SOC 2: How to Get It Right the First Time 

What is SOC 2 Certification? 

SOC 2 certification proves that your company follows security best practices to protect customer data, especially when delivering services in the cloud. It’s specifically designed for service companies that store or process personal data. 

SOC 2 reviews assess whether your systems meet the five trust service criteria: 

Security: Preventing unauthorized access to systems and data 

Availability: Ensuring your services are reliable when customers need them 

Processing Integrity: Ensuring data is processed accurately and completely 

Confidentiality: Keeping sensitive business information private 

Privacy: Handling and storing personal data responsibly 

All SOC 2 audits require Security. The other criteria—such as Availability or Confidentiality—can be included based on customer needs or the nature of your business operations. Learn more in Understanding SOC 2 Common Criteria and SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.

Why SOC 2 Matters for Service Companies

SOC 2 certification offers real advantages for companies managing sensitive information: 

Build trust: It reassures clients that you take data protection regulations seriously.

Ensure compliance: It supports your efforts to meet laws like GDPR and other data protection regulation standards.

Reduce the risk: A strong security posture lowers the chance of data breaches. 

Faster deal cycles: Large enterprises often require SOC 2 before signing. 

Outperform competitors: Being SOC 2 certified sets you apart from others. 

Better internal systems: The certification process helps improve your management systems and business processes. 

If you're new to the framework, see SOC 2 for Beginners. 

SOC 2 Certification Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Trust Service Criteria 

Start with Security, which is mandatory. Then select additional criteria like Availability or Confidentiality only if needed. Refer to Key SOC 2 Controls to Know. 

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis 

Run a gap analysis to compare your current security practices with SOC 2 requirements. This helps you understand what’s working and what needs attention. Read more in Preparing for Your First SOC 2 Audit. 

Step 3: Implement Security Controls 

Focus on areas like: 

• Access management and user permissions 

• Data encryption and backup procedures 

• Incident response planning 

• Vendor management 

• Change management 

Platforms like DSALTA simplify this step with templates and automated tools, minimizing manual setup. Learn more in Mastering SOC 2 Compliance Documentation and Crafting SOC 2 Policies and Procedures. 

Step 4: Create Required Documentation 

Document all controls and procedures clearly. With DSALTA, automation reduces the time spent creating traditional policy documents. 

Step 5: Select a CPA Firm 

Choose a CPA firm with experience in your industry and SOC 2 audits. They’ll help evaluate whether your controls are well-designed (Type I audit) or consistently applied over time (Type II audit). See SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: What’s the Difference? 

Step 6: Complete the Audit 

The audit confirms your compliance requirements are met. For Type II audits, this often takes several months, since you must show long-term control effectiveness.

However, DSALTA speeds this up with AI-powered auditing and automated evidence collection, removing much of the manual effort. You'll also receive a tier score, which helps you understand your readiness level before the formal audit. For more information, see Understanding the SOC 2 Audit Journey. 

Timeline and Cost

Typical SOC 2 timelines are:

• Type I audit: 6–12 weeks,

• Type II audit: 3–6 months.

Preparation can take even longer, depending on your current state. Many companies spend over $20,000 on their first audit, factoring in consultant costs, tooling, and internal time.

 DSALTA offers a faster, more affordable path. Learn more in Estimating the Cost of a SOC 2 Audit.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 

Avoid these common mistakes, as explained in Avoiding Common SOC 2 Audit Pitfalls: 

Starting too late or without a clear plan 

Over-documenting or including unnecessary criteria 

Neglecting vendor relationships and their security posture 

Failing to manage user access or change control 

Skipping risk assessments and continuous monitoring 

Tips for a Smooth Audit 

Get your team ready with Preparing Your Team for SOC 2 Audits: 

• Assign clear roles and responsibilities Use tools that automate evidence collection 

• Test controls regularly and monitor compliance 

• Review your data center, cloud services, and data integrity practices 

• Create repeatable workflows that ensure long-term audit success 

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 isn’t just about passing an audit — it’s about creating strong foundations for growth, security, and customer trust.

While traditional methods are slow and expensive, platforms like DSALTA help you reduce the risk, ensure compliance, and get there faster. 

To learn more about how SOC 2 aligns with your business goals, visit SOC 2 FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered.