The ability to prove your security posture sets the stage for expansion and long-term success. That’s where SOC 2 comes in. SOC 2 compliance not only demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding customer data but also positions your business for growth. By meeting this industry standard, organizations can confidently expand into new markets, secure larger deals, and build a foundation for long-term success.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is an independent attestation meant to confirm the presence and effectiveness of controls related to the security and privacy of customer data. It is designed to be flexible and relevant to a variety of businesses, from startups to global enterprises. What sets SOC 2 apart isn’t just its focus on controls; it instills confidence in your stakeholders, providing concrete evidence that your systems and policies are operating as intended.
What are the benefits of SOC 2?
Treating SOC 2 as a value driver rather than a hurdle shifts the growth equation. These are the main benefits:
Accelerate sales cycles
With SOC 2, many prospects will accept your report in place of lengthy security questionnaires, allowing you to close contracts faster.
Unlock larger deals
For many enterprise buyers, especially in regulated industries, SOC 2 is non-negotiable. Without it, you may not even be allowed to compete.
Build customer trust
A SOC 2 report provides third-party validation that your company safeguards sensitive data, which is crucial in winning over new clients and partners.
Mitigate security risks
The process of preparing for a SOC 2 audit helps organizations formalize security policies, identify gaps, and build operational maturity — reducing the risk of costly breaches.
Strengthen brand and market position
Promoting SOC 2 compliance demonstrates diligence and transparency, boosting your credibility and allowing you to compete with larger, established players.
Expanding into the U.S. market
SOC 2 is the most popular cybersecurity audit in the U.S. This attestation has become a baseline expectation, especially for software, SaaS, and service providers. U.S. enterprises look for SOC 2 as proof you take their data and compliance requirements seriously, often making it a prerequisite before you can onboard or even bid.
Your readiness for the U.S. market is ultimately tested by your ability to answer tough security questions, and nothing answers them faster than a clean SOC 2 report. That’s why global companies treat SOC 2 as a gateway to the U.S., knowing it will accelerate onboarding, reduce vendor scrutiny, and establish instant credibility.
Entering new industries
As you look to expand beyond your core market — whether it’s into finance, healthcare, government, or other highly regulated spaces — demonstrating that you can be trusted with sensitive and regulated data is imperative. These industries are governed by strict standards and oversight, making security and risk management a non-negotiable entry point.
SOC 2 equips you to meet these standards, not just with documentation but with third-party assurance that your control environment meets industry expectations. Financial partners value the maturity that comes with being audited to SOC 2 standards. Healthcare organizations look for your alignment with HITRUST and HIPAA through SOC 2’s confidentiality and privacy criteria. Even in emerging sectors, SOC 2 increasingly distinguishes reliable vendors from the rest.
Accelerate SOC 2 compliance with ISO 27001
If you’ve already achieved ISO 27001, you have a solid foundation to take on SOC 2. Both operate as strong frameworks for information security, and with nearly half of the control evidence overlapping, you can harmonize your audits to save time and reduce redundancy. Leveraging similarities between the two frameworks using a tool like A-SCEND will help streamline documentation and preparation, fast-tracking your path to dual compliance. Together, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 enables organizations to expand their reach, serving clients around the globe without being geographically restricted.
Driving growth through SOC 2
SOC 2 has become a powerful business enabler, opening doors to enterprise clients, shortening sales cycles, and reducing long-term risk. As the #1 SOC 2 issuer in the world, A-LIGN’s highly experienced auditors can provide your organization with guidance, tools, and a premium quality audit for your SOC 2 attestation.
Ready to get started on your path to SOC 2 certification? Reach out today to learn more.
