compliance.
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