SOC 2 Compliance Software: The Smarter Way to Automate Security, Avoid Audit Fatigue, and Stay Always-Ready

SOC 2 compliance is a foundational element of any organization’s data security strategy, especially for service organizations entrusted with sensitive customer data. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the SOC 2 framework sets rigorous standards for internal controls, requiring organizations to implement and maintain robust security controls and access controls to protect customer data. The SOC 2 audit process, conducted by certified public accountants, evaluates how effectively an organization safeguards data through its security controls, access management, and processing integrity.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance is not just about passing an audit — it’s about demonstrating to customers and business partners that your organization is committed to protecting customer data and upholding the highest standards of data security. By prioritizing SOC 2 compliance, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, strengthen trust with stakeholders, and unlock new opportunities for business growth. Ultimately, SOC 2 compliance signals to the market that your organization takes data security seriously and is prepared to meet the evolving demands of today’s digital landscape.

SOC 2 compliance software helps organizations manage the full audit lifecycle in one place, reducing manual work and strengthening overall security posture. Instead of tracking controls across spreadsheets and inboxes, teams rely on automated workflows, integrations, and continuous monitoring to stay compliant year-round. Scrut is the leading SOC 2 compliance software solution in 2025, awarded 11 Momentum Leader badges and 257 other badges by G2’s Winter 2025 Report.

Scrut’s SOC 2 compliance platform simplifies compliance management for businesses of all sizes, supporting several compliance frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA. There are key differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001, such as SOC 2 being an attestation report while ISO 27001 is a certification, as well as differences in audit cycle durations and the scope of controls and reports. SOC 2 is a compliance framework that provides a structured set of security and operational standards organizations must follow to protect sensitive data and meet audit requirements.

The software also helps organizations document and secure their business processes, as well as document and integrate security processes essential for compliance and audit readiness, to meet audit requirements and demonstrate effective operational workflows. SOC 2 compliance can be achieved faster with the right software tools that automate evidence collection and compliance management, guiding organizations through the steps necessary for achieving compliance. Vanta offers three different plans for its compliance automation software, catering to early-stage to sophisticated compliance teams. Secureframe offers two packages for its SOC 2 compliance software, Fundamentals for basic compliance and Complete for scaling, with custom pricing. OneTrust streamlines the SOC 2 audit process with automated compliance and data privacy management tools.

The result is faster audits, clearer documentation, and stronger protection for customer data.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance delivers significant benefits for organizations that handle sensitive customer data. By meeting SOC 2 standards, businesses demonstrate a strong commitment to data security, which reassures customers and business partners that their information is protected by robust, industry-recognized controls. This proactive approach to protecting customer data not only helps prevent data breaches and costly security incidents, but also positions organizations as trustworthy partners in the marketplace.

SOC 2 compliance is often a key differentiator when competing for new business, especially with enterprise clients who require assurance that their sensitive customer data will be handled securely. As a result, SOC 2 compliance can accelerate business growth by enabling companies to close larger deals and expand into new markets. Additionally, having the necessary controls in place to protect customer data helps organizations avoid reputational damage and financial losses associated with security failures. Ultimately, SOC 2 compliance is a strategic investment in both security and business success.

The SOC 2 audit process requires proving that your controls are designed and operating effectively. SOC 2 audits are performed by an independent auditing firm, typically a licensed CPA firm. Compliance platforms simplify this by offering built-in readiness checklists, auditor-friendly reports, and automated reminders that keep every task on schedule. A readiness assessment helps organizations identify and address gaps before the audit, ensuring they are well-prepared for the formal review. The SOC 2 compliance process requires collaboration across multiple teams, including IT, security, development, and operations.

An external auditor, acting independently, verifies compliance and provides credibility to the SOC 2 report. Certified public accountants (CPAs) are responsible for conducting SOC 2 audits and ensuring adherence to trust standards.

This gives companies a consistent, predictable path from preparation to audit completion.

Strong access controls are core to SOC 2. Access control is a foundational security measure for managing user privileges and safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring only authorized personnel can access data within the audit scope. Modern software tracks user provisioning, privileged access, and two factor authentication adoption — flagging risks instantly. Two factor authentication is a critical security measure required for protecting access to sensitive data and meeting compliance requirements. Auditors expect strict access controls to be in place for SOC 2 compliance.

By monitoring access changes in real time, organizations prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.

SOC 2 has strict compliance requirements, and missing even one control can slow an audit. Compliance software maps the Trust Services Criteria to your tech stack and identifies which controls are fully met, partially met, or missing entirely. To achieve SOC 2 compliance, organizations must meet specific criteria within these frameworks, ensuring that their internal controls align with the standards assessed during the audit.

This helps teams address gaps long before the auditor reviews the environment.

