Introduction
In today’s data-driven world, organizations must demonstrate their commitment to maintaining robust internal controls, especially when managing sensitive customer data. This is where System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports come in. SOC reports provide organizations with a structured way to prove their adherence to best practices in areas like security, compliance, and financial reporting. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of SOC reports—SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3—and explain the key differences between SOC 1 Type 1 vs. Type 2, SOC 2 Type 1 vs. Type 2, and SOC 3.
SOC Report Types Explained
SOC reports, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), evaluate an organization’s internal controls. They are crucial for service organizations to demonstrate compliance with industry standards and instill trust among stakeholders. SOC reports are classified into three main categories based on their purpose:
SOC 1: Focuses on financial reporting controls.
SOC 2: Centers on controls related to the Trust Services Criteria (e.g., security, availability, confidentiality).
SOC 3: Provides a high-level summary of SOC 2 findings for a broader audience.
SOC 1 Reports
SOC 1 reports assess internal controls that are relevant to financial reporting, making them vital for service providers like payroll processors or IT hosting companies.
SOC 1 Type 1:
Evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time. Example Use Case: A new payroll company showing its controls are designed to meet client needs.
SOC 1 Type 2:
Examines the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a specified period (e.g., 6–12 months). Example Use Case: A well-established company showcasing its controls’ effectiveness for ongoing client trust.
SOC 2 Reports
SOC 2 reports focus on controls related to the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. These reports are especially valuable for technology companies that handle sensitive data.
SOC 2 Type 1:
Assesses the design of controls at a particular point in time.
Example Use Case: A startup proving it has security measures in place for a SaaS product.
SOC 2 Type 2:
Examines the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a defined period.
Example Use Case: A cloud provider demonstrating it consistently meets security and availability standards.
SOC 3 Reports
SOC 3 reports are simplified summaries of SOC 2 reports intended for public consumption. They do not include detailed testing or results, making them more accessible and ideal for marketing purposes.
Example Use Case: A web hosting company showcasing its commitment to security on its website.
Visual Comparison of SOC Reports
Table: Key Similarities and Differences
Aspect | SOC 1 Type 1 | SOC 1 Type 2 | SOC 2 Type 1 | SOC 2 Type 2 | SOC 3 |
Focus | Financial reporting controls | Financial reporting controls | Trust Services Criteria | Trust Services Criteria | Public summary of SOC 2 |
Timeframe | Point-in-time | 3-12 Months | Point-in-time | 3-12 Months | Point-in-time |
Details | Limited | Comprehensive | Limited | Comprehensive | High-level |
Primary Audience | Internal stakeholders | Internal stakeholders | Internal stakeholders & Customers | Internal stakeholders & Customers | Public |
Use Case | New process verification | Long-term effectiveness assurance | Startup control verification | Continuous monitoring assurance | Marketing and public trust |
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Audit Features
The Venn diagram below highlights the key differences and similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 audits. Type 1 audits focus on evaluating the design of controls at a specific point in time, ensuring that controls are in place but not testing their performance. In contrast, Type 2 audits go further by testing the operational effectiveness of controls over a defined period, such as three months. Both audit types share a focus on controls, but only Type 2 includes performance testing and continuous monitoring. This visual comparison emphasizes how Type 2 audits provide deeper insights into ongoing compliance.
Cost vs. Effort for SOC Report Types
The chart below provides a comparison of cost vs. effort for each SOC report type. Note the nearly equal cost and effort for SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2, with SOC 2 Type 2 being slightly higher due to its broader scope.
How Much Does a SOC Audit Cost?
Understanding the cost ranges for SOC audits is crucial for organizations planning their compliance journey. Each SOC audit type varies significantly in cost based on the scope, complexity, and the type of controls being assessed. Below are the estimated cost ranges for each audit type:
SOC 1 Type 1: $10,000–$25,000
SOC 1 Type 2: $20,000–$60,000
SOC 2 Type 1: $5,000–$60,000
SOC 2 Type 2: $7,000–$100,000
SOC 3: $10,000–$20,000
The chart below visually represents these cost ranges, providing a clear comparison of the minimum and maximum expenses associated with each SOC audit type. These estimates are supported by industry sources such as Secureframe and Drata. Factors influencing these costs include organization size, complexity of operations, and the duration of testing required (e.g., Type 2 audits often cover several months).
Target Audience Breakdown
The chart below illustrates the primary target audience for each SOC report type. SOC 1 reports are predominantly designed for internal stakeholders, with SOC 1 Type 2 involving slightly more external customer considerations. SOC 2 reports cater to both internal stakeholders and customers, providing valuable assurance for compliance and risk management. SOC 3, however, is almost entirely focused on the public, making it an ideal tool for showcasing compliance and building trust with a broader audience.
Industry Usage Breakdown
The chart below illustrates the frequency of SOC report usage across different industries. SOC 1 reports are predominantly utilized in the finance sector, where their focus on financial reporting controls is essential for internal and regulatory compliance. SOC 2 reports are widely adopted in SaaS and IT industries, where ensuring security, availability, and confidentiality is a priority for both internal teams and customers. SOC 3, designed for public-facing assurance, finds its primary use in marketing-focused industries, where transparency and trust-building with external audiences are critical.
Estimated Duration to Complete Each SOC Audit (in Weeks)
The chart below illustrates the estimated duration to complete each type of SOC audit. SOC 1 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 1 audits typically take around four weeks to complete, as they evaluate the design of controls at a specific point in time. SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 require significantly more time, often 12–16 weeks, as they involve testing the operational effectiveness of controls over a prolonged period. SOC 3, being a high-level summary of SOC 2, is the quickest to complete, taking approximately three weeks.
How Change Captain Supports SOC Audits
Change Captain's software provides automation and enforcement of critical compliance controls, making it easier for organizations to achieve SOC compliance. Here’s how Change Captain supports each SOC audit type:
SOC 1: Financial Reporting Controls
Automated Software Cap Labor Tracking: Ensures accurate allocation of software development costs into financial statements like the 10-K.
Separation of Duties (SOD): Prevents misclassification or fraud in financial reporting processes.
Approval Automation: Streamlines compliance with accounting standards by automating cost approval workflows.
SOC 2: Trust Services Criteria (TSC)
Code Review and Testing: Ensures all code is properly tested and approved before deployment, reducing security risks.
Enforced SOD for Development Teams: Limits unauthorized changes, safeguarding sensitive systems.
Continuous Monitoring: Provides evidence of operational compliance over time for Type 2 audits.
SOC 3: Public Assurance
Transparency in Development Practices: Demonstrates how Change Captain enforces best practices in software development.
Public Trust: Highlights reduced risks of bugs and outages through strict compliance processes.
Table: How Change Captain Supports SOC Audits
SOC 1 | SOC 2 | SOC 3 | |
Cap Labor Tracking | ✔ | N/A | N/A |
Separation of Duties (SOD) | ✔ | ✔ | N/A |
Approval Automation | ✔ | N/A | N/A |
Code Review and Testing | N/A | ✔ | N/A |
Continuous Monitoring | N/A | ✔ | N/A |
Transparency/Public Trust | N/A | N/A | ✔ |
Conclusion
Choosing the right SOC report depends on your organization's goals, the expectations of your clients, and the audience you need to address. Whether you’re focusing on financial controls (SOC 1), trust criteria like security and privacy (SOC 2), or public transparency (SOC 3), these reports help build trust and demonstrate accountability.