Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2)
Compliance Support for NC Businesses
PCG helps NC SaaS firms, managed service providers, and service organizations whose customers require SOC 2 Type II reports as a vendor risk requirement achieve and maintain SOC 2 compliance through gap assessment, control implementation, evidence collection, and audit readiness support.
What Is Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2)?
Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) is the cybersecurity and compliance framework that applies to nc saas firms, managed service providers, and service organizations whose customers require soc 2 type ii reports as a vendor risk requirement. The framework is structured around Type I (control design at a point in time) and Type II (control operating effectiveness over a 6-12 month period), built on AICPA Trust Services Criteria, Security (required), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy (selectable).
When SOC 2 Compliance Is Required
SOC 2 reports are typically required by enterprise customers as part of vendor security reviews. Most B2B SaaS companies pursue SOC 2 to satisfy enterprise customer requirements rather than regulatory mandate.
What Happens If You Are Not Compliant
Lack of a current SOC 2 report often disqualifies SaaS providers from selling to enterprise customers, can result in lost deals worth six or seven figures, and may require shorter customer contracts or limited access to the customer's most sensitive data.
PCG SOC 2 Compliance Services
End-to-end SOC 2 support from gap assessment through audit readiness.
Trust Services Criteria gap assessment
Control documentation aligned to SOC 2 framework
Evidence collection processes for ongoing operating effectiveness
Vendor and subprocessor management documentation
Penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to support CC criteria
Coordination with CPA firms performing the SOC 2 audit
SOC 2 Compliance: Your Questions Answered
How long does SOC 2 Type II take to achieve?
A first-time SOC 2 Type II audit typically takes 12-18 months from project start to issued report. The audit period itself is typically 6-12 months of evidence collection. Pre-audit readiness work to implement controls and documentation usually takes 3-6 months before the audit period begins.
How much does SOC 2 Type II cost?
Total SOC 2 investment for NC SaaS companies typically runs $30,000-$100,000+ for first-year readiness work plus the formal audit cost of $25,000-$75,000. Subsequent years are less expensive since controls are already in place.
Should we pursue SOC 2 Type I or Type II first?
Type I demonstrates control design at a single point in time; Type II demonstrates ongoing operating effectiveness over months. Most enterprise customers require Type II. If you need a report quickly to close a specific deal, Type I can serve as a stepping stone, but plan to pursue Type II next.
Can PCG perform the SOC 2 audit?
No. SOC 2 audits must be performed by independent CPA firms. PCG performs the readiness work, control implementation, evidence collection, and audit support; we coordinate with CPA firms (your existing auditor or one we recommend) for the formal audit.
Get a Free SOC 2 Gap Assessment
Find out where you stand and what it takes to achieve SOC 2 compliance. Written assessment delivered within two weeks.