SOC 2 Compliancefor Ctos
A comprehensive guide for Ctos on navigating SOC 2 compliance requirements and best practices.
Head of Compliance Strategy • CPA, CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
Key SOC 2 Priorities for Ctos
As a Cto, your focus on SOC 2 is unique. Here are the core areas where you can provide the most impact and where common pitfalls occur.
Access Control Management
Implement strict identity and access management (IAM) policies to ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.
Continuous Monitoring
Set up automated tools to monitor your infrastructure and alert your team of any potential security incidents in real-time.
Data Encryption
Ensure all data is encrypted at rest and in transit using industry-standard protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
Vendor Risk Assessment
Evaluate the security posture of your third-party vendors to ensure they meet your compliance requirements.
Raphael N
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.
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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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does it take to achieve SOC 2 compliance?
Typically, a SOC 2 Type 1 audit takes 2-4 weeks, while a Type 2 audit requires a 3-12 month observation period.
Q:What is the difference between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2?
Type 1 evaluates the design of controls at a point in time, whereas Type 2 evaluates the operational effectiveness of those controls over a period of time.
Q:Do we need an external auditor?
Yes, SOC 2 reports must be issued by an independent CPA firm that is specialized in information security audits.
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