SOC 2 Consulting Services 

Achieve SOC 2 compliance with a professionally-managed GRC program. 

You focus on your job. Use our vCISO-led cybersecurity teams to plan, implement, and manage your SOC 2 compliance program from first-control to every audit. 

End-to-End Compliance Support – Without the Stress

We need to get SOC 2, but…

Leverage the expertise of GRC professionals who complete dozens of audits each year. Our Virtual CISOs have built and managed dozens of successful SOC 2 compliance programs. None of our clients have failed a cybersecurity audit. You won’t either. 

Delegate the task to a capable GRC team. Our two-person cybersecurity teams provide all the extra manpower needed to manage and execute your SOC 2 program. You will be free to focus on the most important work you do for your company. 

Pass the baton to a runner to cross the finish line. Our team will pick up where you left off and use the tool of your choice to see your SOC 2 compliance project through to completion. 

What is SOC 2 Compliance and Why does it Matter?

SOC 2 is a compliance framework that companies use to prove their cybersecurity program can be relied upon. Cybersecurity compliance is about building trust with customers and partners. It’s used to better understand and make third party cybersecurity risk management decisions.

Overview of the AICPA Trust Services Criteria

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) created and maintains SOC 2. They defined five Trust Services Criteria, best thought of “Areas of Focus” for a cybersecurity program: Security, Confidentiality, Availability, Processing Integrity, and Privacy. For more information about the Trust Services Criteria, read this guide.



We help our clients select the right Trust Services Criteria for their SOC 2 program based on their product, environment, and customer expectations.

SOC 2 Type I vs Type II - What’s the difference? What do I pick?

The difference between a SOC 2 Type I and Type II is based on the time period of the audit evaluation. A Type I evaluates a point in time, while the Type II measures the cybersecurity program’s performance for a period of time, usually six months or one year.



Generally, Fractional CISO will lead clients to a Type I audit first, then a Type II. Read why here.

Process

How our SOC 2 Consulting Services Work

Gap Assessment and Planning
  • Gap assessment identifies and fills gaps in current cybersecurity program when set to SOC 2 control set
  • Create policies, procedures, and other required documentation
  • Select auditor, scope and plan audit project
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Implementation and Readiness Assessment
  • Final SOC 2 readiness assessment with auditor and client
  • Project manage entire audit project, attending all audit calls with auditor and client
  • Advocate on behalf of client, ensure auditor maintains realistic compliance expectations
02
Audit Management and Ongoing Support
  • Update all “periodic” security controls, including risk assessments, incident response exercises, and critical vendor reviews
  • Provide ongoing compliance and security advice - recommend and help update all documentation as business continues to grow and evolve
  • Continue participation in all regular SOC 2 Type II audits going forward
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The Fractional CISO Formula for Quality

What makes Fractional CISO different?

Team Approach

With Fractional CISO, you aren’t just hiring a consultant. You’re leveraging a highly accessible U.S.-based cybersecurity team consisting of an experienced Virtual CISO and a skilled cybersecurity analyst to run your SOC 2 program.

Quantified Decision Making

No two businesses are built the same. Would cookie cutter guidance be enough for you? We quantify the cyber risks facing businesses to ensure your SOC 2 program actually addresses your cybersecurity risk, and doesn’t just check a box.

Zero Conflicts of Interest

Many Virtual CISO providers and SOC 2 consultants receive commissions or finders’ fees when they recommend certain tools to their customers. We only recommend tools if they’re right for your business and take no kickbacks, ever.

SOC 2 Consulting vs. Compliance Automation Software

The cybersecurity compliance space has seen rapid growth of “compliance automation tools” such as Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, and Thoropass. These tools can help companies manage and run their SOC 2 compliance program. For some organizations, the tool is enough. But others may need help beyond the tool, here’s why:

Tools do not provide expertise.

You can use a hammer to drive a nail, but the hammer won’t teach you how to build a house. Compliance automation tools don’t teach you how to build and run a good governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) program.

Someone still has to use the tool.

Even if you know how to build a house, it’s going to take you a lot of time. Someone has to use the compliance automation software to actually build and run the GRC program. Sometimes, it’s nicer to just have someone else do the work! That’s where SOC 2 consultants like Fractional CISO come in.

Why Security-Conscious Investors and Teams Trust Fractional CISO

GRC Programs that are more than Just “Compliance”

Many companies treat SOC 2 and other cybersecurity compliance frameworks as a checkbox. We focus on securing your business. Compliance is a result.

Our Programs impress Customers, Investors, and M&A Teams

Fractional CISO clients have seen over 46 rounds of series funding, 17 acquisitions, and $4+ billion in additional revenue. The cybersecurity programs we develop are proven to work for mature, high-growth companies.

Built on Wins

Proven Compliance Success

Don’t just take our word for it, read our case study about how we helped WayPath Consulting become SOC 2 compliant:

Jeff Hansen

CTO of WayPath Consulting

Fractional CISO has enabled us to showcase best-in-class security, putting us on-par with firms much larger in employee count. They allow me to re-invest time previously spent on day-to-day management into growing and improving our business.”

Accomplishments:
We’re Here to Help

SOC 2 Consulting FAQ

Have questions about SOC 2? You can ask Fractional CISO Founder Rob Black in this interactive video:

How long does it take to get a SOC 2?

It usually takes 6 – 18 months to get a SOC 2. The specific time depends on the current state of your cybersecurity program and amount of resources you are willing to dedicate to the project.

SOC 2 compliance automation tools still require that an internal leader design, implement, and run a SOC 2-compliant cybersecurity program. Fractional CISO takes ownership of the program and implements it on your behalf.

Suceed at SOC 2
Download our free ebook

5 Things to Know for Your First SOC 2

Ready to Achieve SOC 2 compliance?

Contact Our Team to Schedule a Consultation

Is your Cyber Insurance really going to cover you?

Only 1/3 of cyber insurance policies actually pay out in incidents. Most companies have cyber insurance policies that insure too little, or too much, and have absurdly low caps and silly exclusions.

To learn more about cyber insurance and determine if you have the right coverage for you, join us for a free vCISO Office Hours session on Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m. eastern time. Bring your questions!

New Release: Free SOC 2 eBook!

Getting ready for your first SOC 2? This eBook is full of actionable advice to help you prepare for and succeed in your first SOC 2 audit.

Learn:

  • How to scope your SOC 2 project
  • How to estimate the cost and length of your SOC 2 project
  • How to prepare for your SOC 2
  • How to succeed in your SOC 2 audit period
  • How to leverage your SOC 2 report to enable your business and sales