SOC 2 Compliance Checklist for Startups

Having guided several startups through SOC 2, I'll break this down into clear, actionable steps. No fluff, just practical advice.

Step 1: Pick Your Report Type

You've got two flavors of SOC 2:

• Type 1: Takes a snapshot of your security setup at one point
• Type 2: Watches how your security controls perform over 3-12 months

Pro Tip: Most startups tackle Type 1 first unless clients specifically ask for Type 2. It's quicker and gets you that initial certification your customers want.

Step 2: Choose Your Trust Principles

Here's what you're working with:

• Security (this one's non-negotiable)
• Confidentiality
• Privacy
• Availability
• Process Integrity

Pro Tip: Start with Security only. Adding more principles means more work and higher audit costs.

Step 3: Get Your Hands on the Official Criteria

Head to AICPA's website:
AICPA SOC 2 Criteria

Pro Tip: Yes, you need to register. It's free and takes minutes. This document becomes your guidance.

Step 4: Run Your Initial Assessment

Time to see where you stand:

• Use compliance software to scan your current setup
• Map out existing controls
• Spot the gaps

note: You can also do it by yourself using the previous document that you downloaded.

Pro Tip: SecureLeap provides free assessment tools specifically built for startups. Our team walks you through the results at no cost. Contact us for more info.

Step 5: Close Those Gaps

Now the real work starts:

• Fix missing documentation
• Update security policies
• Implement missing controls
• Set up monitoring systems

Pro Tip: Use tools like Vanta and Drata to help track progress.

Step 6: Pick Your Auditor

Look for:

• AICPA Audit certification
• Startup experience
• Clear pricing
• Good communication

Pro Tip: SecureLeap maintains partnerships with multiple security auditors. We'll connect you directly, saving you time negotiating and comparing quotes.

Step 7: The Audit Process

What to expect:

• Several weeks of back-and-forth
• Document requests
• Control testing
• Policy reviews

Pro Tip: Proactively plan your audit and schedule time with key stakeholders in advance.

Step 8: Report Time

The process wraps up with:

• Draft report review
• Final adjustments
• PDF delivery

Pro Tip: Keep your report handy, customers will ask for it during sales calls.

Bonus Step: Penetration Testing

While optional for SOC 2, a pentest shows you're serious about security. It's becoming standard for B2B startups.

Ready to Start?

Getting SOC 2 certified looks tough, but we've got your back. At SecureLeap, we've built a complete toolkit for startups:

Need Vanta or Drata? We'll get you licensed at partner rates.

Looking for trusted auditors? Our network saves you weeks of shopping around.

Want security validation? Our pentest team spots issues before auditors do. And with our Virtual CISO hours, you'll have an expert in your corner whenever questions pop up.

Start with our no-cost assessment , it spots gaps before they slow you down. Many clients tell us this saved them months of back-and-forth.

Drop us a line at https://secureleap.tech or fill out this quick form. No pressure, just straight talk about what you need.

Quick note: SOC 2 isn't just paperwork - it's your ticket to bigger deals and faster sales cycles. Let's nail this the first time, minus the stress.