Introduction

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) compliance is a framework that was created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to guarantee and make sure that any company that deals with customer data and information, can securely manage data; all this in order to protect the interests and privacy of their clients.

SOC 2 reports are based on 5 “trust service criteria”: 

  1. Security: Protecting against unauthorized access, this includes logical and physical barriers.
  2. Availability: Making sure that systems are available for normal processes and operation, and that they are being used how it was agreed.
  3. Processing Integrity: Ensuring system processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized.
  4. Confidentiality: Protecting delicate information, this includes those that are designated as confidential as agreed beforehand.
  5. Privacy: Addressing and clearly stating how personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and even disposed of to meet the company’s privacy commitments 

Nowadays, SOC 2 is more important than ever. With the rapid increase of data breaches and cyber threats, being SOC 2 compliant is a common requirement from clients. Companies should prove that they have the proper controls to secure customers’ data. 

Moreover, by being SOC 2 compliant, organizations not only protect cloud information, but also position themselves as trustworthy and reliable partners for their clients, building long lasting relationships. This compliance is not just about filling up another document, but integrating a culture of security and privacy deep into operations of the business.

Finding the right software to be SOC 2 compliant is a crucial step for your business. Luckily in 2024 the process is much easier and there are different platforms according to your specific organizational needs. Let’s take a look at the 7 best SOC 2 compliance software options for 2024.  Get ready to find the best one for your business and start playing the SOC 2 game!

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Benefits of Using SOC 2 Compliance Software

  1. Automated Evidence Collection: SOC 2 compliance software automates the collection of necessary documentation from several systems and sources, getting rid of repetitive tasks and reducing human errors.  this makes the whole process much more efficient and reliable
  2. Continuous Control Monitoring: Most of These tools offer real-time monitoring of your compliance status, meaning that if there is an issue or deviation, you get instant visibility. Continuous monitoring helps organizations in the process of addressing compliance gaps, ensuring a continuous adherence to SOC 2 standards.
  3. Risk Assessment: All of these software products have risk assessment tools within them. This helps analyze potential vulnerabilities that could impact the 5 trust service criteria. Identifying and mitigating risks strengthens overall organizational security.
  4. Integration with Existing Systems: Effective SOC 2 compliance software integrates smoothly with existing systems, such as Jira, enabling the business to manage all of the necessary compliance tasks in one place. This integration removes the need for switching between platforms, saving time and consolidating and strengthening task management.
  5. Time-Savings for Busy Teams: By doing all this, it helps teams to save valuable time that can be better spent on achieving the organization goals. This is specially useful for fast paced environments and startups.

TOP 5 SOC 2 Compliance Software for 2024

1. Scytale

When it comes to B2B start-ups and growing companies, Scytale is leading the pack.Their flexibility in tailoring SOC 2 compliance solutions ensures smaller companies get the support they need. What sets Scytale apart are standout features like automated evidence collection, continuous control monitoring, a custom policy builder, and seamless integration with popular tools. Navigating compliance and cybersecurity can be overwhelming, but Scytale’s solutions simplify the process significantly, lightening the workload and ensuring peace of mind.

With their user friendly interface and hands-on compliance guidance, the daunting task of SOC 2 compliance becomes a lot less intimidating. Scytale will support you every step of the way, offering practical tools and efficient solutions, making it the complete compliance automation package.

2. LogicGate

LogicGate integrates GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) extremely well. The platform does not have a code builder, but rather pre-built templates that allow you to carry out the process without needing any additional technological knowledge or paid help, which can be very useful for an early stage startup. However, this platform does not have a specific focus on SOC 2 compliance, so if you have a specific focus on this framework, you might need extra resources or implement additional platforms.

3. Tugboat Logic

Tugboat Logical, now part of One Trust, is designed to simplify the process of becoming compliant through intuitive guidance. They focus on automated evidence collection and audit readiness assessment, making the process much less time-consuming. The platform provides good step-by-step instructions and guides, reducing the complexity associated with these audits. However, this Tugboat is a better bet for larger organizations, which already have strong IT and security teams.

4. Exabeam

Exabeam’s Security Operations Platform leverages AI and automation to enhance security operations, focusing on TDIR  (Threat detection, Investigation, and Response) . While the security measures are advanced and extremely secure, it is not the best choice for companies looking for in-depth guidance for SOC auditing. Exabeam is excellent at identifying threats and responding to them or incidents, however it does not focus much on the small gaps in the complexity management process.

5. OneTrust

One Trust is focused on helping companies innovate responsibly while staying aligned with the 5 Trust Service Criteria. The platform is especially useful for tightly integrating with other commonly used tools, so you don’t have to compromise data integrity. However, it is best suited for large enterprises with an already existing compliance platform, due to its enormous potential for scalability. For smaller enterprises, the complexity and potential costs that come with it outweigh the benefits. Unnecessary complexity here may result in increased costs down the line.

Tips for Implementing SOC 2 Compliance 

  1. Begin the compliance process early! This gives you more time to prepare and address potential issues.
  2. Involve key stakeholders from various departments, making sure there is a comprehensive understanding of the procedures
  3. Regularly review and update compliance policies to adapt to industry instands and important regulations.
  4. Conduct regular training sessions to keep employees informed about compliance requirements and their specific role to achieve this
  5. Document everything! Keep records of all important documents and meetings to facilitate audit readiness and show effort and commitment to this process

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s essential to do thorough research and familiarize yourself with the features and capabilities of different compliance platforms. Each platform serves a unique organizational need, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, book demos, and ensure you’re fully informed. By doing so, you’ll be equipped to choose the best software for your organization and be fully prepared for any audits that come your way.