Think of your company’s security like a building’s fire safety system. You would not just check the smoke detectors once a year right before an inspection; you need them working all the time to be truly safe. The same principle applies to System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 compliance. A point-in-time audit only shows you were secure on a specific day. To build lasting trust, you must demonstrate that your controls are always effective. SOC 2 software acts as that continuous monitoring system for your digital environment. It automates the checks and gathers the evidence needed to prove your controls are always active, helping you move from periodic audits to a state of constant readiness.

Key Takeaways

• TakeawaysPrioritize automated evidence collection: Choose software that integrates directly with your existing systems, such as cloud services and developer tools. This reduces manual work and helps you maintain continuous compliance instead of preparing only for audits.

• Match the software to your company's stage: Your compliance maturity, technical needs, and budget should guide your choice. A startup may need policy templates and more support, while a larger company might focus on managing multiple frameworks.

• Remember that software supports, not replaces, security: A compliance platform is a tool for managing and monitoring controls. True security still depends on your team implementing strong policies, conducting risk assessments, and fostering a security-aware culture.

What is SOC 2 Compliance Software?

SOC 2 compliance software helps organizations automate the preparation, monitoring, and evidence collection for a System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) audit. These tools are designed to reduce the manual effort, time, and costs associated with achieving compliance. By streamlining these processes, businesses can address common SOC 2 compliance challenges and focus on their core operations.

The software manages risk, policy, and compliance workflows. It connects to a company’s cloud services, code repositories, and other systems to continuously monitor security controls. This helps businesses show they meet the necessary security standards to protect customer data.

These tools are essential for obtaining both Type I and Type II SOC 2 reports. A Type I report evaluates the design of security controls at a single point in time. A Type II report assesses how effectively those controls operate over a period, typically six to 12 months.

Ultimately, System and Organization Controls 2 compliance software helps a business implement and maintain a robust set of security controls. It organizes the evidence required for a successful audit by an independent third-party auditor, demonstrating to customers a clear commitment to data protection.

How to Evaluate SOC 2 Software

Choosing the right System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 software requires a clear understanding of your organization’s needs. The market offers many tools, but their capabilities vary significantly. A thorough evaluation helps you find a platform that not only prepares you for an audit but also strengthens your overall security posture for the long term. The right software acts as a central hub for your compliance program, connecting your policies to your technical controls and daily operations. This alignment is critical for moving from periodic, stressful audits to a state of continuous compliance.

Your goal is to find a solution that fits your existing workflows and technical environment. It should reduce manual work for your team, provide clear visibility into your compliance status, and simplify the audit process itself. When comparing options, focus on a few key areas of functionality. These include how the software collects evidence, how deeply it integrates with your other tools, its features for managing risks and policies, and its ability to generate clear reports for auditors. Examining these functions will help you select a tool that provides lasting value beyond a single audit cycle, creating a more sustainable and effective compliance program that supports business growth.

Automated Evidence Collection

Manually gathering screenshots and documents for an audit is time-consuming and prone to human error. Look for software that automates this process. The platform should connect directly to your systems to pull proof that controls are operating as intended. This saves hundreds of hours and ensures the evidence is timely and accurate.

Effective automation provides continuous monitoring, not just a snapshot in time. Instead of scrambling before an audit, your team has an up-to-date view of your compliance status at all times. This approach significantly reduces common compliance challenges and allows your team to focus on addressing security gaps rather than collecting paperwork. The software should gather evidence for controls across your entire tech stack.

Integrations with Your Tech Stack

Your compliance program is only as good as the data it can access. A SOC 2 platform must integrate with the tools your business already uses. This includes cloud providers like AWS and Azure, identity providers like Okta, and developer tools like GitHub. These connections allow the software to see what’s actually happening in your environment.

Without broad and deep integrations, you will still be stuck with manual evidence collection for many of your controls. The software should offer pre-built connections that are easy to set up. This gives you a comprehensive view of your compliance status across all systems. Verify that a potential solution supports the specific services and applications your team relies on every day.

Risk and Policy Management

SOC 2 compliance is fundamentally about managing risk. Your software should have features that help you identify, assess, and mitigate security risks. This goes beyond a simple checklist of controls. The platform should help you link specific risks to your internal policies and the technical controls that enforce them.

This creates a clear line of sight from a high-level policy down to the evidence that proves it is being followed. The tool should also help you manage your security policies, track versions, and document approvals. By connecting policies to live evidence, the software can automatically gather and verify that your documented procedures match your operational reality, which is exactly what auditors look for.

