Identify and document the services in scope for the SOC 2 audit
2
Define the Trust Services Criteria relevant to services
3
Assign resources responsible for each criteria
4
Develop a system description and process flow
5
Identify, review and document existing controls
6
Evaluate the effectiveness of the controls
7
Identify and document the risks related to the services and criteria
8
Design new or modify existing controls as necessary
9
Implement controls that are not yet in place
10
Approval: Control Implementation
11
Document the implementation and operations of the controls
12
Compile and manage the evidence required for each control
13
Conduct ongoing internal audit and control activities
14
Approval: Internal Audit Results
15
Remediate any issues detected during the internal audit
16
Prepare and review final report documentation
17
Engage with external SOC 2 auditor
18
Approval: External Auditor Engagement
19
Support the external auditor during the audit cycle
20
Review, accept, and share final SOC 2 report
Identify and document the services in scope for the SOC 2 audit
Identify and document the services that will be included in the SOC 2 audit. This task is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire compliance process. Consider the impact of each service on the overall audit and ensure all relevant services are accounted for. Determine the scope of the audit, including any exclusion criteria. Identify the key stakeholders and team members who can provide insight into the services in scope.
Define the Trust Services Criteria relevant to services
Define the Trust Services Criteria that are relevant to the services included in the SOC 2 audit. The Trust Services Criteria are the principles and controls that the organization must meet to achieve SOC 2 compliance. Consider the impact of each criteria on the services in scope and assess their applicability. Identify the key stakeholders and team members who can provide input and expertise in defining the relevant criteria.
Assign resources responsible for each criteria
Assign resources responsible for ensuring compliance with each Trust Services Criteria. This task involves assigning individuals or teams who will be accountable for implementing and monitoring the controls related to each criteria. Consider the expertise and availability of resources when making assignments and ensure clear communication channels are established.
Develop a system description and process flow
Develop a comprehensive system description and process flow that outlines the organization's environment, IT infrastructure, and processes. The system description should provide a detailed overview of the services in scope, including their interactions and dependencies. The process flow should illustrate how data flows through the system and identify key control points. Consider involving key stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and completeness of the system description.
Identify, review and document existing controls
Identify, review, and document the existing controls that are already in place to meet the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves assessing the effectiveness and adequacy of the existing controls in relation to the criteria. Identify any gaps or weaknesses in the controls and document them for further analysis and remediation. Consider involving key stakeholders and subject matter experts in the review process to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the controls
Evaluate the effectiveness of the existing controls in meeting the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves assessing whether the controls are operating effectively and consistently. Consider conducting interviews, observations, and testing to gather evidence of control effectiveness. Identify any deficiencies or non-compliance and document them for remediation. Consider involving internal audit or compliance teams in the evaluation process.
Identify and document the risks related to the services and criteria
Identify and document the risks associated with the services in scope and the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves conducting a risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that could impact the achievement of desired control objectives. Consider involving key stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Document the identified risks for further analysis and mitigation.
Design new or modify existing controls as necessary
Design new controls or modify existing controls to address identified gaps, weaknesses, or non-compliance. This task involves developing control solutions that mitigate the identified risks and align with the Trust Services Criteria. Consider involving key stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure control designs are robust and practical. Document the designed or modified controls for further implementation and testing.
Implement controls that are not yet in place
Implement controls that are not yet in place to meet the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves executing the implementation plan and deploying the designed or modified controls. Consider providing clear instructions, training, and support to ensure successful control implementation. Monitor the progress of control implementation and address any challenges or issues that arise.
Approval: Control Implementation
Will be submitted for approval:
Implement controls that are not yet in place
Will be submitted
Document the implementation and operations of the controls
Document the implementation and ongoing operations of the controls. This task involves capturing key information such as control descriptions, procedures, responsibility assignments, and evidence of control execution. Consider utilizing templates or standard documentation frameworks to ensure consistency and completeness. Store the documented information in a centralized location for easy access and reference.
Compile and manage the evidence required for each control
Compile and manage the evidence required to demonstrate the effectiveness of each control. This task involves gathering supporting documentation, test results, and other evidence that validate control implementation and operation. Consider utilizing a document management system or folder structure to organize and track the evidence. Ensure proper version control and document ownership to maintain the integrity of the evidence.
Conduct ongoing internal audit and control activities
Conduct ongoing internal audit and control activities to monitor the effectiveness and compliance of the implemented controls. This task involves regularly reviewing and testing the controls, identifying any control deficiencies or non-compliance, and taking corrective actions. Consider involving internal audit or compliance teams to ensure independence and objectivity. Document the findings, actions taken, and any recommendations for improvement.
Approval: Internal Audit Results
Will be submitted for approval:
Conduct ongoing internal audit and control activities
Will be submitted
Remediate any issues detected during the internal audit
Remediate any control deficiencies or non-compliance identified during the internal audit. This task involves developing and implementing corrective or preventive actions to address the identified issues and improve control effectiveness. Consider involving the responsible resources or control owners in the remediation process. Monitor the progress of remediation and validate the effectiveness of the implemented actions.
Prepare and review final report documentation
Prepare and review the final report documentation that summarizes the SOC 2 compliance process, control environment, and assessment results. This task involves consolidating the documented information, reviewing its accuracy and completeness, and ensuring alignment with the Trust Services Criteria. Consider involving internal or external stakeholders in the review process to ensure objectivity and reliability of the report.
Engage with external SOC 2 auditor
Engage with an external SOC 2 auditor to perform an independent assessment and validate the organization's compliance with the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves selecting a qualified auditor, establishing clear communication channels, and providing necessary access to information and personnel. Consider involving legal or contract teams to facilitate the engagement process and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Approval: External Auditor Engagement
Will be submitted for approval:
Engage with external SOC 2 auditor
Will be submitted
Support the external auditor during the audit cycle
Support the external SOC 2 auditor throughout the audit cycle by providing requested information, facilitating interviews or observations, and addressing any queries or concerns raised. This task involves timely response and collaboration to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process. Consider assigning dedicated resources or a coordination team to manage the interaction with the external auditor.
Review, accept, and share final SOC 2 report
Review, accept, and share the final SOC 2 report that presents the auditor's opinion on the organization's compliance with the Trust Services Criteria. This task involves comprehensively reviewing the report for accuracy and completeness, approving its release, and sharing the report with relevant stakeholders. Consider involving legal or senior management teams in the review and approval process to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
