SOC 2
CyPro offers a market leading fully managed SOC 2 readiness service that simplifies the process of achieving and maintaining compliance.
Our dedicated team of compliance experts act as an extension of your organisation, guiding you through every step of the audit process.
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What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (Service Organisation Control 2) compliance framework is designed to aid service providers in demonstrating that they securely manage customer data and meet the industry standards for trust.
Our SOC 2 service provides businesses with guidance through the process of achieving the widely recognised security and trust standard. CyPro enables businesses to meet compliance requirements with ease by providing expert support that aligns with organisational goals, all while saving you the cost and time of building an in-house team.
Our approach ensures that achieving SOC 2 doesn’t just tick a box but creates a practical framework for your organisation to build trust with your clients, protect their data and gain a competitive edge in your market.
Challenges Addressed by SOC 2
Tight Deadlines
Time pressures such as renewing contracts or securing new partnerships can often drive the need for compliance. Attempting to achieve this standard without adequate expert guidance can lead to errors and business delays.
In-House Expertise
SMBs may lack the resources to deploy a team of experts to oversee the compliance process. Understanding the compliance principles and how they apply to your unique business can be complex and overwhelming.
Shifting Client Demands
As your business scales and client expectations grow, the ways in which you prove your security practices evolve. Meeting this shift in demands requires cyber security measures that are scalable and to a high standard.
Accurate Scoping
SOC 2 compliance requirements are based on the Trust Services Criteria (TSC) which can be complex and require tailoring to an organisation’s specific business operations. Determining which criteria are relevant to the scope can be difficult without expert support.
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Benefits of SOC 2
Our compliance service supports your organisation in building trust amongst clients and staying competitive in today’s security-conscious markets.
Enhanced Client Trust
With achieving the SOC 2 standard, this shows your clients that you take data protection seriously and that you have a proven ability to safeguard their sensitive information. This fosters client trust within your organisation and lets you build stronger relationships.
Competitive Edge
SOC 2 is an increasing prerequisite in procurement processes. By showing your security-consciousness through compliance, this can position your business as a credible and top option to clients, helping you stand out in competitive markets.
Streamlined Operations
A robust framework for cyber security created through the process of achieving compliance, meaning that these practices not only reduce risk but also enhances efficiency across your organisation.
Regulatory Alignment
Your security practices will be aligned with other regulatory requirements and industry standards such as UK DPA, GDPR, HIPPA, ISO 27001 (amongst others) when achieving compliance.
Proactive Risk Mitigation
With regular risk assessments and security monitoring, SOC 2 enables organisation to identify risks and vulnerabilities before they become issues. A proactive approach to security strengthens your overall security posture as well as reducing the likelihood of breaches.
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Case Study: UK-based Financial Services Firm
Client Challenge
A UK-based financial services firm were looking to expand its client base and in doing so needed to demonstrate their robust security practices.
The firm lacked the internal resources and expertise to achieve the compliance certification without significant disruption to their day-to-day operations.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, CyPro deployed its dedicated team of experts, which included:
- Virtual CISO: To provide strategic oversight and aligned the compliance implementation with the with firm’s businesses goals.
- Cyber Security Manager: An expert in compliance, tailoring the compliance criteria to the company’s specific operational and regulatory needs.
- Regulation Expert: Provided on-hand support for intricate regulatory issues.
Our approach included:
- Readiness Assessment: Evaluating the organisation’s existing systems, policies and processes against compliance criteria.
- Policy and Process Development: Implemented key operational security policies, tailored to the industry, to ensure compliance.
- Technical Controls Implementation: Strengthened security controls, including secure data storage and automated monitoring systems.
- Employee Awareness Training: Delivered tailored training to staff, ensuring organisation-wide adherence to SOC 2 principles.
- Audit Preparation and Support: Guided the client through the audit process, ensuring that all documentation had been prepared and presented effectively.
Value Delivered
Certification Achieved
Successfully attained SOC 2 Type 1 certification, positioning the firm as a trusted partner for institutional clients.
Client Confidence
Demonstrated a commitment to protecting sensitive data, helping to secure contracts with high-value clients.
Operational Efficiency
Managed the certification process end-to-end, freeing up their CTO team to focus on client services and business growth.
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Who Needs SOC 2?
Below we outline the types of organisations that benefit the most from SOC 2 and also those who may not find it essential.
- Small To Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs that handle sensitive client data often face high expectations for security but lack the resources to build in-house teams of compliance experts. SOC 2 provides a clear and structured framework to build client trust and stand out in a competitive market, e.g. a regional software company expansion its services to larger enterprises.
