SOC 2 compliance on autopilot
Get SOC 2 Type II certified faster. Matproof automates evidence collection, maps controls continuously, and keeps you audit-ready — so you can close enterprise deals.
Key Features
Continuous Control Monitoring
Automated tests run continuously against your infrastructure. Know instantly when a control drifts out of compliance.
Automated Evidence Collection
Connect 100+ integrations and let Matproof collect evidence automatically. No more manual screenshots or spreadsheets.
Trust Service Criteria Mapping
Automatically map your controls to SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
Audit-Ready Reports
Generate auditor-ready reports with a single click. Your auditor gets exactly the evidence they need, organized by criteria.
Policy Templates
Start with AI-generated policies tailored to your organization. Cover all required SOC 2 policy areas in minutes.
Vendor Risk Management
Manage vendor risk assessments and track third-party compliance — a requirement for SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria.
Why Matproof
SOC compliance across Germany
Find city-specific compliance guidance for your financial institution.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that defines criteria for managing and securing customer data. Unlike prescriptive standards that dictate specific controls, SOC 2 is based on five Trust Service Criteria — Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy — allowing organizations to design controls tailored to their specific services and risk environment.
A SOC 2 report is the result of an independent audit performed by a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firm. The auditor evaluates whether an organization's controls are suitably designed and, in the case of a Type II report, whether they operate effectively over a defined observation period. The resulting report is shared with customers, prospects, and partners to provide assurance that the organization handles data responsibly and securely.
SOC 2 has become the gold standard for demonstrating security and operational maturity in the technology sector, particularly for SaaS companies, cloud service providers, managed service providers, and any organization that stores, processes, or transmits customer data. While originally focused on the US market, SOC 2 reports are increasingly recognized and requested globally, especially by organizations doing business with American enterprises.
The framework is flexible by design. Only the Security criterion (also known as the Common Criteria) is mandatory for every SOC 2 audit. Organizations select additional Trust Service Criteria based on their services, customer expectations, and contractual obligations. This means a payment processing company might include Processing Integrity, while a healthcare SaaS provider would likely include Privacy and Confidentiality alongside Security.
Who Needs SOC 2 Compliance?
While SOC 2 is not legally required, it has become a business-critical requirement for technology companies and service providers. If your organization handles customer data in any capacity, SOC 2 compliance is likely relevant to your business growth and customer trust. The following types of organizations typically pursue SOC 2:
Technology Companies
- SaaS and cloud application providers
- Cloud infrastructure and hosting providers
- Data analytics and business intelligence platforms
- API and integration platform providers
- DevOps and developer tools companies
- AI and machine learning service providers
Service Organizations
- Managed IT and security service providers (MSSPs)
- Payroll and HR technology providers
- Healthcare IT and health tech companies
- Fintech and payment processing companies
- Marketing technology and CRM platforms
- Document and content management providers
SOC 2 is particularly critical when selling to mid-market and enterprise customers in the United States. Most enterprise procurement teams require a SOC 2 Type II report as part of their vendor assessment process. Without one, your sales cycle may be extended by weeks or months while prospects conduct manual security reviews. For European companies expanding into the US market, SOC 2 is often the first compliance framework they pursue alongside their existing ISO 27001 certification.
SOC 2 Key Requirements: Trust Service Criteria in Detail
1. Security (Common Criteria) — Required
The Security criterion is the foundation of every SOC 2 audit and covers protection of information and systems against unauthorized access, both physical and logical. Controls include network and application firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, multi-factor authentication, vulnerability management, endpoint protection, security awareness training, and incident response procedures. The Security criterion encompasses nine common criteria categories (CC1-CC9) covering control environment, communication, risk assessment, monitoring, logical access, system operations, and change management.
2. Availability
The Availability criterion addresses whether systems are operational and accessible as committed in service level agreements (SLAs). Controls include system performance monitoring, capacity planning, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, data backup and restoration procedures, and incident management processes. Organizations must define and meet availability commitments, maintain redundant infrastructure, and demonstrate the ability to recover from disruptions within agreed timeframes.
3. Processing Integrity
Processing Integrity ensures that system processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized. This is particularly relevant for companies that process transactions, calculations, or data transformations. Controls include input validation, processing accuracy checks, output reconciliation, error handling procedures, and quality assurance processes. Financial services companies, payment processors, and data analytics platforms commonly include this criterion.
4. Confidentiality
The Confidentiality criterion covers the protection of information designated as confidential — including intellectual property, business plans, customer data, and proprietary information. Controls include data classification policies, encryption at rest and in transit, access controls based on the principle of least privilege, secure data disposal, and non-disclosure agreements. This criterion is essential for organizations handling trade secrets, financial data, or any information not intended for public disclosure.
5. Privacy
The Privacy criterion addresses the collection, use, retention, disclosure, and disposal of personal information in conformity with the organization's privacy notice and the AICPA's Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP). Controls include privacy notices, consent mechanisms, data subject access rights, data minimization, purpose limitation, and retention schedules. This criterion is particularly relevant for organizations subject to GDPR, CCPA, or other privacy regulations.
6. Control Environment and Governance
Underpinning all Trust Service Criteria is a robust control environment. This includes management's commitment to integrity and ethical values, board oversight, organizational structure with clear reporting lines, human resources policies (background checks, training, performance evaluations), and a comprehensive risk management program. The auditor evaluates whether the "tone at the top" supports a culture of security and compliance throughout the organization.
7. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
SOC 2 requires organizations to continuously monitor the effectiveness of their controls and address deficiencies promptly. This includes regular internal assessments, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, log review and analysis, and management review of control exceptions. Organizations must demonstrate that they identify control gaps, remediate findings, and improve their control environment over time.
8. Vendor and Subservice Organization Management
Organizations must evaluate and monitor the controls of third-party vendors and subservice organizations that are part of their service delivery. This includes vendor risk assessments, review of vendors' SOC reports, contractual requirements for security and compliance, and ongoing monitoring. The SOC 2 report can use either the inclusive method (including subservice controls) or the carve-out method (excluding them with appropriate disclosures).
Business Impact of Not Having SOC 2
While SOC 2 is not a legal mandate, the absence of a SOC 2 report carries significant business consequences. In today's security-conscious market, SOC 2 is increasingly treated as table stakes for technology vendors.
Enterprise deals stall or are lost entirely when prospects require SOC 2 and you cannot produce a report
Without SOC 2, expect manual security reviews and lengthy questionnaires that add weeks or months to deal closure
Competitors with SOC 2 reports gain an immediate trust advantage in procurement evaluations and RFP processes
Technology partnerships, marketplace listings, and reseller agreements increasingly require SOC 2 compliance
A qualified SOC 2 report — one with exceptions or findings — can be equally damaging. Material exceptions in a SOC 2 Type II report signal to prospects that your controls are not operating effectively, which can erode trust even more than not having a report at all. This is why continuous compliance monitoring is essential, not just point-in-time audit preparation.
How to Get SOC 2 Certified: Step-by-Step
Achieving SOC 2 certification requires careful planning, control implementation, and sustained operational discipline. Here is a structured approach to getting your SOC 2 Type II report:
- 1
Define Scope and Select Trust Service Criteria
Determine which systems, services, and infrastructure are in scope for your SOC 2 audit. Select the Trust Service Criteria relevant to your services and customer expectations. Security is always required; choose additional criteria based on your service commitments, industry requirements, and what customers are asking for.
- 2
Readiness Assessment and Gap Analysis
Conduct a thorough assessment of your current security posture against SOC 2 requirements. Identify missing controls, documentation gaps, and process deficiencies. Prioritize remediation based on risk and audit timeline. This phase typically takes 2-4 weeks and can be performed internally or with a consulting firm.
- 3
Implement Controls and Policies
Design and implement the controls needed to address identified gaps. This includes writing security policies, configuring technical controls (MFA, encryption, logging), establishing HR processes (background checks, security training), and implementing vendor management procedures. Document everything — auditors need to see written policies and evidence of implementation.
- 4
Observation Period (Type II)
For a Type II report, controls must operate effectively for a minimum of 6 months (12 months is common for subsequent audits). During this period, maintain evidence of control operation through logs, screenshots, tickets, and automated monitoring. Matproof automates evidence collection during this phase, continuously capturing proof that controls are operating as designed.
- 5
Select an Auditor and Complete the Audit
Choose a licensed CPA firm experienced in SOC 2 audits. The auditor will review your system description, test controls, examine evidence, and issue the SOC 2 report. Prepare organized evidence packages, respond promptly to auditor requests, and address any findings. The audit fieldwork typically takes 2-4 weeks.
- 6
Maintain Continuous Compliance
SOC 2 is not a one-time achievement. Reports are typically valid for 12 months, and you will need annual re-audits to maintain your SOC 2 status. Implement continuous monitoring to prevent control drift, address new risks, and ensure year-round audit readiness. This is where compliance automation delivers the greatest return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about SOC 2
What is SOC 2 compliance?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It evaluates an organization's information systems and controls based on five Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. A SOC 2 report provides assurance to customers that a service organization has appropriate controls in place to protect their data.
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
SOC 2 Type I evaluates the design and implementation of controls at a specific point in time — it answers whether your controls are properly designed. SOC 2 Type II evaluates both the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a period of time, typically 6 to 12 months. Type II is more rigorous and is what most enterprise customers require, as it demonstrates that controls are not only well-designed but consistently operated.
How long does it take to get SOC 2 certified?
For a SOC 2 Type I report, the process typically takes 2-4 months from readiness assessment to report issuance. For SOC 2 Type II, you need an additional observation period of 6-12 months after controls are implemented. With Matproof's automation platform, the readiness phase can be reduced by 60-70%, with automated evidence collection and continuous control monitoring eliminating much of the manual effort.
Is SOC 2 mandatory?
SOC 2 is not legally mandated by any government regulation. However, it is a de facto requirement for SaaS companies, cloud service providers, and technology vendors selling to US enterprise customers. Many organizations include SOC 2 Type II as a requirement in their vendor assessment processes, RFPs, and procurement policies. Without a SOC 2 report, you may lose deals or face lengthy security questionnaire processes.
What are the 5 Trust Service Criteria in SOC 2?
The five Trust Service Criteria are: (1) Security (mandatory) — protection against unauthorized access through firewalls, intrusion detection, and multi-factor authentication; (2) Availability — system uptime, disaster recovery, and performance monitoring; (3) Processing Integrity — accuracy and completeness of data processing; (4) Confidentiality — protection of confidential information through encryption and access controls; (5) Privacy — collection, use, retention, and disposal of personal information in accordance with privacy policies.
How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?
SOC 2 audit costs vary based on scope, complexity, and the auditing firm. A Type I audit typically costs between $20,000-$60,000, while a Type II audit ranges from $30,000-$100,000. Additional costs include readiness assessments ($10,000-$30,000), remediation work, and compliance automation tools. Matproof helps reduce total cost of compliance by automating evidence collection and maintaining audit readiness year-round.