SOC 2® Compliance Builds Trust

Relying on trusted third-party service organizations to perform ongoing specialized skills, tasks, functions, and projects is an extremely attractive strategy for businesses of all sizes and industries today. To provide assurance regarding internal controls, it is important that service organizations undergo assessment and attestation, such as a SOC 2 audit.

SOC 2 audits review controls related to the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. A SOC 2 report on internal controls demonstrates an organization’s commitment to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.  

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ADVANTAGES

Why Pursue SOC 2 Compliance?

SOC 2 audits foster customer trust, which can lead to sales growth. They represent a competitive advantage by showing adherence to best practices, while proactively addressing risks and identifying potential vulnerabilities. Being SOC 2 compliant reduces the risk of fines and penalties tied to regulatory non-compliance. Plus, the SOC 2 audit process improves security posture by evaluating current policies, processes, and controls, strengthening defenses against cyber threats.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

SOC 2 Audit Services 

The I.S. Partners, LLC. SOC 2 auditors regularly work with users and service organizations to help both parties achieve top-level compliance for a secure business relationship that benefits everyone involved. We provide two types of SOC 2 audit services: 

SOC 2 Type I Audit

This audit focuses on the service organization’s controls used to address any or all five Trust Service Criteria, providing assurance of effective design at a specific point in time. 

SOC 2 Type II Audit

This audit type adds attestation that the service organization’s controls are tested for operating effectiveness over a period of time, typically six months. 

What our SOC 2 Audit Services Deliver 

SOC 2 compliance is essential for businesses that aim to build trust with their clients and demonstrate their commitment to secure, confidential, and reliable services. I.S. Partners offers expert SOC 2 audit services, guiding your organization through the audit process to ensure compliance and achieve a competitive edge. Utilizing our extensive experience and knowledge, we help businesses worldwide in improving their cybersecurity posture and adhere to the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. 

SOC 2 compliance report 
Audit assertions letter
“Shield of Compliance” for successful SOC 2 audit completion
SOC 2 compliance training and awareness for personnel 
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What a SOC 2 Audit Covers

security 1Security
Protects Systems from malicious attacks, data loss, and other security events.
availability 2Availability
Ensure that systems maintain high availability
process integrityProcessing Integrity
Ensure that Systems processing occurs as intended in a timely fashion
confidentiality 1Confidentiality
Ensure that confidential information is protected from unauthorized access
privacy 1Privacy
Ensure that personal information is protected from unauthorized access

PROCESS

SOC 2 Preparation & Audit Success 

SOC 2 Preparation & Audit Process 

This audit focuses on the service organization’s controls used to address any or all five Trust Service Criteria, providing assurance of effective design at a specific point in time. 

  • Determine the scope: Company level or specific service
  • Select desired Trust Services Criteria (TSC) based on your company, industry, and requirements 
  • Identify relevant information security controls and systems 
  • Gather necessary documentation (e.g., asset inventories, policies, and response plans)  

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SOC 2 Self-Assessment 

Some organizations opt for an internal SOC 2 self-assessment to identify gaps and create a remediation plan before the formal SOC 2 audit. The self-assessment process involves four key steps: 

  • Define the audit scope
  • Map compliance requirements against the TSC and Common Criteria 
  • Create a priority list for evidence collection 
  • Develop a remediation plan for each identified gap 
  • Share self-assessment outcomes, gap findings, and remediation plans with relevant stakeholders 

Readiness Testing

Readiness assessments for SOC engagements are valuable fact-finding tools when approaching a SOC 2 audit. They are most useful when conducted by an external, CPA consultant.

  • Conduct a pre-assessment to evaluate control environments
  • Focus on necessary processes and systems for the audit 
  • Identify areas for improvement 

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Close the Gaps 

Using the information from the self-assessment and/or the third 

  • Compare your current controls and systems with SOC 2 requirements 
  • Develop remediation strategies before the official audit 
  • Implement the remediation plan 
  • Follow-up to assess progress made 

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SOC 2 Audit Process

  • Auditor collaboration: Initial contact, scheduling, and communication 
  • Auditor collaboration: Initial contact, scheduling, and communication 
  • Gathering evidence of controls: Provide auditors with required documentation 
  • Evaluation: Walk through business processes and security practices with auditors 
  • Follow up: Respond to additional evidence requests, clarifications, and gap remediation 
  • Completed SOC 2 Report: Obtain a written report, address exceptions, and celebrate if successful 

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Audit Frequency 

SOC 2 Type II audits are typically conducted annually, but in certain situations, you may opt to perform them twice a year. Moreover, it is not uncommon to undertake a SOC 2 Type II audit a few months after completing a SOC 2 Type I to ensure continued compliance. 

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AUTOMATION

Get the Best SOC 2 Compliance Software for FREE 

Introducing automated SOC 2 audit software, by Fieldguide, designed to simplify and streamline audit engagements from evidence collection to reporting. With a collaborative cloud platform, automated workflows, and comprehensive reporting, our software ensures a stress-free SOC 2 audit experience. 

Key features include a compliance dashboard for progress monitoring, real-time team collaboration, framework templates for audit preparation, and efficient document collection. This SOC 2 software offers an end-to-end compliance and risk management system, led by our knowledgeable CPAs and SOC 2 auditors, blending technology and expertise for an optimized risk and compliance program. 

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Free SOC 2 Audit Software for Our Clients

Fieldguide automated SOC 2 audit software is free to use for all I.S. Partners clients. Start working with us and getting faster, less expensive compliance engagements.

VALUE

Why Choose I.S. Partners for SOC 2 Audit Services? 

We are a licensed CPA firm and member of the AICPA & CIMA, specializing in SOC 2 compliance. The practitioners at I.S. Partners have over 20 years of experience providing successful SOC 2 audits for businesses worldwide. Additionally, our in-house, U.S.-based team of experienced SOC 2 auditors with deep understanding of requirements 

GET STARTED

Your Trusted SOC 2 Audit Firm

Ready to start your journey towards SOC 2 compliance? Simplify the process by partnering with I.S. Partners, a trusted provider of SOC 2 audit services. Fill out our online form for more information or to request a quote for SOC 2 audit services tailored to your organization’s needs. 

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Please fill out the form to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation. This consultation will allow us to create a customized plan and an accurate quote just for you.

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