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SOC 2Who is it for?

Who is SOC 2 for?

SOC 2 is built for service organisations that process customer data. Not everyone needs it. Below, you can check whether it fits your business.

SOC 2 is for you if you are…

SaaS companies Customer data in the cloud, often on AWS/Azure/GCP. Enterprise customers want to know their data is safe. SOC 2 is the entry ticket. See also SOC 2 for SaaS companies.

Cloud providers and data centres You host infrastructure or applications for others. In this market, SOC 2 is almost a requirement. See SOC 2 for cloud providers.

IT service providers and MSPs You manage IT environments for customers and have access to their systems. Customers want assurance that you work securely.

Fintech and HR tech You handle sensitive data (financial or personal). Both customers and regulators set compliance requirements.

Startups with enterprise ambitions You want to move from SMB to enterprise. SOC 2 is the entry ticket. VCs ask for it from Series B onwards.

SOC 2 is NOT for you if…

  • You only sell software and do not host customer data
  • You only have Dutch small and medium-sized business customers who do not ask for it
  • You do not want American or international enterprise customers

In those cases, ISO 27001 makes more sense for the European market.

Where is SOC 2 requested?

  • RFPs from enterprise customers (mostly American)
  • Due diligence during funding rounds (VCs from Series B onwards)
  • Contract negotiations with large customers
  • Vendor shortlists of Fortune 500 companies
  • Acquisitions (the acquirer wants to see compliance)

Rule of thumb: customer data in the cloud plus American enterprise customers means you need SOC 2. Otherwise, it is nice to have.

Next step

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