Preparing for Your SOC 2 Audit

Learn how to prepare for your SOC 2 audit with this comprehensive guide. Expert tips and best practices for a successful audit process.

Pre-Audit Planning

Before your SOC 2 audit:

1. Select the right auditor
2. Define your scope
3. Set realistic timelines
4. Allocate resources
5. Establish communication channels

Documentation Requirements

Essential documents to prepare:

• Control descriptions
• Policies and procedures
• Evidence of control operation
• Risk assessments
• Incident response plans

Control Implementation

Key areas to focus on:

• Access controls
• Change management
• Security monitoring
• Incident response
• Business continuity

Evidence Collection

Types of evidence to gather:

• System configurations
• Log files
• Screen captures
• Policy documents
• Training records

Common Pitfalls

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Incomplete documentation
• Lack of evidence
• Poor control design
• Insufficient testing
• Timeline mismanagement

For a startup perspective, see SOC 2 for Startups: A Practical Guide. For a full compliance overview, read Complete Guide to SOC 2 Compliance. For a process breakdown, see Navigating the SOC 2 Audit Process.