I’ve been doing some research on SOC 2 and I’m a bit confused. Who actually signs off on these audits? Can any security firm do it?
Who can perform a SOC 2 audit?Solved
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While many security firms can help you prepare for a SOC 2 audit, they can’t officially issue or sign off on one. A SOC 2 audit has to be performed by a licensed CPA firm or an organization accredited by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
A CPA? I usually associate CPAs with taxes and accounting. Do they really have the expertise to audit a company’s security systems?
There isn’t a specific “SOC 2 auditor” degree, but CPA firms that perform SOC audits must follow strict AICPA professional standards. They usually employ or collaborate with professionals who have strong technical and security expertise.
So once you hire a firm, what does the actual audit process look like? Is it just a quick scan of the servers?
Not at all. The process is much more thorough. Auditors interview key stakeholders to understand policies, procedures, and risk management practices. They also review documentation and evidence to see how controls are designed and whether they’re operating effectively. Once the assessment is done, they issue the final SOC 2 report.
And depending on whether it’s a Type 1 or Type 2 report, the audit can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Got it. That clears things up. Thanks for the explanation!