How to Use a SOC 2 Audit Checklist XLS Template

An SOC 2 audit checklist is an indispensable resource in preparing your business for certification. By reviewing existing procedures and practices, this audit helps assess current security posture as well as which controls need to be implemented to meet Trust Services Criteria.

SOC 2 audits may seem daunting, but using Vanta can make the task simpler and quicker. With its automated security tool capabilities and compliance reporting features, this automated security solution provides solutions that enable gap analysis, documentation organization, issue remediation and maintain compliance all while keeping costs to a minimum.

1. Scoping

SOC 2 compliance can seem an impossible feat, but there are ways to get started. Scoping, performing a self-assessment, and closing gaps are essential steps toward becoming compliant; but for faster progress it helps to use a SOC 2 audit checklist.

First, decide which Trust Service Criteria (TSCs) to include in your SOC 2 report. Typically these will include Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, and Confidentiality but other criteria may need to be fulfilled depending on customer requirements.

Before performing an audit, it is also necessary to decide between conducting a Type 1 or 2 audit. Type 1 audits tend to be less intrusive and focus on your description and design of controls at a point in time, while Type 2 requires ongoing monitoring with possible delays of months or even years for completion. It ultimately depends on what your customers require from you in terms of transparency and accessibility.

2. Self-Assessment

Conducting a self-assessment exercise can help you identify your job skills, personality traits and career interests. But conducting such an assessment doesn’t guarantee that you will reach your desired goals or secure an ideal position – thus it is vitally important that when conducting such an evaluation you take account of both strengths and weaknesses within yourself.

Step two involves conducting a gap analysis, which evaluates your existing procedures and policies against SOC 2 audit criteria to identify any areas for improvement before formal auditing begins.

Preparing for a SOC 2 audit takes time, especially if you opt for the Type 2 process which typically requires three to six month observation. It involves inventorying tools/infrastructure, researching best practices and training teams on them; you also must reconfigure information systems, strengthen passwords and remove insecure services to prepare.

3. Closing Gaps

Once you’ve conducted your scoping and self-assessment and understand how the audit will progress, the next step in SOC 2 compliance checklist should be a gap analysis. This allows you to see where current security controls stand compared to Trust Services Criteria.

Step four is where you create a plan to address any gaps between your current security practices and criteria and those required by audit reports. This may require altering process workflows, installing new software/services or decommissioning old insecure systems – it may take time and effort, but doing it right could save headaches in audit reports later on!

Utilizing the results of your gap analysis, this step provides a great opportunity to use Vanta to automate SOC 2 evidence collection tools. A tool such as Vanta will make creating your SOC 2 report much simpler.

4. Final Assessment

At the conclusion of your SOC 2 audit preparation process, a final assessment exercise should take place. You’ll compare current procedures against the SOC framework to see how closely they match up; any major variations must be addressed prior to beginning an official audit.

At this stage, it’s also essential that you choose which Trust Service Criteria (TSCs) to include in your report. While Security is required by AICPA, others such as Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality and Privacy can be added based on client needs.

An SOC 2 audit is an extensive task that demands much preparation. But by doing the hard work needed for success, you’ll be able to demonstrate your information security practices to clients and prospects – helping build trust while creating competitive advantages for your business. Don’t delay; begin prepping now for your SOC 2 audit!