The True Cost of SOC 2 Compliance

Achieving SOC 2 compliance is a critical milestone for organizations that handle sensitive customer data or provide services that impact data security and privacy. However, embarking on this journey involves a series of well-defined stages, each with its unique challenges and requirements. In this article, we will delve into the true cost of SOC 2 compliance, shedding light on the timeframes, resources, and considerations necessary to successfully navigate the complex landscape of preparing for a SOC 2 audit. From the stages of assessment and planning to the involvement of personnel and technology recommendations, we will provide valuable insights into what it takes to ensure your organization meets the stringent SOC 2 standards. Whether you choose to tackle this endeavor on your own or engage an information security consultant, understanding the intricacies and implications of SOC 2 compliance is essential to safeguarding your organization’s data integrity and reputation.

What are the stages of preparing for a SOC2 audit?

Preparing for a SOC 2 audit involves several stages to ensure a comprehensive and successful compliance process. These stages generally include:

1. Assessment and Planning:
   

   Scoping: Define the scope of the audit, including systems, services, and controls to be assessed.

   Identify Applicable Trust Service Criteria: Determine which Trust Service Criteria (e.g., security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, privacy) are relevant to your organization.

   Gaps Analysis: Assess current controls against SOC 2 requirements to identify gaps that need to be addressed.

2. Designing Controls:

   Control Implementation: Develop and implement controls and policies aligned with SOC 2 requirements and the identified gaps.

   Documentation: Create documentation detailing control objectives, procedures, and evidence to support compliance.

3. Testing and Implementation:
   

   Testing Controls: Conduct testing to ensure that implemented controls are functioning effectively.Remediation: Address any deficiencies found during testing and refine control implementation.

4. Internal Readiness Review:
   

   Internal Audit (optional): Conduct an internal audit or self-assessment to identify any remaining gaps or issues.

5. Pre-Audit Preparations:
   

   Readiness Assessment: Evaluate the organization’s readiness for the official SOC 2 audit.Documentation Review: Ensure all necessary documentation and evidence are in order for the audit.

6. Engaging with Auditors:
   

   Engagement with Auditors: Interact and coordinate with the chosen auditing firm or auditor to schedule the audit, clarify expectations, and address any concerns.

7. SOC 2 Audit:
   

   On-Site or Remote Audit: The auditing firm performs the assessment, reviewing controls, evidence, and documentation to validate compliance.Evidence Presentation: Present evidence and provide explanations as needed during the audit process.

8. Post-Audit Follow-Up:
   

   Audit Report Review: Review the draft SOC 2 report provided by the auditor.Address Findings: Address any findings or recommendations provided in the report.

   Final Report Issuance: Receive the final SOC 2 report from the auditor.

Throughout these stages, ongoing communication, collaboration among various stakeholders, continuous improvement, and a proactive approach to addressing any identified issues are crucial to ensuring a successful SOC 2 audit and ongoing compliance.

What is a realistic timeframe for compliance?

It’s important to note that these timeframes are estimates and can vary significantly based on the organization’s unique circumstances. Some stages may overlap, and the timeline might be expedited or prolonged based on the organization’s readiness, resources, and the efficiency of the compliance efforts. Additionally, engaging experienced consultants or experts can often streamline the process and reduce the duration of certain stages.

The total time required to complete all stages of preparing for a SOC 2 audit can vary widely based on factors such as the organization’s readiness, the complexity of systems, the number of controls to be implemented, and the resources dedicated to the compliance effort.

Roughly estimating the time across all stages:

• Assessment and Planning: 2-4 months

• Designing Controls: 6-12 months

• Testing and Implementation: 4-6 months

• Internal Readiness Review: 1-2 months

• Pre-Audit Preparations: 3-6 months

• Engaging with Auditors: 1-2 months before the audit

• SOC 2 Audit: 1-2 weeks

• Post-Audit Follow-Up: 3-6 months

Summing these estimated durations across all stages, preparing for a SOC 2 audit might typically take anywhere from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 years, considering the range of activities involved, potential overlaps between stages, and the timeframes needed for comprehensive preparation, testing, and post-audit actions.

It’s important to note that these estimates are approximate and can significantly vary based on the organization’s specific circumstances, level of preparedness, complexity, and the efficiency of the compliance efforts. Organizations with robust existing controls and prior compliance efforts might require less time, while those starting from scratch or facing significant compliance gaps may take longer.

How much is an estimated DIY cost of each of those stages for companies less than 250 employees?

For companies with fewer than 250 employees, the cost estimates for each stage of preparing for a SOC 2 audit might differ compared to larger organizations due to differences in scale, complexity, and resource availability. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Assessment and Planning:
   

   Scoping: Similar to larger organizations, minimal cost, mainly internal staff time for scoping exercises.

   Identify Applicable Trust Service Criteria: Minimal cost, mostly internal staff time for analysis.

   Gaps Analysis: Can range from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity, involving consultant fees for assessments or internal staff resources.

2. Designing Controls:
   

   Control Implementation: Costs might range from $5,000 to $30,000+ for implementing necessary controls, policies, and procedures.Documentation: Minimal external costs, mainly internal staff time.

3. Testing and Implementation

   Testing Controls: Can range from $5,000 to $20,000+ involving internal staff time and potentially external testing services or tools.Remediation: Costs can range from $2,000 to $15,000+ for addressing identified issues.

4. Internal Readiness Review:

   Internal Audit (optional): Costs might range from $5,000 to $15,000+ if engaging external auditors or allocating internal staff time.

5. Pre-Audit Preparations:

   Readiness Assessment: Minimal external costs, mainly internal staff time.Documentation Review: Minimal external costs, mainly internal staff time.

6. Engaging with Auditors:

   Can range from $2,000 to $10,000+ for initial discussions and coordination with auditing firms.

7. SOC 2 Audit:

   The cost for the SOC 2 audit itself can range widely from $10,000 to $50,000+ based on the scope and complexity.

8. Post-Audit Follow-Up:

   Address Findings: Costs to address identified findings might range from $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on the number and severity of issues.

Smaller companies might have fewer systems and controls to manage, potentially reducing costs in certain areas compared to larger organizations. However, the need for compliance with SOC 2 standards and the associated expenses largely depends on the complexity and scope of their operations, rather than just the employee count. As with larger organizations, obtaining detailed quotes and considering all expenses is essential for budgeting and planning for SOC 2 compliance.