Audit Readiness and Reporting

The final step is presenting your compliance program to an auditor. The right software makes this process much smoother. It should organize all collected evidence and map it directly to the relevant SOC 2 criteria. This saves both you and your auditor significant time and effort.

Look for a platform that provides a clear dashboard showing your progress toward audit readiness. It should highlight any gaps or controls that are failing so you can address them proactively. The software should also generate reports in a format that is easy for auditors to review. The goal is to find a tool that offers end-to-end support on your path to SOC 2 compliance, making the audit predictable and efficient.

A Comparison of Top SOC 2 Software

Choosing the right SOC 2 software depends on your organization's size, complexity, and specific compliance needs. Each platform offers a different approach to automation, monitoring, and audit preparation. Some focus on continuous control monitoring, while others provide a broader governance and analytics platform. Understanding these differences is the first step toward finding the solution that fits your technical environment and business objectives.

This comparison covers several well-known options in the market. We will review their core functions based on information provided by each company. This will help you evaluate how each platform works to streamline the path to achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance.

Vero AI

Vero AI uses artificial intelligence to automate the collection and validation of compliance evidence. The platform is designed to simplify audit preparation by providing continuous insights into your compliance posture. Instead of periodic checks, it offers a real-time view of how your controls are performing against SOC 2 requirements.

The system helps organizations interpret and evaluate evidence across different management systems and frameworks. This approach reduces the manual work involved in reviewing documents and preparing for an audit. According to Vero AI, the goal is to help companies maintain their security and compliance status on an ongoing basis, making audit readiness a standard part of operations rather than a separate project.

Vanta

Vanta is a compliance automation platform that helps companies prepare for SOC 2 audits. The software uses automation and what the company calls Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify the process. It connects with a company's technology stack to gather evidence automatically.

Vanta runs more than 1,200 automated tests on an hourly basis. These tests continuously check that security controls are implemented correctly and operating as expected. This continuous monitoring helps identify compliance gaps before they become significant issues. Vanta’s platform is designed to reduce the time required for audit preparation, with the company stating it can help businesses get ready in weeks instead of months.

Drata

Drata provides a platform centered on continuous monitoring of security controls. The system offers a centralized view for managing security posture and compliance evidence. It automates the collection of evidence required for SOC 2 and other security frameworks.

The platform integrates with cloud services, identity providers, and other business tools to pull data automatically. This ensures that evidence is always current. According to Drata, its focus on 24/7 continuous monitoring helps organizations maintain their compliance status between audit cycles. The goal is to make compliance an ongoing, automated process rather than a series of manual, point-in-time assessments.

Secureframe

Secureframe is a compliance automation platform that helps organizations streamline their SOC 2 process. The software automates the collection of evidence from various cloud services and business applications. It also provides tools for managing vendor risk and creating security policies.

The platform maps controls across multiple frameworks, which can be useful for companies that need to comply with more than just SOC 2. Secureframe states that its system is designed to reduce the time and effort required to prepare for and complete security audits. By centralizing evidence and automating checks, it helps teams maintain a constant state of audit readiness.

Thoropass

Thoropass offers a platform that combines compliance automation software with expert guidance. The service aims to provide a complete solution for managing SOC 2 compliance, from initial readiness to the final audit. It helps companies prepare for multiple certifications at once, including SOC 1, HITRUST, and PCI DSS.

The platform automates evidence collection and provides a single place to manage all security and compliance activities. According to Thoropass, its approach provides end-to-end support for businesses. This includes access to compliance experts who can help navigate the complexities of the audit process, making it a combined software and service solution.

Hyperproof

Hyperproof is a compliance management platform built to help organizations automate their compliance work. The software assists with evidence collection, risk management, and maintaining continuous compliance with standards like SOC 2. It serves as a central system for managing all compliance-related activities.

The platform is designed to scale with an organization as its compliance needs grow more complex. It helps teams collaborate on tasks and provides clear visibility into the status of controls and risks. Hyperproof's platform aims to move companies away from spreadsheets and manual processes, creating a more efficient and organized approach to managing governance, risk, and compliance programs.

Scrut

Scrut Automation provides a platform for managing risk and compliance across various security frameworks. The software automates the monitoring of controls and the collection of evidence needed for SOC 2 audits. It integrates with a company’s cloud environment and SaaS tools to gather data continuously.

The platform is designed to help businesses maintain their security posture and stay audit-ready. According to Scrut, its solution is highly rated by users for its features and usability. The company positions its platform as one of the top SOC 2 compliance tools available, helping organizations manage the entire compliance lifecycle from a single dashboard.

How to Compare SOC 2 Software Solutions

Choosing the right SOC 2 software requires a careful look at several factors. Your decision will depend on your company’s budget, existing technology, and specific compliance needs. By evaluating each solution against a consistent set of criteria, you can find a platform that fits your organization and simplifies the audit process.

