SOC 2 Certification: What It Really Means and How to Achieve It

SOC 2 certification is one of the most searched compliance terms in cybersecurity, particularly among SaaS providers and technology companies selling into enterprise or overseas markets. The term SOC2 certification is also widely used and refers to the same assurance outcome, even though SOC 2 is technically an attestation, not a formal certification like ISO standards.

Because buyers, customers, and procurement teams commonly search for both SOC 2 certification and SOC2 certification, organisations must manage two realities at once. On the one hand, they must meet the formal requirements of a SOC 2 attestation. On the other, they must communicate outcomes using the language customers expect. Aligning both improves audit outcomes and reduces friction during sales and due-diligence reviews.

This guide explains what SOC 2 certification means in practice, how SOC 2 attestation works, what auditors review, and how Australian organisations can achieve and maintain compliance in a practical, defensible way.

Certification vs attestation: understanding SOC 2 (SOC2)

SOC 2 operates as an attestation framework issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Independent auditors examine controls and provide an opinion on whether those controls are designed appropriately and operate effectively over time.

Unlike ISO certifications, SOC 2 does not issue a pass-or-fail certificate. Instead, organisations receive a detailed auditor’s report that describes system scope, controls, testing activities, and any exceptions identified.

In commercial contexts, however, customers continue to use the term certification to describe a successful SOC 2 outcome. For that reason, organisations pursuing SOC 2 certification or SOC2 certification must plan for attestation requirements while communicating results in familiar language.

What customers expect from a SOC 2 report

When customers request SOC 2 certification, they usually want evidence that your organisation:

• Protects sensitive customer and business information
• Manages security and operational risk consistently
• Operates reliable and resilient systems
• Maintains clear governance and accountability
• Can be trusted as a service provider or vendor

A SOC 2 report delivers this confidence by demonstrating how controls operate in real environments over time rather than relying on policy statements alone.

Who typically needs SOC 2

Organisations that handle customer data or deliver technology services to external clients often require SOC 2 assurance. This commonly includes:

• SaaS and cloud software providers
• Managed service providers and IT outsourcers
• Fintech and financial services vendors
• Data-driven and health technology companies
• Businesses selling into enterprise or US-based markets

Customers frequently request SOC 2 certification or SOC2 certification during vendor onboarding, contract negotiations, or ongoing security reviews.

When SOC 2 may not be necessary yet

Early-stage organisations with limited customer exposure, no production data, or internal-only systems may not need SOC 2 immediately. In these cases, teams often focus on foundational security controls or ISO 27001 before expanding into SOC 2.

The Trust Services Criteria

SOC 2 assessments rely on the Trust Services Criteria defined by the AICPA. These criteria set the control objectives auditors use when assessing an environment.

The five categories include:

• Security (mandatory)
• Availability
• Confidentiality
• Processing Integrity
• Privacy

Most organisations begin with Security and add other categories as customer requirements and risk profiles evolve.

SOC 2 report types explained

Understanding report types helps organisations plan their assurance roadmap.

Type I report

A Type I report evaluates whether controls exist and whether their design suits the organisation at a specific point in time. Many organisations use this report as an initial milestone when responding to early customer requests.

Type II report

A Type II report evaluates whether controls operate effectively over a defined period, typically six to twelve months. Enterprise customers usually expect this level of assurance because it demonstrates sustained performance rather than point-in-time readiness.

How organisations progress through SOC 2

Most organisations follow a similar path when pursuing SOC 2 certification.

First, teams define system scope, including products, platforms, and supporting infrastructure. Next, they select relevant Trust Services Criteria based on risk and customer expectations. Teams then document controls and align them to day-to-day operations.

After completing readiness activities, organisations engage an independent auditor. Throughout the assessment period, teams collect evidence that demonstrates consistent control operation. The auditor then issues the SOC 2 report and opinion.

This structured approach reduces remediation effort and shortens audit timelines.

For organisations that want structured support through this process, our SOC 2 services help align controls, manage evidence, and prepare for a successful audit outcome.

Defining system scope

Scope definition plays a critical role in SOC 2 outcomes. Auditors assess only the systems and services explicitly included in scope.

Common in-scope elements include production applications, cloud infrastructure, identity and access management platforms, monitoring tools, and third-party services that process customer data.

Clear scoping prevents unnecessary complexity while still meeting customer expectations.

What auditors focus on

Auditors assess both governance and operational execution. While technical safeguards matter, consistent processes and reliable evidence often determine audit success.

Auditors typically examine risk management practices, security policies, access controls, change management, incident response, vendor risk processes, business continuity arrangements, and monitoring activities.

Teams must show that controls operate consistently throughout the assessment period.

Evidence commonly reviewed

During a SOC 2 engagement, auditors often review access reviews, change approvals, incident records, vendor assessments, monitoring alerts, and backup testing results.

Strong evidence remains timely, traceable, and aligned to documented controls.

Australian context for SOC 2

Although SOC 2 originated in the United States, Australian enterprises and global customers widely accept it. Many organisations pursue SOC 2 certification alongside ISO 27001, depending on customer location and procurement models.

For Australian businesses, SOC 2 certification and SOC2 certification support enterprise sales, US customer requirements, and third-party risk reviews. When teams align frameworks correctly, they can reuse controls and evidence across standards.

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compared

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 complement each other rather than compete.

ISO 27001 focuses on building and maintaining an information security management system. SOC 2 focuses on demonstrating how controls perform over time. Many organisations use ISO 27001 as a governance foundation and SOC 2 certification as customer-facing assurance.

Many organisations align their SOC 2 or compliance programs with ISO 27001 to establish a structured information security management system and simplify ongoing assurance.

Common challenges teams face

Teams often encounter issues such as underestimated evidence effort, unclear system boundaries, inconsistent control execution, weak vendor risk practices, and limited monitoring.

Most delays stem from operational gaps rather than missing documentation.

Maintaining ongoing assurance

SOC 2 requires continuous attention. For Type II reports, controls must operate consistently throughout the assessment period.

Ongoing activities include monitoring controls, collecting evidence, reviewing performance, addressing gaps, and coordinating with auditors. Many organisations rely on managed compliance and security services to maintain consistency.

Frequently asked questions

Is SOC 2 certification mandatory?

SOC 2 certification is not legally mandatory. However, many enterprise customers require it as a condition of doing business.

How long does SOC 2 certification take?

Timelines vary. Type I assessments often complete within weeks, while Type II assessments span six to twelve months.

Does SOC 2 certification expire?

SOC 2 reports cover a defined period and require annual renewal to remain current.

Final thoughts

Although SOC 2 operates as an attestation framework, SOC 2 certification and SOC2 certification remain the terms customers use when assessing vendor assurance. Organisations that understand both the technical and commercial dimensions can approach SOC 2 with confidence and avoid unnecessary friction.

Useful Links

• SOC 2 Audit Australia (SOC2): The Definitive Guide for Organisations

Related Services

• SOC 2 Services
• ISO 27001 Services

External Resources

• AICPA & CIMA Download the Service Criteria
• System and Organization Controls: SOC Suite of Services
• OAIC Privacy Principles
• ASD Essential 8