Cross-Functional · Playbook · Advanced · Saves 120+ hours
SOC 2 Preparation Guide
A guide for preparing for SOC 2 certification.
What's included
- SOC 2 Overview
- Trust service criteria
- Type I vs. Type II
- Scope definition
- Preparation Process
- Gap assessment
- Control implementation
- Evidence collection
- Policy development
- Control Requirements
- Security controls
- Availability controls
- Processing integrity controls
- Confidentiality controls
- Privacy controls
- Audit Process
- Auditor selection
- Audit preparation
- Audit execution
- Report distribution
Best used when
- Pursuing enterprise customers
- Building trust with prospects
- Formalizing security program
- Differentiating from competitors
Why this is Gold
SOC 2 enables enterprise sales. This guide makes it achievable.
The template
The Template
SOC 2 READINESS
SOC 2 Readiness Checklist
SOC 2 PREPARATION CHECKLIST
PRE-AUDIT (3-6 months before):
☐ Scope defined (systems, data)
☐ Trust service criteria selected
☐ Gap assessment completed
☐ Remediation plan created
☐ Policies documented
☐ Controls implemented
☐ Evidence collection started
AUDIT READINESS:
☐ All controls operational for 3+ months (Type II)
☐ Evidence organized and complete
☐ Control owners identified
☐ Auditor selected
☐ Audit timeline agreed
DURING AUDIT:
☐ Evidence provided promptly
☐ Interviews scheduled
☐ Issues remediated quickly
☐ Regular check-ins with auditor
POST-AUDIT:
☐ Report reviewed
☐ Exceptions addressed
☐ Continuous monitoring established
☐ Report distribution plan
SOC 2 Control Categories
| Trust Service Criteria | Focus | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Always | ☐ Yes |
| Availability | Uptime/reliability | ☐ Optional |
| Processing Integrity | Accurate processing | ☐ Optional |
| Confidentiality | Data protection | ☐ Optional |
| Privacy | Personal data | ☐ Optional |
Common SOC 2 Controls
KEY CONTROL AREAS
ACCESS MANAGEMENT:
☐ User access reviews (quarterly)
☐ MFA enabled
☐ Offboarding process
☐ Privileged access management
CHANGE MANAGEMENT:
☐ Change approval process
☐ Testing requirements
☐ Rollback procedures
☐ Change documentation
SECURITY OPERATIONS:
☐ Vulnerability scanning
☐ Penetration testing (annual)
☐ Security monitoring
☐ Incident response plan
VENDOR MANAGEMENT:
☐ Vendor assessments
☐ Vendor monitoring
☐ Contract requirements
Frequently asked questions
What is the SOC 2 Preparation Guide?
A guide for preparing for SOC 2 certification.
Who is the SOC 2 Preparation Guide for?
It is built for Cross-Functionals and their teams working on Security & Compliance. The AI coach adapts it to your company, stage, and goals.
How long does the SOC 2 Preparation Guide take to use?
It saves roughly 120+ hours versus building from scratch. Our AI coach can tailor the playbook to your situation in minutes, then hand you a step-by-step plan.
Is the SOC 2 Preparation Guide free?
Yes. You can read the full playbook and start getting coached through it for free. Sign in to save your tailored version and track your next steps.
How does the AI coach help with the SOC 2 Preparation Guide?
The coach teaches you the framework, asks a few questions about your business, tailors the playbook to you, and gives you measurable next steps to execute.