SOC 2 Preparation Guide
Everything you need to prepare for your SOC 2 audit - no fluff, just actionable steps.
Take Free Assessment FirstRealistic Timeline
Month 1
Scoping & Gap Analysis
- • Define which Trust Service Criteria apply
- • Complete readiness assessment (use our free tool)
- • Select auditor and get quote
- • Identify critical gaps
Month 2-3
Foundation Building
- • Write core policies (InfoSec, Access Control, Incident Response)
- • Implement GRC platform (Vanta, Drata, or similar)
- • Enable MFA everywhere (this is critical!)
- • Set up centralized logging
- • Document organizational structure
Month 4-5
Control Implementation
- • Deploy endpoint protection (EDR)
- • Implement vulnerability scanning
- • Set up access reviews (quarterly)
- • Create vendor management process
- • Conduct security awareness training
- • Test incident response plan
Month 6
Pre-Audit & Readiness
- • Internal audit or readiness assessment
- • Collect evidence for all controls
- • Remediate any remaining gaps
- • Schedule Type I audit
Month 7
Type I Audit
- • Fieldwork (1-2 weeks)
- • Respond to auditor requests
- • Receive draft report
- • Address any findings
- • Receive final SOC 2 Type I report
Critical Controls Checklist
Must-Have (Audit Blockers)
- MFA EverywhereAll users, all systems. No exceptions.
- Access Control PolicyProvisioning, reviews, termination process
- EncryptionTLS 1.2+ in transit, AES-256 at rest
- Centralized Logging1+ year retention, tamper-proof
- Incident Response PlanDocumented and tested
- Vendor ManagementRisk assessments for critical vendors
Quick Wins (Do These First)
- Enable MFA (2 hours)Google Workspace, AWS, GitHub, Slack
- Create Org Chart (1 hour)Show security reporting lines
- Enable GitHub Branch Protection (30 min)Require PR reviews for all changes
- Create Risk Register (2 hours)Top 10 risks in a spreadsheet
- Document Backup Process (1 hour)What, when, where, tested when?
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Fees (Type I) | $15K - $40K | Depends on company size, criteria selected |
| GRC Platform | $10K - $50K/year | Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, or DIY |
| Security Tools | $5K - $30K/year | EDR, SIEM, vulnerability scanning |
| Internal Time | $20K - $60K | 200-500 hours across team |
| Consultant (Optional) | $15K - $50K | Can reduce timeline by 2-3 months |
| Total First Year | $40K - $150K | Annual renewal: $20K-$80K |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Starting too late
Don't wait until a customer asks. Start 6+ months before you need it.
❌ Choosing the wrong auditor
Get 3 quotes. Ask about their SaaS experience and turnaround time.
❌ Skipping the gap analysis
Know what you're missing before you start. Use our free assessment.
❌ Not documenting everything
If it's not documented, it doesn't exist. Screenshots, policies, evidence.
❌ Treating it as a one-time project
SOC 2 is continuous. Plan for annual audits and ongoing monitoring.
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