Continuous monitoring replaces outdated point-in-time checks. With automated scans of configurations, identity changes, and system states, SOC 2 software detects issues as soon as they occur. Continuous monitoring is critical in maintaining SOC 2 compliance, ensuring that controls are tested and evidence of compliance is collected regularly. Ongoing monitoring is equally important, as it provides continuous security oversight and supports the regular audits necessary to sustain SOC 2 certification.

Continuous control monitoring and alerts are crucial for detecting potential security issues proactively in SOC 2 compliance software. The software supports encryption for data both in transit and at rest. Sprinto automates manual tasks and triggers workflows to remediate compliance drifts, making the compliance process easier.

This keeps your controls aligned with security standards around the clock.

Continuous control monitoring — or CCM — ensures that technical and administrative controls are consistently enforced. Software tools automatically check for misconfigurations, missing logs, expired certificates, or unpatched systems.

This reduces compliance drift while proving ongoing control operating effectiveness.

The compliance process becomes significantly smoother with centralized documentation and automated workflows. Platforms guide teams through readiness assessments, policy creation, control implementation, and remediation planning. Allocating appropriate internal resources, such as dedicated personnel or leveraging internal expertise, is crucial to effectively manage SOC 2 compliance efforts and ensure audit readiness. A good SOC 2 compliance platform should provide automatic creation of clear, concise audit reports that can be easily shared with stakeholders.

Instead of confusion and delays, organizations benefit from clarity and structure.

Collecting evidence is typically the most time-consuming part of SOC 2. Compliance software automates the process using secure integrations with cloud apps, HR systems, identity tools, DevOps platforms, and ticketing systems. Documentation is key for SOC 2 compliance, as auditors require thorough records as proof; you must provide evidence such as documentation, screenshots, or proof of resolution during the audit process.

This eliminates manual screenshots and provides auditors with clean, consistent evidence.

A SOC 2 gap analysis shows exactly where an organization is not meeting required controls. Automated assessments highlight missing policies, weak configurations, access issues, or unclear ownership. The process also involves reviewing internal processes through document review and stakeholder interviews to ensure that controls and operating procedures are effective. Conducting a gap analysis is the first step to becoming SOC 2 compliant.

A SOC 2 Type 1 audit evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time. Remediation plans are necessary to address any gaps identified during the gap analysis.

SOC 2 compliance involves being granted a comprehensive attestation report that an external CPA uses to validate the security controls. External auditors assess and grant SOC 2 attestation based on the Trust Service Criteria that the organization chooses to include in their audit process. Sprinto provides a dashboard overview of SOC 2 compliance readiness, flagging lapses and vulnerabilities that need fixing.

Teams use these insights to build a prioritized remediation plan based on identified risk.

Continuous testing automates routine control checks — ensuring that monitoring, access reviews, configuration baselines, and logging requirements remain intact throughout the audit period.

This gives organizations confidence that controls are functioning as intended every day, not just before the audit.

Selecting the right SOC 2 compliance software is essential for organizations aiming to meet their compliance requirements efficiently and effectively. The ideal solution should automate critical tasks such as evidence collection, risk assessments, and compliance activities, reducing the manual workload on internal teams. Look for software that offers continuous control monitoring and robust audit prep features, ensuring your organization is always ready for an audit and can quickly address any issues that arise.

Support for multiple frameworks, including SOC 2, is important for organizations that need to manage overlapping compliance obligations. A user-friendly interface and clear reporting tools can streamline the compliance journey, making it easier for teams to track progress and maintain necessary controls over sensitive customer data. When evaluating options, consider the software’s pricing packages, customer support quality, and reputation in the market to ensure you’re making a sound investment. By choosing the right SOC 2 compliance software, organizations can reduce audit fatigue, strengthen their compliance posture, and protect customer data with confidence.

Successfully implementing SOC 2 compliance software starts with a thorough gap analysis to identify where your current processes fall short of compliance requirements. Once gaps are identified, organizations should focus on implementing the necessary controls to address these areas. Configuring the software to align with your organization’s specific needs is crucial, and providing comprehensive training ensures that all users can leverage the platform effectively. Aligning the software development lifecycle (SDLC) with SOC 2 requirements — by incorporating practices like issue tracking, unit testing, and version control — helps demonstrate robust security and quality oversight during compliance implementation.

Establishing a process for continuous monitoring is key to maintaining SOC 2 compliance over time. This involves regularly reviewing system configurations, monitoring for control effectiveness, and promptly addressing any issues that arise. Organizations should also make it a priority to review and update compliance policies and procedures on a regular basis, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving requirements and best practices. By following these steps, organizations can maximize the value of their SOC 2 compliance software, maintain a strong compliance posture, and ensure ongoing protection of sensitive customer data.

