Whether you’re a CISO, CTO, or leading security efforts, understanding what SOC 2 means and why it matters can make a real difference in how your company is trusted and chosen. SOC 2 compliance is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
SOC 2 compliance evaluates how your organization handles customer data across key trust criteria. It’s especially important for SaaS, fintech, and manufacturing organizations aiming to earn customer trust, prevent data breaches, and unlock enterprise deals. This blog explores what SOC 2 compliance means, why it matters for SaaS companies, and how you can approach it without headaches.
Importance of SOC 2 Compliance
SOC 2 compliance has become the reality standard for B2B SaaS organizations managing sensitive data. With increasing scrutiny around cybersecurity, especially in high-stakes industries like fintech and manufacturing, SOC 2 shows you take data security seriously.
The Trust Services Criteria (TSCs)
At the heart of SOC 2 compliance lies the Trust Services Criteria, a framework that determines whether your systems and processes can safeguard customer data, known as the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.
Overview of the Five TSCs
- Security: Protects systems against unauthorized access.
- Availability: Ensures systems are operational and accessible.
- Processing Integrity: Guarantees system accuracy and reliability.
- Confidentiality: Limits data access to authorized parties.
- Privacy: Manages personal information as per your privacy notice.
Mandatory vs. Optional Criteria
While security is a non-negotiable requirement for SOC 2 audits, the other four criteria are optional and based on your business model. For instance, a cloud storage SaaS organization might include Confidentiality, while a fintech startup would prioritize Privacy and Processing Integrity.
What is a SOC 2 Audit?
An independent assessment by a certified public accounting firm that confirms your controls satisfy TSC criteria is called a SOC 2 audit. It’s not a self-certification. You’ll need to work with accredited auditors.
Who Can Perform SOC 2 Audit?
Only certified public accounting organizations licensed by the AICPA can issue a SOC 2 report. However, many businesses use compliance automation platforms like Akitra to streamline readiness before the formal audit.
What is a SOC 2 Report?
A SOC 2 report is the official document you receive after completing the audit. It outlines your controls, systems, and policies and how effectively they align with the selected TSCs.
Types of SOC 2 Reports
SOC 2 Type I : Evaluates your systems and controls at a specific point in time.
SOC 2 Type II: It goes deeper and assesses how well your controls operate over a period (typically 3–12 months). Most enterprise clients will ask for Type II.
How Long Does It Take to Get a SOC 2?
Getting SOC 2 Type I certified typically takes 4–6 weeks if you’re already audit-ready. Type II, on the other hand, takes longer—up to 6 months—because it evaluates how your controls operate over time. Here’s the problem: most providers drag out the process for months. But with Akitra, you don’t have to wait. Our intelligent automation and expert support help you get audit-ready and certified in a fraction of the time—without the usual stress or bottlenecks.
Why SOC 2 is Important for Your SaaS organization in 2025
Customer Trust & Vendor Vetting
SOC 2 proves you take data protection seriously, giving enterprise clients confidence in your systems. It can make or break vendor risk assessments.
Unlocking Enterprise Deals
Enterprise buyers rarely skip security checks. SOC 2 certification accelerates the sales cycle and removes security objections before they arise.
Strengthening Security Posture
Beyond the checkbox, SOC 2 compliance helps formalize internal controls, reduce breach risks, and boost cross-team security collaboration.
Accelerating SOC 2 in 2025 with Automation
Role of Compliance Automation Platforms
Platforms like Akitra automate evidence collection, gap analysis, control mapping, and auditor collaboration, so your team spends less time chasing documents and more time building products.
Time & Cost Savings
Traditional SOC 2 efforts can take months and cost thousands in consulting. With automation, companies report up to 80% faster timelines and 60% cost savings.
Why Your SaaS Customers Demand SOC 2 Compliance
Today’s buyers are more security-conscious than ever. SOC 2 isn’t just about meeting minimum requirements; it’s a trust signal. Procurement teams want to see it before they sign, and it’s often the first thing your champions inside those companies ask for. Without SOC 2, you may not even get a seat at the table.
How DBTEZ streamlined SOC 2 compliance with Akitra
As DBTEZ began working with a vast no. of clients, SOC 2 compliance quickly became a must-have. However, with no prior experience and a lean team, the process felt overwhelming. That’s when they partnered with Akitra. With hands-on support and smart automation, Akitra turned a complex, time-consuming task into a smooth and manageable experience. DBTEZ sped through their SOC 2 audit, earning trust and closing deals faster.
Conclusion
Since SaaS, fintech, and manufacturing organizations aim to grow, SOC 2 compliance is a must; it is not simply an option. SOC 2 offers a meaningful return on investment, from boosting internal security to promoting market trust. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy and the right tools, you can get audit-ready faster and more efficiently.
Security, AI Risk Management, and Compliance with Akitra!
In the competitive landscape of SaaS businesses, trust is paramount amidst data breaches and privacy concerns. Akitra addresses this need with its leading AI-powered Compliance Automation platform. Our platform empowers customers to prevent sensitive data disclosure and mitigate risks, meeting the expectations of customers and partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of data security and compliance. Through automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, paired with customizable policies, Akitra ensures organizations are compliance-ready for various frameworks such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 42001, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST AI RMF, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, and more such as CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark, Australian ISM and Essential Eight etc. In addition, companies can use Akitra’s Risk Management product for overall risk management using quantitative methodologies such as Factorial Analysis of Information Risks (FAIR) and qualitative methods, including NIST-based for your company, Vulnerability Assessment and Pen Testing services, Third Party Vendor Risk Management, Trust Center, and AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product to streamline and expedite security questionnaire response processes, delivering huge cost savings. Our compliance and security experts provide customized guidance to navigate the end-to-end compliance process confidently. Last but not least, we have also developed a resource hub called Akitra Academy, which offers easy-to-learn short video courses on security, compliance, and related topics of immense significance for today’s fast-growing companies.
Our solution offers substantial time and cost savings, including discounted audit fees, enabling fast and cost-effective compliance certification. Customers achieve continuous compliance as they grow, becoming certified under multiple frameworks through a single automation platform.
Build customer trust. Choose Akitra TODAY! To book your FREE DEMO, contact us right here.
FAQ’s
Who needs to comply with SOC 2?
Organizations that handle and store customer data, especially in the cloud, likely need SOC 2. It’s most common for SaaS organizations, cloud service providers, and tech vendors who work with other businesses.
How long does it take to become SOC 2 compliant?
It takes around 3 to 6 months to become fully compliant, especially for Type II, which requires tracking your controls over time.