- Cloud-Based Service Providers: Organisations delivering solutions such as software as-a-service and infrastructure as-a-service must be able to demonstrate they have reliable controls for data security, availability and privacy to their clients. Compliance provides this assurance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Rapidly Expanding Companies: Businesses experiencing rapid growth or mergers can leverage compliance to standardise security practices, making it easier to scale while still maintaining compliance.
- Businesses Relying on Third Party Vendors: Organisations that work with various third-party providers often need to ensure data handling is secure throughout their entire supply chain. SOC 2 offers a structured framework to monitor and manage vendor risks, giving peace of mind to your organisation’s operations by ensuring third party providers meet robust security and data protection standards.
- Organisations Going Under a Digital Transformation: Businesses that are modernising their infrastructure or migrating to cloud-based systems can benefit from SOC 2 to establish strong security controls from the outset, e.g. a manufacturing company implementing IoT technologies for real-time monitoring and production.
Who Doesn’t Need It?
- Businesses That Don’t Handle Client Data: Organisations that do not handle sensitive client data or manage third-party information may not need to go through the rigorous process of SOC 2. For example, a local bakery that only conducts in-person sales and operations may find compliance unnecessary.
- Organisations That Only Operate Internally: Companies that do not operate outside of their organisation and have strictly internal systems may not benefit from compliance. They may choose to invest in alternative security frameworks that better suit their organisation.
- Businesses With Alternative Compliance Requirements: Companies that are already aligned with alternative standards (such as NIST CSF and ISO 27001) may not need compliance unless required for a specific reason.
Our Approach
CyPro’s compliance service is designed to provide full support across the whole audit journey.
Scoping & Discovery
We start by conducting an assessment of your current systems, policies and controls against compliance criteria. A GAP analysis identifies where your existing practices do not align with SOC 2, providing actionable recommendations to address these gaps.
Control Implementation
Working alongside your team, we design and implement tailored controls that align with SOC 2’s Trust Services Criteria. This includes creating policies, configuring systems, and establishing robust processes that address your unique business needs.
Pre-Audit Preparation
CyPro will establish monitoring tools to track control performance and identify any areas of weakness. We will also perform a pre-audit readiness check to validate that the organisation’s systems, policies and processes align with compliance controls, to then further identify any remaining areas for improvement.
Audit Support
Partnering with an accredited body, we work with an external assessor to perform the official SOC 2 audit. CyPro will ensure that all evidence is well documented and presented effectively. Post-audit, we provide guidance on addressing any pressing issues to help you gain the certification.
Post-Report Remediation
Compliance doesn’t end with certification. At CyPro we can help you establish a plan for ongoing monitoring, reviews, and preparation for subsequent audits. We endeavour to ensure that your business maintains its compliance status and stays ahead of evolving threats.
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Your Team
Jonny Pelter
Jonny is a Founding Partner at CyPro and executive group level CISO who has worked closely with the British intelligence agencies NCSC and GCHQ.
Originating from KPMG and Deloitte, Jonny has a wealth of experience across numerous sectors including technology, critical national infrastructure, financial services, oil & gas, insurance, betting, pharmaceuticals and utilities.
Jonny is a leading cyber security expert in the UK, having featured on national media for his professional commentary such as BBC News, iPlayer, Telegraph and Times Radio.
Additional Consultants
Originating from Deloitte, Ellie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a Cyber Security Manager.
She specialises in the field of threat intelligence, enabling clients to proactively identify and respond to threats before they escalate into issues.
Technically adept and highly knowledgeable, Ellie excels at developing robust security strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Known for her warm and collaborative approach, Ellie is a natural motivator and people person, making her a trusted partner in implementing and operating effective security controls.
A graduate in Criminology, Elsie also has an MSc in Crime Science with Cyber Crime from UCL. She brings a solid foundation in cyber security principles and practices.
With a research background in human factors in cyber security, Elsie brings a proactive approach to analysing security landscapes. Highly analytical and committed to supporting clients, she excels at crafting solutions to enhance organisational resilience.
Elsie is proficient in identifying and addressing cyber threats, and committed to staying ahead in the ever-evolving digital security landscape, while her analytical skills, honed through experience and academic studies, enable hrt to extract valuable insights to inform strategic decisions.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Elsie strives to be a catalyst for change in security paradigms, and is dedicated to developing innovative approaches to combat emerging threats.