Pricing and Value

Achieving SOC 2 compliance without dedicated software can be a significant financial and time commitment. According to research from Thoropass, the process can cost over $80,000 and take more than 18 months.

Compliance software is designed to lower these costs and shorten the timeline. When comparing options, look beyond the initial subscription fee. Consider the total value, which includes reduced audit preparation hours, fewer manual tasks for your team, and the financial benefit of avoiding compliance gaps. A lower-priced tool that requires extensive manual work may cost more in the long run.

Core Features and Automation

The right software automates repetitive tasks and provides a clear path to compliance. According to compliance platform Scytale, key features include automated evidence collection, continuous control monitoring, and policy management.

Automated evidence collection connects to your systems to gather proof of compliance without manual effort. Continuous monitoring checks that your controls are working correctly at all times, not just during an audit. Policy management tools provide templates and workflows to create, approve, and distribute necessary documentation. These features help ensure you are always prepared for an audit and can respond to requests quickly.

Integrations and User Experience

Your SOC 2 software should work with the tools your team already uses. The software should connect with your existing systems. Vanta, for example, integrates with tools like AWS, Azure, and Okta to gather evidence automatically. This reduces manual data entry and provides a more complete view of your compliance posture.

For companies managing multiple compliance needs, it's also important that the software supports other frameworks. As the security platform Scrut points out, a good tool should also handle standards like ISO 27001 and GDPR. Finally, consider the user experience. The platform should be intuitive for both compliance experts and the technical teams responsible for implementing controls.

What are the Common SOC 2 Compliance Challenges?

Achieving a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 report is a significant milestone for any organization that handles customer data. It demonstrates a commitment to security and builds trust with clients. However, the path to compliance is often filled with operational hurdles that can drain resources and create friction for internal teams.

Many of these challenges stem from outdated, manual approaches to compliance. Teams often rely on spreadsheets, shared documents, and endless email chains to manage evidence collection and track controls. This method is not only inefficient but also prone to human error, making audit preparation a stressful, last-minute scramble. Understanding these common pain points is the first step toward finding a more sustainable and effective approach to managing your SOC 2 program. From documentation overload to the complexities of continuous monitoring, each challenge highlights the need for a structured and automated system.

Manual Processes and Documentation

One of the most significant hurdles in SOC 2 compliance is the sheer volume of required evidence. Teams must gather and organize hundreds of documents, including policies, procedures, system configurations, and logs. Many organizations struggle to manage thorough documentation and keep it audit-ready.

When handled manually, this process becomes a major time sink. Employees spend countless hours taking screenshots, exporting reports, and chasing down information from different departments. This evidence is often stored in disparate locations, leading to version control issues and making it difficult for auditors to verify that controls are operating effectively. Without a central system, the risk of missing evidence or presenting outdated information is high.

The High Cost of Manual Compliance

The reliance on manual processes directly contributes to the high cost of achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance. The financial burden extends far beyond the auditor's fees. A key challenge for many companies is managing the high costs associated with compliance, which includes significant internal resource allocation.

Your most valuable technical employees may be pulled away from their core responsibilities for weeks to prepare for an audit. These opportunity costs, combined with the potential need for expensive external consultants, can make SOC 2 seem prohibitively expensive. Manual compliance turns what should be a continuous security practice into a costly, disruptive, and periodic event that strains budgets and personnel.

Complex Risk Management

SOC 2 requires organizations to have a formal and documented risk management program. This involves identifying potential threats to the security, availability, and confidentiality of customer data and implementing controls to mitigate those risks. The process becomes even more complicated when considering third-party vendors.

Your organization is responsible for the security practices of any vendor that handles your data. Effective third-party risk management involves assessing your vendors' security posture to ensure they also meet SOC 2 standards. Manually tracking vendor compliance, conducting risk assessments, and documenting mitigation strategies is a complex and ongoing task that many organizations find difficult to manage effectively.

Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance

A common misconception is that SOC 2 compliance is a one-time project. In reality, the audit is just a snapshot in time. The true goal is to maintain a strong security posture continuously. This requires ongoing monitoring of controls to ensure they remain effective long after the auditors have left.

As one report notes, continuous SOC 2 compliance demands regular updates to controls and staying informed about changes in your environment. When new employees are hired, systems are updated, or vendors are changed, your controls must adapt. Without a system for continuous monitoring, gaps can emerge, leaving your organization vulnerable and unprepared for the next audit cycle. This turns compliance into a recurring fire drill instead of a seamless business process.

