What Is SOC 2 Compliance and How MSPs Help You Meet It

SOC 2 compliance is a framework created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for supervising customer data based on five trust service criteria, namely security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It applies to any service provider storing or processing customer information in the cloud.

Unlike SOC 1, which focuses on financial reporting, SOC 2 compliance evaluates how well an organization protects data and maintains system controls. Businesses that aim to gain trust with clients, especially in highly regulated sectors, often pursue SOC type 2 compliance as it helps build client confidence and supports long-term business credibility.

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What Are the Five Trust Service Criteria?

Each SOC 2 report is structured around five Trust Service Criteria:

Security: Measures that defend systems and data from unauthorized access, misuse, or breaches. This is the only required criterion and applies to all SOC 2 audits. It includes firewalls, authentication, and access controls.
Availability: Focuses on whether systems are available and functioning as expected to meet operational needs and service agreements. Monitoring, backups, and disaster recovery fall under this.
Processing Integrity: Confirms that data is processed accurately, in a timely manner, and without unauthorized alteration. It relates to data workflows, automation, and reporting.
Confidentiality: Applies to sensitive business information and guarantees that admission is limited to authorized users only. Encryption and access permissions are critical.
Privacy: Discusses how personal data is collected, stored, used, and shared according to internal and external privacy policies. This applies to client-facing apps and data retention.

Organizations do not need to meet all five criteria. However, any selected criterion must be covered completely and consistently during the audit.

How to Prepare for SOC 2 Compliance

Achieving SOC 2.0 compliance requires a well-planned approach:

Define the Scope: Decide which systems and services fall under the audit. Be specific about boundaries to avoid gaps and confusion.
Perform a Gap Assessment: Identify where current controls do not meet the SOC 2 requirements. This helps prioritize remediation tasks and sets a clear action plan.
Implement Controls: Deploy technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to address all required criteria. Align each control to its applicable Trust Service Criteria.
Monitor and Document: Keep records of all processes, tests, and monitoring activities. Ongoing documentation builds evidence for future audits and ensures traceability.
Engage a Third-Party Auditor: Only an independent CPA firm can issue a valid SOC 2 report. Early engagement can clarify scope and timing while reducing surprises during the audit.

Following these steps strengthens audit readiness and builds a strong foundation for compliance.

Common Challenges Businesses Face During SOC 2 Audits

Many companies struggle with:

Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inconsistent process records make it hard to prove control effectiveness.
Unclear Ownership: Security responsibilities that are not clearly assigned, leading to confusion and accountability gaps.
Tool Sprawl: Using too many platforms that lack integration or visibility, which complicates compliance tracking.
Change Management Gaps: Failing to track updates or respond to changes in system configurations, thereby creating audit risks.

These issues can delay or fail an audit if not addressed early. Without internal experience, even well-resourced teams can miss important control elements.

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How Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Support SOC 2 Compliance

Partnering with an MSP that provides managed SOC services can significantly streamline SOC 2 preparation. MSPs assist by:

Conducting readiness assessments and identifying potential gaps
Setting up continuous monitoring and alerting tools that track unusual activities
Managing user access, endpoint controls, and data encryption in line with audit standards
Helping document processes and procedures in a way that auditors expect

Experienced MSPs understand the frameworks and can guide internal teams on how to align security controls with SOC 2 compliance expectations. Their support allows in-house teams to focus on core functions without losing compliance momentum.

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Long-Term Advantages of Working With an MSP

Beyond the initial audit, MSPs play an important role in maintaining long-term compliance:

Continuous Monitoring: MSPs manage logs and alerts in real time to flag issues early, helping teams act before problems escalate. They provide ongoing oversight that keeps systems secure throughout the year.
Policy Updates: Support regular reviews and revisions of data protection policies to reflect new risks and compliance needs. MSPs help revise these policies based on industry updates and audit findings.
Incident Response: Help develop and test response plans so the business is ready to act quickly when a security event occurs. Their involvement accelerates response time and reduces the impact of incidents.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce the need to hire specialized in-house staff, which can be expensive and hard to retain, especially in smaller organizations. MSPs offer access to a full security team at a predictable cost.
Staff Training Support: MSPs can guide internal teams on following compliance protocols and using security tools correctly. They also provide periodic awareness sessions to reduce risk from human error.

With a reliable partner, companies can maintain strong compliance postures and better prepare for future audits. This also reduces downtime, minimizes exposure to risk, and shows clients that their data is being handled responsibly.

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Support for Your SOC 2 Journey

Meeting SOC 2 compliance standards is a demanding but vital step for any organization that handles sensitive customer data. Working with the right partner can make the process more manageable and less time-consuming.

Imagine IT is a regional managed IT provider that works closely with organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity and compliance practices. From assessing security gaps to configuring controls and preparing documentation, we help clients meet SOC 2 audit requirements with greater confidence. As a managed service provider in Sterling, Zeeland, Bloomington, Wichita, and Garden City, we combine local service with a deep understanding of audit-ready systems.