Anne brings a wealth of expertise in compliance, risk management, and information security. Specialising in the development of ISO-certified management systems, she has successfully led projects in ISO 27001, SOC, and Cyber Essentials certifications.
Known for a strategic approach, Anne is a trusted advisor in optimising security processes and ensuring organizations meet the latest standards and regulatory requirements.
Kailey enhances our Cyber Security Audit Team with her expertise in cyber resilience and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and DORA specialist, she supports organisations in maintaining operational continuity against cyber threats. Kailey’s experience in building Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) and managing third-party risks ensures our audits are thorough and effective. Her strategic approach guarantees that our recommendations not only meet regulatory standards but also bolster the organisation’s capacity to recover from cyber incidents.
Jason is an accomplished Information Security Consultant known for his expertise in internal controls, risk management, and compliance. With years of experience in auditing and policy implementation, he has a proven track record of helping organisations enhance their cyber security posture and achieve regulatory compliance. Jason specialises in tailoring security strategies to align with each client’s unique business needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to information security.
His analytical mindset and innovative solutions make him a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them in navigating the complex landscape of information security risks.
James is a seasoned virtual DPO (Virtual Data Protection Officer) and renowned UK expert in data protection and privacy, with over three decades of experience at the BBC. As the former Head of Information Policy and Compliance, he was instrumental in shaping the organisation’s data protection strategies and ensuring adherence to privacy regulations.
James helps organisations navigate complex data protection landscapes, especially where they operate in multiple jurisdictions with overlapping data protection laws. His extensive experience and deep understanding of information governance make him a highly trusted advisor in the field of data privacy.
Comparison: ISO 27001 vs SOC 2
If deciding between ISO 27001 and SOC2, it is important to understand their similarities and differences.
SOC 2
- Specific Criteria: assesses an organisation’s ability to meet specific Trust Service criteria (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy), used widely within service-based industries.
- Growing Adoption: Although it is primarily used within North America, SOC 2’s global adoption has taken off with companies utilising this standard for their international and domestic clients
- Report Driven Validation: does not lead to a formal certification in the same was ISO 27001 does, rather it is a report that shows your compliance, focusing on internal controls over a defined one-year period.
- Who Is This Best For? US based organisations or those operating overseas such as service provider businesses, that seek to assure their clients of their commitment to safeguard data.
ISO 27001
- Risk-Based Approach: Focused on the establishment, implementation and maintenance of information security management systems tailored to your business’s specific risks and objectives.
- Internationally Recognised: Widely recognised across industries and regions, making it suitable for global organisations.
- Formal Certification Process: An audit by an external assessor from an accredited certification body is required to show commitment to ongoing security maintenance.
- Broad Scope: This certification covers processes, people and technology, offering a comprehensive approach to managing cyber security.
- Who Is This Best For? UK based organisations with intricate operations or those wanting to manage security risks and demonstrate their compliance on a broader framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does SOC 2 stand for?
SOC 2 stands for System and Organisation Controls 2.
- What is the difference between SOC 1 and SOC 2?
SOC 1 report details the controls your organisation has in place for financial reporting, whereas SOC 2 report details your information security practices to ensure that customer data is secure.
- Is SOC 2 a cyber security framework?
Yes. It is a cyber security compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
- If SOC 2 was developed in North America, what is the European equivalent?
Although it is based within North America, it has use outside of the region, depending on your organisation and client base. ISO 27001 is the most similar global framework to SOC 2, sharing many of the same controls. However, the implementation of these controls will differ from company to company, so it is essential that you understand which is best suited for yourself.
- What is a SOC 2 compliance checklist?
Also known as a SOC 2 audit checklist or SOC 2 assessment checklist – is a set of guidelines, measures, and best practices an organisation can implement and follow to prepare for an audit.
- Is SOC 2 mandatory?
No, it is not a mandatory compliance audit. However, service organisations are encouraged to obtain this report to ensure they win contracts with perspective clients.
- What are the 5 criteria for SOC 2?
The SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria (TSC) are the five principles of Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy. They form the foundation of the compliance framework and the respective controls.
- How often are SOC 2 audits done?
A SOC 2 report is valid for 12 months following the date that the report was issued. Organisations are encouraged to complete an audit annually to ensure that they have continued compliance and a robust security system.
- What is a SOC 2 bridge letter?
Bridge letters are considered best practise for organisations as they show to your customers that you are maintaining security and compliance standards in the interim period before you receive a new audit report.
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