How to Achieve SOC 2 Compliance with Vanta: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding SOC 2
   • What is SOC 2?
   • The Trust Services Criteria
3. Why Use Vanta for SOC 2 Compliance?
4. Step-by-Step SOC 2 Process with Vanta
   • Scoping & Gap Analysis
   • Connecting Integrations & Automations
   • Remediating Identified Gaps
   • Conducting a Readiness Assessment
   • External Audit & Final Report
5. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
6. Case Example: Fast-Tracking SOC 2 in 8 Weeks
7. The Atoro Difference
8. Conclusion & Call to Action

1. Introduction

SOC 2 compliance has become a critical requirement for SaaS providers and tech companies, particularly those handling customer data in the United States. Even beyond the U.S., potential clients, investors, and partners often request a SOC 2 report before engaging with your organization.

Achieving SOC 2 can seem overwhelming, especially for companies without a dedicated compliance team. This is where Vanta provides a streamlined approach to compliance automation, automating evidence collection, continuous monitoring, and policy tracking. This guide provides a complete guide to achieving SOC 2 compliance with Vanta, covering scoping, gap analysis, readiness assessments, and final audits.

2. Understanding SOC 2

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is an attestation report developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It evaluates how service organizations manage customer data based on five key principles, known as the Trust Services Criteria (TSC).

The Trust Services Criteria

Each company’s SOC 2 report is unique, as organizations select which TSC categories apply. However, almost all tech and SaaS companies include Security as a minimum. Additional categories depend on business needs and client requirements:

• Availability: Ensures systems are available for operation and use as agreed.
• Confidentiality: Protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.
• Privacy: Manages personal data according to established privacy practices, including compliance with HIPAA and ISO 27001 standards.

3. Why Use Vanta for SOC 2 Compliance?

Vanta offers a comprehensive solution to meet SOC 2 compliance needs, simplifying the compliance process through automation and expert guidance. By leveraging Vanta’s compliance automation platform, organizations can enhance their security posture while saving time and resources.

Vanta helps businesses manage their compliance status through features like automated evidence collection, continuous compliance monitoring, and a robust GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) management platform. These tools streamline workflows and support best practices in compliance management, including third-party security assessments and creating compliance checklists that align with security standards such as SOC 2.

Getting Started in Vanta

When getting started in Vanta, the platform offers detailed getting started guides to help organizations achieve their security and compliance objectives efficiently. The integration process is designed to be seamless, allowing you to automate tasks and focus on maintaining a strong security posture.

Prioritizing Your Security and Opening Doors

By prioritizing your security and opening doors to new business opportunities, SOC 2 compliance with Vanta can significantly build customer trust. The Vanta AI helps automate compliance processes, ensuring your organization adheres to best practices while reducing manual workload.

ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 Compliance

For businesses that require more than just SOC 2, Vanta also supports ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 compliance. These additional frameworks enhance your organization's overall security and compliance strategy, providing a robust trust center for managing compliance across multiple standards.

4. Step-by-Step SOC 2 Process with Vanta

Scoping & Gap Analysis

Scoping and gap analysis are the first steps in the SOC 2 compliance process. During this phase, your organization defines the audit scope, selects relevant Trust Services Criteria, and identifies systems, departments, and cloud environments that fall within the audit's boundaries. Vanta helps organizations conduct a thorough compliance assessment to determine any existing security gaps.

Connecting Integrations & Automations

Effective integration is crucial for compliance automation. Vanta allows you to connect key systems like AWS, Azure, and Google Workspace, automating evidence collection and enhancing accuracy. The platform's alert system also supports continuous compliance by notifying teams of security risks in real time.

Remediating Identified Gaps

Vanta provides detailed guidance on how to remediate identified gaps, including aligning policies with GRC frameworks and ensuring compliance with standards such as HIPAA, ISO 42001, and SOC 2. By following Vanta's best practices, organizations can maintain compliance more effectively.

Conducting a Readiness Assessment

A readiness assessment is a critical step in the compliance process, helping ensure all critical controls are operational. This assessment also validates that policies align with selected TSC categories and that your organization is fully prepared for the external audit.

External Audit & Final Report

During the external audit, Vanta supports organizations by coordinating with CPA firms, guiding through system demonstrations, and facilitating stakeholder interviews. The final SOC 2 report is a powerful tool for demonstrating your organization’s commitment to security and compliance.

5. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Many organizations face challenges like lack of internal ownership, underestimating the scope, and human error during the compliance process. Vanta’s alerting system, readiness assessments, and dedicated support team help organizations maintain compliance by mitigating these risks effectively.

6. Case Example: Fast-Tracking SOC 2 in 8 Weeks

A SaaS company in Ireland needed SOC 2 Type I in 8 weeks to secure a major client. Using Vanta, they enabled MFA company-wide, developed security policies, and completed security training for all staff within a week. With Atoro’s support, they passed their readiness assessment in six weeks and received their SOC 2 report by week eight.

7. The Atoro Difference

At Atoro, we offer tailored compliance services that meet the unique needs of businesses of all sizes. Our Vanta Kick Start service accelerates audit timelines, while our managed compliance services ensure year-round security and privacy. Our regional expertise aligns SOC 2 strategies with both European and U.S. requirements, demonstrating a strong commitment to security and compliance.

Related Resources

For more information on achieving SOC 2 compliance and enhancing your security and compliance strategy, explore our related resources or contact our support team for personalized guidance.

8. Conclusion & Call to Action

Achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance with Vanta is a streamlined process when guided by compliance experts like Atoro. Our services help organizations build customer trust, improve their security posture, and manage compliance efforts efficiently.

Ready for a smooth SOC 2 journey?

📅 Book a Call with Our Vanta Compliance Specialists

‍

‍