SOC 2 Audit: Who Performs the Audit and Why It Matters

An increasing number of companies are demanding regular SOC audits from service organizations to ensure compliance with set controls and objectives that are designed to safeguard customer information, intellectual property, and human resource data. These assets are vulnerable to security breaches with each additional party that has access to them. 

If you’re considering conducting a SOC 2 audit, it’s essential to know who is qualified to carry it out. By taking the time to understand who can best assist your company in achieving a successful SOC audit.

SOC 2 Audit Compliance

SOC 2 is a set of guidelines developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that define the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of an organization’s information security controls. SOC 2 audit compliance requires companies to adhere to strict standards related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of information. 

SOC 2 compliance is not only important for meeting regulatory requirements but also for building trust with customers, partners, and other stakeholders. It demonstrates that an organization has implemented robust security measures and is committed to safeguarding its customers’ sensitive data. However, achieving SOC 2 compliance is a complex process that requires a comprehensive audit by a qualified auditor.

Who performs SOC 2 audit? 

SOC 2 audits are typically performed by third-party auditors who are independent of the organization being audited. There are two main types of SOC 2 auditors: 

1. CPA firms: 
   These are certified public accounting firms that are licensed to perform SOC 2 audit. CPA firms typically have extensive experience in auditing financial statements and are well-suited to perform SOC 2 audit due to their understanding of financial reporting and control systems. CPA firms typically have extensive experience in auditing financial statements and are well-suited to perform SOC 2 audits due to their understanding of financial reporting and control systems. Some examples of top CPA firms that perform SOC 2 audits include PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte, BDO, and RSM.

2. Consulting firms: 
   Consulting firm auditors for SOC 2 audits are cybersecurity and compliance consulting firms that provide specialized consulting services to help organizations prepare for SOC 2 audits. Consulting firms may also work with organizations to identify and remediate any security vulnerabilities or compliance gaps before the audit takes place. Some examples of consulting firms that perform SOC 2 audits include Coalfire, A-LIGN, Schellman & Company, and KirkpatrickPrice.

Why does it matter who performs the audit? 

As it was mentioned above, businesses must ensure that they are working with a qualified and experienced auditor to conduct the audit. The auditor’s expertise and experience can have a significant impact on the quality and accuracy of the audit report, which can, in turn, impact the organization’s compliance status, legal liabilities, and reputation. 

A qualified auditor has a deep understanding of the SOC 2 framework and is able to apply it to the specific context of the organization being audited. They are knowledgeable about the latest security threats and can identify areas of risk that may not be immediately apparent to the organization. An experienced auditor can also recommend appropriate controls and remediation strategies to address any security vulnerabilities or compliance gaps that are identified during the audit. 

Working with a qualified auditor provides several benefits to organizations. For example, a qualified auditor can help organizations identify areas of risk and provide recommendations for improving their security posture. This can help organizations avoid compliance issues and minimize the risk of a security breach or data loss. Additionally, a qualified auditor can help organizations prepare for future audits and ensure that they are able to maintain their SOC 2 compliance status. 

On the other hand, choosing an inexperienced auditor can lead to an inaccurate or incomplete audit report, which can result in compliance issues, legal liabilities, and damage to the organization’s reputation. An inexperienced auditor may not have the necessary expertise to identify all areas of risk or may not be able to recommend appropriate controls to address those risks. This can lead to an incomplete or inaccurate audit report that does not provide a comprehensive picture of the organization’s security and compliance posture.

Key considerations when selecting a SOC 2 auditor

Okay, it’s important to select a right SOC 2 auditor. But, how to do it? Here we provide several key considerations that organizations should keep in mind:

Experience and expertise

Experience and expertise are critical factors to consider when selecting a SOC 2 auditor. The auditor should have extensive experience in performing SOC 2 audits and should be familiar with the specific requirements of your organization and industry. An experienced auditor will be better equipped to identify potential risks and control weaknesses and will have a deeper understanding of the SOC 2 guidelines and control frameworks. Additionally, the auditor should have experience working with organizations of similar size and complexity and should be able to tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of your organization. 

Qualifications and certifications

The auditor’s qualifications and certifications are also important factors to consider when selecting a SOC 2 auditor. The auditor should hold relevant certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications. These certifications demonstrate that the auditor has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a comprehensive SOC 2 audit. Additionally, the auditor should have a strong background in information security and should be familiar with the latest security threats and trends. 

Reputation and track record

The auditor’s reputation and track record are important considerations when selecting a SOC 2 auditor. Organizations should check references and client testimonials to assess the auditor’s reputation and look for an auditor with a proven track record of performing high-quality SOC 2 audits. Additionally, the auditor should have experience working with organizations in your industry and with similar security requirements. An auditor with a strong reputation and proven track record will be better equipped to provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving your security posture. 

Methodology and approach

The auditor’s methodology and approach are important factors to consider when selecting a SOC 2 auditor. The auditor should have a clear methodology and approach for conducting the audit, including a plan for assessing the organization’s control environment, identifying potential risks, and testing the effectiveness of the organization’s security controls. Additionally, the auditor should have a process for communicating their findings and recommendations to the organization in a clear and concise manner. A well-defined methodology and approach will help ensure that the audit is comprehensive, accurate, and in compliance with industry standards. 

Cost and timeline

The cost and timeline of the audit are important considerations when selecting a SOC 2 auditor. Organizations should obtain quotes from multiple auditors and compare their fees and timelines to find an auditor that fits their budget and timeline requirements. Additionally, organizations should consider the value that the auditor can provide beyond the initial audit, such as ongoing monitoring and reporting services. While cost is an important factor, organizations should also consider the long-term benefits of working with a qualified and experienced auditor.

Conclusion

SOC 2 compliance is an essential part of modern business practices. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, it is imperative for companies to take necessary measures to protect their sensitive data and maintain the security and integrity of their systems. SOC 2 compliance not only helps businesses protect their assets, but it also builds trust with their customers, partners, and stakeholders. Choosing the right SOC 2 auditor is crucial to ensure that the audit process is thorough, accurate, and effective in identifying and mitigating security risks. 

To select the right SOC 2 auditor, businesses should carefully evaluate potential auditors based on their experience, qualifications, and certifications. A qualified auditor should have a deep understanding of the specific security and compliance issues that are relevant to the organization, and they should be able to provide valuable insights and guidance to help the organization achieve SOC 2 compliance. By taking the time to choose the right auditor, businesses can improve their security controls, reduce the risk of security breaches, and increase customer confidence. Overall, SOC 2 compliance is a critical component of a strong cybersecurity posture, and selecting the right auditor is essential for achieving and maintaining compliance in the long term.