Common Myths About SOC 2 Software

A few misconceptions surround System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 compliance. These myths can prevent companies from pursuing an audit or lead to a flawed implementation. Understanding the facts helps you build a more effective compliance program.

Myth: It’s Only for Large Enterprises

Many businesses believe SOC 2 is only for large, established companies. This view often stems from the perceived cost and complexity of the audit process.

In reality, any organization that stores or processes customer data can benefit from SOC 2. Size is not the determining factor. Startups and small businesses often use a SOC 2 report to build trust with enterprise clients. It shows a commitment to data protection, which can be a key competitive advantage. According to accounting firm Johanson LLP, dispelling common myths is essential for any organization that wants to protect its data.

Myth: Compliance is a One-Time Project

Another common myth is that SOC 2 compliance is a one-time project. Teams often treat the first audit as a finish line, believing the work is done once the report is issued.

Achieving compliance is an ongoing commitment, not a single event. A SOC 2 report demonstrates that your controls were effective over a specific period, usually six to twelve months. To maintain compliance, you must continuously monitor those controls and prepare for regular audits. This process ensures your security measures remain effective as your business and the threat landscape evolve.

Myth: The Software Guarantees Security

SOC 2 software is a powerful tool, but it does not guarantee absolute security. It automates evidence collection and simplifies audit preparation. However, it cannot replace a strong security culture.

Compliance software helps you manage and monitor your controls. It provides visibility into your security posture. But security itself depends on well-designed policies, employee training, and proactive risk management. The software supports your security program; it does not replace it. Your team is still responsible for implementing and maintaining the underlying security practices that protect customer data.

Myth: All SOC 2 Reports are the Same

It's a mistake to think of SOC 2 as a standard certification. Unlike certifications like ISO 27001, every SOC 2 report is unique to the organization being audited.

Each report is tailored to the company’s specific systems and business operations. It also covers a specific combination of the five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. As Scrut Automation notes, a SOC 2 report is not a generic certificate but a detailed attestation about a company's unique control environment. This means stakeholders must read the report to understand its scope.

Which Industries Need SOC 2 Compliance?

The need for a Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 report is not confined to a single industry. Any service organization that stores, processes, or manages customer data may be asked to provide one. The demand for SOC 2 compliance often comes directly from customers who need assurance that their data is protected by effective internal controls.

Technology and SaaS

Companies in the technology sector, especially those offering software-as-a-service (SaaS), are prime candidates for SOC 2. If your organization handles customer data in the cloud, clients will want proof of your security posture. Enterprise customers frequently make a SOC 2 report a contractual requirement before they will procure a service.

A successful audit demonstrates a serious commitment to security and can be a key differentiator in a competitive market. It provides customers with the confidence that their information is managed according to high standards for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Financial Services and Fintech

Trust is the foundation of the financial services industry. Financial technology (fintech) companies, payment processors, and investment platforms handle sensitive financial data, making robust security essential. A SOC 2 report helps these organizations demonstrate that their security practices are sound and that they have the necessary controls in place to protect client assets and information.

For fintech companies, achieving SOC 2 compliance is a critical step in building credibility with customers, partners, and regulators. It shows that the company is proactive about managing security risks and safeguarding the financial data entrusted to them.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Healthcare organizations manage protected health information (PHI), which is governed by strict regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While HIPAA sets the standard for protecting patient data, a SOC 2 report provides an additional layer of assurance about the operational effectiveness of a company’s security controls.

Health tech companies, telehealth platforms, and vendors that handle electronic health records often pursue SOC 2 compliance to show they are responsible stewards of sensitive data. It helps them meet regulatory requirements and build trust with hospitals, clinics, and patients who rely on their services to protect private health information.

E-commerce and Data-Driven Businesses

E-commerce platforms and other data-driven businesses collect large volumes of customer information, from personal details to purchasing habits. While many focus on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for transaction security, SOC 2 addresses a wider range of data protection principles.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance helps these businesses reassure customers that their personal information is secure. In an environment where data breaches are common, demonstrating strong security controls can build customer trust and provide a significant competitive advantage. It signals that the company values and protects the data it collects.

How to Choose the Right SOC 2 Software

Selecting the right System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 software is a critical decision. The best platform for your company depends on your specific goals, existing systems, and overall compliance strategy. A small startup preparing for its first audit has different needs than a global enterprise managing multiple regulatory frameworks. The right tool can streamline evidence collection, simplify audit preparation, and provide continuous visibility into your security posture, turning a periodic event into an ongoing practice.

