SOC 2 certification is essential for businesses that handle customer data and aim to build trust with clients. In this article, we explore what SOC 2 certification is, its benefits, and how to get certified.
We also list the top
SOC 2 compliance vendors in India, including IRQS, a trusted leader in SOC
2 compliance certification.
If your company handles sensitive client information,
obtaining SOC 2 compliance is not only a smart move—it's often necessary. So,
where can you get SOC 2 certification in India?
This guide will take you through the key aspects of SOC 2,
the benefits of certification, and how you can become SOC 2 certified with the
help of reliable providers like IRQS.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a compliance
standard created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA). It focuses on the security, availability, processing integrity,
confidentiality, and privacy of data managed by service providers. SOC 2 is
crucial for companies in cloud computing, data centers, SaaS (Software as a
Service), and other industries where client data is managed and stored.
Key Aspects of SOC 2
SOC 2 compliance is based on five trust service criteria:
- Security:
Ensures the system is protected against unauthorized access and data
breaches.
- Availability:
Ensures the system is available for operation and use as agreed.
- Processing
Integrity: Ensures that the system operates accurately and according
to its specifications.
- Confidentiality:
Ensures that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
- Privacy:
Ensures that personal information is collected, stored, and used in
accordance with privacy regulations.
These criteria are assessed by an independent auditor who
issues a SOC 2 report once the organization meets the necessary standards.
Benefits of SOC 2
SOC 2 certification offers several key benefits:
- Builds
Trust: Demonstrates your commitment to data security and privacy,
which builds trust with customers and clients.
- Competitive
Advantage: Being SOC 2 certified sets you apart from competitors who
may not have achieved this level of compliance.
- Risk
Management: Helps in identifying potential security risks within your
organization and mitigating them.
- Regulatory
Compliance: Ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations
related to data protection and privacy.
- Customer
Confidence: Clients are more likely to choose businesses that are SOC
2 compliant because it assures them that their data is handled with care.
What is SOC 2 Certification?
SOC 2 certification is an audit process where a third-party
auditor evaluates an organization’s adherence to the trust service criteria.
The result is a SOC 2 report that confirms whether the
company’s controls and processes meet the required standards for managing data
securely.
Certification indicates that the company is committed to
ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
How to Become SOC 2 Certified?
Becoming SOC 2 certified involves the following steps:
- Assess
Your Current Processes: Understand your current data management and
security practices.
- Choose
a Trusted SOC 2 Provider: Partner with a SOC 2 compliance vendor like
IRQS that specializes in certification.
- Gap
Analysis: A gap analysis helps identify areas where your organization
doesn’t meet SOC 2 requirements.
- Implement
Necessary Changes: Update your processes, policies, and technologies
to comply with SOC 2 standards.
- Audit
and Certification: A third-party auditor will assess your compliance
and issue the SOC 2 report once your systems are aligned with the
standards.
Is ISO 27001 the Same as SOC 2?
While ISO 27001 and SOC 2 both focus on information security
and data privacy, they differ in scope and requirements:
- ISO
27001 is a global standard for information security management systems
(ISMS), applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries.
- SOC
2, on the other hand, is specific to service organizations and focuses
on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing
integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
In short, ISO 27001 is a broader, more comprehensive
standard, while SOC 2 is more specific to companies that provide services and
manage customer data.
What Are the 5 Criteria for SOC 2?
The five trust service criteria for SOC 2 are:
- Security:
Protects the system against unauthorized access.
- Availability:
Ensures the system is available as per client agreements.
- Processing
Integrity: Ensures that processing is complete, valid, accurate,
timely, and authorized.
- Confidentiality:
Ensures that sensitive information is protected.
- Privacy:
Ensures that personal information is used appropriately.
These criteria form the backbone of SOC 2 certification and
are the focal points for the audit.
How Much Does SOC 2 Cost?
The cost of obtaining SOC 2 certification depends on several
factors:
- Organization
Size: Larger organizations with more complex systems will face higher
costs.
- Current
Compliance Status: If your systems already meet most of the criteria,
the cost will be lower.
- Service
Provider Fees: The fees charged by the auditing firm or certification
body.
Typically, the cost of SOC 2 certification can range from ₹5
lakhs to ₹20 lakhs depending on these factors. It’s essential to work with a
provider like IRQS to get a tailored quote based on your business needs.
Top 10 Best SOC 2 Compliance Vendors in India [2025]
Here are the top 10 SOC 2 compliance vendors in India, with
IRQS leading the list:
- IRQS
IRQS is a premier SOC 2 certification provider in India, offering comprehensive consulting services, including gap analysis, policy design, and audit support. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, IRQS is a trusted partner for SOC 2 certification. - TÜV
SÜD
A global leader in certification, TÜV SÜD offers SOC 2 certification services, focusing on data security and compliance for service organizations. - KPMG
Known for its robust auditing services, KPMG offers SOC 2 certification as part of its suite of risk and compliance solutions. - Deloitte
Deloitte provides comprehensive SOC 2 audits and certifications with a focus on data privacy, security, and availability. - PwC
With deep expertise in risk management, PwC offers SOC 2 certifications that ensure organizations meet all relevant security standards. - Grant
Thornton
Grant Thornton provides SOC 2 services to companies looking to validate their data security and privacy controls. - EY
EY offers comprehensive SOC 2 audits to ensure organizations align with best practices in security, availability, and processing integrity. - BDO
India
BDO provides SOC 2 certification services, including assessment, preparation, and audit support. - RSM
India
Specializing in risk management, RSM provides SOC 2 compliance services tailored to the needs of service organizations. - SQS
India
SQS offers certification and audit services for SOC 2 compliance, focusing on IT and security governance.
Why Choose IRQS?
Choosing IRQS for SOC 2 certification ensures you get a
trusted partner that provides:
- Expert
Guidance: A team of experienced professionals who guide you through
every step of the certification process.
- Tailored
Solutions: Custom solutions designed to meet your organization’s
unique needs.
- Timely
Support: Fast turnaround times to ensure your compliance is achieved
quickly and efficiently.
IRQS has successfully helped businesses across various
industries achieve SOC 2 certification, ensuring that their data management
practices meet the highest standards of security and privacy.
Conclusion:
SOC 2 certification is an essential standard for businesses
handling sensitive data.
In India, IRQS stands out as a top provider of SOC 2
compliance services, offering expert guidance, tailored solutions, and timely
certification.
By obtaining SOC 2 certification, your organization can
build trust with clients and ensure the highest standards of data protection.
For more information, visit IRQS SOC 2 Certification
Services at IRQS Website.
