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SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a security framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). It defines criteria for managing customer data based on five Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
SOC 2 is the most widely requested compliance framework for SaaS companies and technology service providers selling to mid-market and enterprise customers.

Who needs SOC 2?

SaaS companies

Any software company that stores, processes, or transmits customer data. Enterprise buyers increasingly require SOC 2 reports before signing contracts.

Service providers

Cloud hosting providers, managed service providers, data centers, and organizations handling sensitive client data.

The 5 Trust Service Criteria

Security

Required for all SOC 2 audits. Protection of systems and data against unauthorized access — firewalls, intrusion detection, MFA, and access controls.

Availability

Systems are operational and accessible as agreed. Covers uptime monitoring, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

Processing Integrity

System processing is complete, accurate, timely, and authorized. Covers quality assurance and error monitoring.

Confidentiality

Information designated as confidential is protected through encryption, access restrictions, and data classification.

Privacy

Personal information is collected, used, retained, and disclosed in conformity with commitments and privacy policies.

SOC 2 Type I vs Type II

Type IType II
What it coversControl design at a point in timeControl design AND operating effectiveness over a period
Audit periodSingle dateTypically 3–12 months
StrengthFaster to achieveStronger assurance for customers
Best forFirst-time SOC 2Ongoing compliance proof
Most enterprise customers require a Type II report. Start with Type I if you need something fast, then transition to Type II for ongoing assurance.

How DSALTA helps with SOC 2

1

Activate SOC 2

Select SOC 2 from the Frameworks page. DSALTA maps all 9 areas and 33 criteria to pre-built controls automatically.
2

Review mapped controls

DSALTA maps 80+ controls to SOC 2 criteria. Review each control, mark non-applicable ones, and assign owners.
3

Collect evidence automatically

Connect your integrations (AWS, GCP, GitHub, Google Workspace). DSALTA runs automated tests and collects evidence continuously.
4

Approve policies

AI-generated policies are pre-mapped to SOC 2 requirements. Review, customize, and approve each one.
5

Prepare for audit

Create an audit, invite your auditor, and share evidence directly through the platform. Track auditor feedback in real time.

Key SOC 2 areas in DSALTA

AreaExample Controls
CC 1.0 Control EnvironmentBoard oversight, organizational structure, code of conduct
CC 2.0 CommunicationInternal/external communication of security policies
CC 3.0 Risk AssessmentRisk identification, fraud risk evaluation
CC 4.0 MonitoringContinuous monitoring, internal audits
CC 5.0 Control ActivitiesAccess controls, change management, segregation of duties
CC 6.0 Logical & Physical AccessAuthentication, MFA, physical security
CC 7.0 System OperationsIncident management, vulnerability scanning
CC 8.0 Change ManagementChange approval, testing, deployment controls
CC 9.0 Risk MitigationVendor management, business continuity

Frequently asked questions

With DSALTA, most organizations achieve Type I readiness in 4–8 weeks. Type II requires a monitoring period of 3–12 months after controls are in place.
Not necessarily. Some organizations go directly to Type II if they have mature security practices. However, Type I is faster for initial compliance proof.
External audits typically cost 15,00015,000–50,000 depending on your organization’s size and complexity. DSALTA reduces audit prep time significantly, saving on consulting costs.
Security is mandatory. Add Availability if you have uptime SLAs, Confidentiality if you handle sensitive data, and Privacy if you process personal information.
DSALTA integrates with auditor workflows. Invite any CPA firm as your auditor and they receive a dedicated view of your evidence and controls.