What is an SOC report?

An SOC report, or System and Organization Controls report, is a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s internal controls over financial reporting, as well as its operational controls related to data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. There are three types of SOC reports: SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3.

1. SOC 1 Report:
– Focuses on controls relevant to financial reporting. It is often used by service organizations that provide services that could impact their clients’ financial statements.

– The SOC 1 report is based on the SSAE 18 standard and includes a description of the service organization’s system, an assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of controls, and any identified control gaps or deficiencies.

– There are two types of SOC 1 reports: Type I, which evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time, and Type II, which assesses the operating effectiveness of controls over a specified period (usually a minimum of six months).

2. SOC 2 Report:
– Focuses on controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy (commonly known as the Trust Service Criteria).

– The SOC 2 report is based on the AT-C 205 standard and provides a detailed assessment of the service organization’s controls related to data security and privacy.

– There are two types of SOC 2 reports: Type I, which evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time, and Type II, which assesses the operating effectiveness of controls over a specified period (usually a minimum of six months).

3. SOC 3 Report:
– A summarized version of the SOC 2 report that can be publicly shared. It includes a seal that indicates the service organization has undergone a SOC 2 assessment.

– The SOC 3 report is designed for marketing purposes and provides a high-level overview of the service organization’s controls without revealing sensitive details.

– Unlike SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, SOC 3 reports do not include detailed descriptions of controls and testing procedures.

In conclusion, SOC reports are essential for service organizations to demonstrate the effectiveness of their internal controls to clients, auditors, and other stakeholders. By obtaining an SOC report, service organizations can provide assurance regarding the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of their systems and services. Additionally, SOC reports help clients evaluate the risks associated with outsourcing services and make informed decisions about the service organization’s reliability and trustworthiness.