Adopting best practices is essential for organizations aiming to achieve and maintain SOC 2 compliance. Start by implementing comprehensive security controls that address all aspects of data protection, from access controls to encryption and incident response. Regular risk assessments are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring that your internal controls remain effective against emerging threats. Maintaining up-to-date security documentation provides a clear record of your compliance process and supports efficient evidence collection during audits.

Continuous monitoring of your compliance posture allows you to detect and remediate issues in real time, reducing the likelihood of data breaches and minimizing audit fatigue. Ongoing security training for employees is equally important, as it ensures that everyone understands their role in protecting sensitive customer data and adhering to compliance requirements. Leveraging compliance management software can further streamline the compliance journey by automating evidence collection, facilitating risk assessments, and providing real-time visibility into your internal controls. By following these best practices, organizations can build a resilient security posture, simplify the compliance process, and maintain the trust of their customers throughout their SOC 2 compliance journey.

Most SOC 2 platforms offer resource centers with guidance on security frameworks, auditor expectations, remediation playbooks, and implementation strategies. Maintaining comprehensive security documentation is crucial for audit readiness, as up-to-date and organized documentation is often reviewed during security audits to ensure compliance with policies on incident response, access control, and encryption.

Risk assessment tools help organizations identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential vulnerabilities, and also support preparation for security audits across multiple frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR. AuditBoard unifies risks, policies, controls, frameworks, and issues to help businesses meet increasing compliance requirements. Drata provides a platform that efficiently achieves and maintains several compliance standards within a single interface. LogicGate is a cloud-based GRC automation software that focuses on risk assessment and management for businesses. Apptega provides compliance management software that helps businesses achieve SOC 2 by implementing best practices. Vendor risk management features help assess and monitor the security posture of third-party vendors handling data.

These resources help teams improve control ownership and drive long-term security maturity.

SOC 2 compliance software accelerates the entire journey — from readiness to audit completion. Automated workflows, templates, integrations, and continuous monitoring reduce manual burdens and shorten timelines.

This is especially valuable for SaaS companies that need fast compliance to close enterprise deals. Achieving SOC 2 compliance can facilitate business growth by enabling companies to close larger deals. By demonstrating high security standards, SOC 2 compliance helps build customer trust and attract potential customers, signaling to them that your business meets rigorous security requirements. Having a SOC 2 report can help clear security reviews faster and avoid deal blockers in procurement processes. A SOC 2 report can also reduce audit fatigue by serving as a substitute for multiple customer audits. Companies that achieve SOC 2 compliance can use it as a competitive advantage to attract larger clients.

SOC 2 focuses on five common criteria (the five Trust Services Criteria used in SOC 2 audits): Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy). Compliance software structures your controls around these pillars so audits remain aligned with industry expectations. Security is a mandatory Trust Service Criterion for all SOC 2 audits, while the other four criteria are optional based on business needs. SOC 2 reports are unique to each business, as organizations select the Trust Service Criteria that are most relevant to their operations and customer needs.

The Trust Service Criteria include Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy, each focusing on different aspects of data management and protection. Processing Integrity assesses whether cloud data is processed accurately and reliably, including quality assurance procedures. Confidentiality requires organizations to safeguard confidential information throughout its lifecycle by establishing access controls and proper privileges. Privacy requires organizations to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from breaches and unauthorized access through rigorous access controls and encryption. Availability requires organizations to demonstrate that their systems meet operational uptime and performance standards, including disaster recovery processes.

SOC 2 compliance software helps organizations ensure data security by implementing robust security measures that align with SOC 2 standards. These platforms enable companies to achieve compliance faster, reduce manual work, and maintain a strong security posture long after the audit is complete.

Through automation, continuous monitoring, and structured workflows, SOC 2 compliance software makes SOC 2 more predictable, less stressful, and significantly more scalable.

For SaaS companies handling sensitive customer data, compliance software isn’t just a convenience — it’s a long-term security advantage. SOC 2 compliance is becoming increasingly important for businesses that want to demonstrate their commitment to data security. SOC 2 compliance is a voluntary standard established by the AICPA for service organizations. SOC 2 compliance can enhance brand credibility and strengthen a company’s reputation in the market.

It automates evidence collection, monitors controls, and centralizes documentation to simplify the audit process.

No. It prepares your environment and reduces manual tasks, but a licensed CPA still performs the audit. Choosing an independent CPA firm is essential for conducting a SOC 2 audit.

SaaS companies, service providers, and any organization handling sensitive customer data or working with enterprise clients. SOC 2 compliance is often a requirement for B2B and SaaS companies to be considered viable vendors. SOC 2 compliance is not a legal requirement for every business, but it is highly recommended for companies that handle sensitive customer data.

Yes — by automating documentation, reminders, and evidence collection.

Most tools support SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI, and more through unified control mapping.