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Industry-Specific Checklist
Expert verified by Raphael N, CPA

SOC 2 Checklist for AI/Data

AI and data companies manage sensitive datasets and models. SOC 2 should highlight data governance, model access controls, and abuse monitoring.

Critical AI-DATA Controls

Training data provenance and privacy
Model access control and monitoring
Responsible handling of model abuse and prompt attacks
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Complete SOC 2 Checklist

Broken down by compliance domain for AI/Data teams.

Core Infrastructure & Security

  • Inventory data sources and document rights/consent
  • Restrict and log access to models and embeddings
  • Enable monitoring for inference and admin endpoints
  • Create prompt-abuse and model-misuse runbooks

Operational Controls

  • Schedule pentest including model/API abuse cases
  • Document retention/deletion for datasets and outputs

Evidence pack to prepare

  • Access review records with approvals
  • Change management tickets with reviewers
  • Incident response runbooks and recent drills
  • Vendor risk assessment summaries
  • System inventory and data flow diagrams

AI/Data audit timeline

  1. 1.Week 1–2: Define scope and control owners
  2. 2.Week 3–5: Implement evidence collection workflows
  3. 3.Week 6–8: Run internal readiness review
  4. 4.Week 9–12: Complete auditor fieldwork and remediation

Common AI/Data Pitfalls

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Proving data rights and consent for training datasets

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Locking down privileged access to models and embeddings

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Coordinating disclosure and fixes for model behavior issues

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Raphael N

CPACISAISO 27001 Lead Auditor

Head of Compliance Strategy

Raphael leads go-to-market compliance strategy for high-growth SaaS and AI teams. With over a decade of experience across Big Four firms and fintech startups, he specializes in translating complex SOC 2 requirements into automated, engineering-friendly workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in SOC 2 Checklist for AI/Data?

The first step is conducting a gap analysis to understand your current security posture relative to SOC 2 requirements. This identifies what controls you already have and what needs to be implemented.

How long does SOC 2 Checklist for AI/Data typically take?

For most mid-sized companies, the process takes 3-6 months. This includes 2-3 months for readiness prep and control implementation, followed by the audit period and report generation.

What are the core requirements for SOC 2 Checklist for AI/Data?

Core requirements include established security policies, evidence of operational controls (like access reviews and vulnerability scans), and documented risk management processes aligned with SOC 2 standards.

Can we automate SOC 2 Checklist for AI/Data?

Yes, compliance automation platforms can reduce manual effort by up to 80% through continuous evidence collection and automated control monitoring. However, you still need to define and own the underlying security processes.

About RiscLens

Our mission is to provide transparency and clarity to early-stage technology companies navigating the complexities of SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance.

Who we serve

Built specifically for early-stage and growing technology companies—SaaS, fintech, and healthcare tech—preparing for their first SOC 2 audit or responding to enterprise customer requirements.

What we provide

Clarity before commitment. We help teams understand realistic cost ranges, timeline expectations, and common gaps before they engage auditors or expensive compliance vendors.

Our Boundaries

We do not provide legal advice, audit services, or certifications. Our assessments support internal planning—they are not a substitute for professional compliance guidance.

Technical Definition

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations, developed by the AICPA, which specifies how organizations should manage customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.