To make an informed choice, you need a clear evaluation process. This involves looking beyond feature lists and marketing claims. You should consider how each tool will integrate with your daily operations, support your team, and scale as your business grows. Key factors include the level of automation, the breadth of integrations with your existing tech stack, and the quality of customer support. A structured approach will help you find a solution that not only prepares you for an audit but also strengthens your long-term security and governance programs. This section outlines four key areas to focus on during your evaluation: compliance maturity, technical needs, budget, and vendor support.

Assess Your Compliance Maturity

Your company’s experience with compliance is a major factor in choosing software. Are you just starting your SOC 2 journey, or do you have an established program? Early-stage companies often need more guidance, pre-built policy templates, and hands-on support to get started.

More mature organizations may prioritize advanced features. According to compliance platform Scytale, you should consider "how much it automates, if it works with your other tools, how easy it is to use, and if it can grow with your company." A mature program might focus on deep integrations with existing tools and sophisticated automation to reduce the burden on internal teams. Understanding your current state helps you find a tool that fits your needs today and supports your future growth.

Evaluate Your Technical Needs

Your SOC 2 software must work with your existing technology stack. Make a list of your essential systems, including cloud service providers like AWS or Azure, identity providers like Okta, and version control systems like GitHub. The right platform will offer pre-built integrations that automate evidence collection from these sources, saving your team significant time and effort.

Also, consider your broader compliance obligations. Many companies must adhere to more than just SOC 2. As Scrut Automation notes, a good tool should support other security frameworks like ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. Choosing a platform that can manage multiple frameworks from a single interface helps you create a more unified and efficient compliance program.

Define Your Budget and Timeline

Achieving SOC 2 compliance requires a significant investment of time and money. Establishing a clear budget and timeline early in the process will help you narrow your software options and set realistic expectations for your team.

Without automation, the process can be lengthy and expensive. According to Thoropass, a manual approach to SOC 2 can cost over $80,000 and take more than 18 months to complete. Compliance software is designed to reduce these figures by automating manual tasks and streamlining the audit process. When evaluating pricing, look beyond the subscription fee. Consider the total cost of ownership, including implementation, training, and the internal resources required to manage the platform.

Research Reviews and Customer Support

The audit process can be complex, and strong customer support is invaluable. Before committing to a platform, research what current customers say about their experience. Look for reviews on independent sites and ask for customer references during your evaluation.

Pay close attention to feedback about the audit experience itself. For example, Thoropass highlights that its customers found the audit process "'painless' and 'frictionless,'" allowing them to complete audits "'in a fraction of the time.'" This kind of feedback indicates that the vendor provides effective support when it matters most. Use demos and free trials to test the responsiveness and expertise of the support team. A helpful partner can make a significant difference in achieving a successful audit outcome.

How to Evaluate Pricing and Trials

Choosing SOC 2 software involves more than comparing feature lists. The price, trial experience, and available support will directly impact your team’s success. A low-cost tool with poor support can create more work than it saves.

A thorough evaluation of pricing structures and trial periods helps you find a solution that fits your budget and operational needs. Look for transparency in costs and a partner who will help you get the most value from the platform.

Free Trials and Demos

Most SOC 2 software providers offer free trials or guided demos. These are valuable opportunities to see the platform in action before you make a financial commitment. During a demo, you can ask specific questions about how the software handles evidence collection, integrates with your tools, and generates reports.

A free trial allows your team to test the software with your own data and workflows. Use this time to assess the user interface and confirm its key features meet your needs. A well-executed software pilot program can reveal how intuitive the platform is for your team and whether it truly simplifies your compliance tasks.

Subscription Models and Discounts

SOC 2 software is typically sold on a subscription basis. You will likely encounter different SaaS pricing models, such as tiered plans based on features or the number of users. Some providers offer a flat rate, which simplifies budgeting. When comparing options, ask for a clear breakdown of what each tier includes to avoid unexpected costs for essential features.

Look for opportunities to reduce the total cost. Many companies offer discounts for annual subscriptions paid upfront, which can provide significant savings over monthly payments. If your organization needs to comply with multiple frameworks, such as ISO 27001 or HIPAA, ask about bundled services. Combining frameworks under one provider is often more cost-effective than managing them separately.

Implementation and Training Support

Effective implementation support is critical for a smooth transition to a new compliance platform. The initial setup can be complex, so it is important to understand what level of assistance a provider offers. Ask if their team will help configure the software, customize controls, and train your employees. This initial guidance ensures your team can use the platform correctly from day one.

Training resources also vary between providers. Check for access to tutorials, detailed documentation, and responsive customer support. Clear guidance helps your team use the software’s full capabilities and troubleshoot issues independently. Clarify whether onboarding and ongoing support are included in the subscription price or if they require an additional fee.

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