Passing your SOC 2 audit often gets stuck on one expensive step: the penetration test. Traditional firms are slow and overpriced, putting your compliance timeline at risk. We deliver fast, affordable manual pentest reports in about a week so you can get audit-ready without the headache.

Why Your SOC 2 Audit Needs a Pentest

A SOC 2 audit feels like a huge project, especially when you need it done yesterday. The required penetration test is often a massive roadblock. Old-school security firms charge a fortune and take months to send a report, which is a huge problem for fast-moving companies.

A SOC 2 audit shows clients you take data security seriously. The Security principle, which is mandatory for everyone, requires you to find and fix security weaknesses. A penetration test is the clearest way to prove to your auditor that you are doing exactly that.

Getting Your SOC 2 Audit Scope Right

Before you talk to an auditor, you need a plan. You must first define your audit "scope," which just means deciding which parts of your business the audit will cover. Is it a single product or your entire company?

A clear scope keeps the audit focused and controls costs. You need to identify the specific systems, data, and people that handle sensitive customer information. This early planning sets you up for a much smoother process.

Picking Your SOC 2 Trust Criteria

Once you know your scope, it's time to pick your Trust Services Criteria (TSC). These are the promises you make to your customers about how you handle their data. The Security criterion is mandatory for every SOC 2 audit.

You add other criteria based on your business promises. For example, if you guarantee 99.9% uptime, you'll add Availability. Don't pick all five just to look good, as your auditor will test every single one.

A focused approach keeps your audit relevant and much less painful. This is becoming more important as compliance becomes standard. The global market for SOC reporting services is expected to nearly double, jumping from $5.392 billion in 2024 to $10.470 billion by 2030. You can explore more data on this expanding market to see just how fast it's growing.

A fast and affordable penetration test is often the bridge between starting your audit and getting a clean report. Smart choices about your scope and criteria put you on the right path from day one.

How to Gather Evidence for an Audit

With your scope set, it's time to implement security "controls." These are the policies, procedures, and tools you use to protect customer data. This includes things like enforcing multi-factor authentication or running background checks on new hires.

Having controls isn't enough; you need to prove they work. Your auditor will demand evidence, like system logs, policy documents, and configuration screenshots. Start collecting this evidence from day one to avoid a last-minute scramble.

If it isn't documented, it didn't happen in the eyes of an auditor. Treat evidence collection as an ongoing process, not a final project. Keep everything organized in a central place so your auditor can find what they need quickly. For teams navigating cloud and AI systems, a helpful resource is Enterprise AI Security: Audit-Proof AI Systems.

Why Fast Pentesting Is a Game Changer

The Security criterion is a mandatory part of every SOC 2 audit. A penetration test is the best way to prove you're meeting this requirement. We act as friendly hackers to find weaknesses in your systems before criminals do.

Many companies get stuck here, assuming a pentest has to be slow and expensive. That's the old way. We deliver a detailed, manual pentest report in about a week, so you can keep your audit on schedule.

Speed gives you a huge head start on fixing any issues. When the auditor arrives, you can show them both the problems we found and the fixes you've already made. This proactive approach makes a great impression.

Of course, speed is useless if the price is too high. We are the affordable alternative, providing expert manual testing that fits startup budgets. You get a report from certified professionals (OSCP, CEH, CREST) that gives your auditor exactly what they need. Understanding these penetration testing best practices can streamline your preparation even further.

How to Handle Your Final SOC 2 Audit

You've done the prep work and have your pentest report. Now the formal SOC 2 audit begins. An independent auditor will review your documents, interview your team, and test your controls.

Don't worry if they find a few problems. It's normal. The auditor wants to see how you respond. Having our pentest report in about a week lets you start fixing issues before the audit even begins, which shows maturity.

Work with your auditor like a partner, not an opponent. Be responsive and honest. Their goal is to help you prove your security posture, not to fail you. Designate one person to manage all communication to keep things moving smoothly.

Finishing the audit unlocks real business opportunities. Research shows firms with SOC 2 can see up to 10% higher client retention rates. They also experience 57% fewer data breaches. You can discover more insights about the benefits of SOC 2 certification to learn more.

Your Simple Pre-Audit Readiness Checklist

Before the audit kicks off, do one final review to make sure you're ready. This isn't about last-minute changes but about confirming everything is in order. A little organization goes a long way and makes a great first impression.

Make sure your pentest report and remediation plans are ready to go. Double-check that key policies are updated and signed. Prep your team for any interviews so they know what to expect.

Final SOC 2 Audit Readiness Checklist

Completing these checks will help you start your SOC 2 audit with confidence. For a deeper dive, our comprehensive SOC 2 compliance checklist will ensure you have all your bases covered.

Your Top Questions About SOC 2 Audits

If you're new to the SOC 2 audit process, you probably have questions. Here are some straight answers to the most common ones we hear.

A Type 1 audit takes a few months, but a Type 2 audit looks back over a period of 3-12 months. The pentest is often the biggest delay, but we deliver reports in about a week to keep you on track. An automated scan is not enough; you can learn more about the limits of automated penetration testing here.

The audit itself can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000. The required penetration test is a big part of that, with traditional firms charging $15,000 or more. We are the affordable alternative, offering expert manual pentesting that fits your budget.

A Type 1 report is a photo of your controls at one moment in time. A Type 2 report is like a video, showing your controls worked over a period of time. Most customers will ask for a Type 2.

And yes, a penetration test is absolutely required. The SOC 2 framework demands it. It gives your auditor independent proof that you're actively finding and fixing security weaknesses, which is the whole point of a SOC 2 audit.

Ready to knock out your SOC 2 penetration testing requirement quickly and affordably? At Affordable Pentesting, we deliver comprehensive, manual pentest reports in about a week, giving you exactly what your auditor needs without the high costs and long waits. Get in touch through our contact form to learn more.