Independent SOC Examinations for Security and Assurance
At Insight Assurance, we specialize in SOC audits that do more than check boxes — they validate your commitment to security, operational integrity, and regulatory alignment. Whether you’re safeguarding financial data, customer information, or public trust, our assessments deliver clarity and credibility.
We don't just audit: we empower.
SOC 1
Validate the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting with a SOC 1 assessment. Ideal for organizations that impact clients’ financial statements (e.g., payroll processors, claims administrators), this audit:
- Evaluates controls over financial reporting systems
- Identifies risks in financial processes
- Provides stakeholders assurance about data integrity
SOC 2
Demonstrate your commitment to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy with a SOC 2 report. Tailored for SaaS providers, cloud vendors, and tech firms, this audit:
- Validates controls for safeguarding customer data
- Identifies Aligns with AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria
- Enhances credibility for enterprise contracts and RFPs
SOC 3
Share your security achievements openly with a SOC 3 report. Designed for public use, this streamlined assessment:
- Highlights compliance with key security criteria
- Supports marketing and customer trust initiatives
- Avoids disclosing sensitive operational details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SOC examination?
A System and Organization Controls (SOC) examination is an independent audit conducted by a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm that evaluates an organization’s internal controls against established standards.
SOC reports are commonly required by enterprise customers, regulators, and business partners as evidence that an organization’s systems and processes are operating securely and reliably.
What is the difference between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3?
SOC 1 reports address controls relevant to clients’ financial reporting — most commonly used by payroll processors, claims administrators, billing and payment platforms, clearinghouses, asset and fund management, financial service providers and cloud hosting providers.
SOC 2 reports evaluate controls areas of security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy (Trust Service Criteria) and is the standard most commonly requested of Software as a Service (SaaS) companies, cloud vendors, and technology firms.
SOC 3 is a condensed, publicly shareable version of a SOC 2 Type 2 report (not available for SOC 2 Type 1), designed for marketing and general customer trust purposes without disclosing sensitive operational detail.
What is a Type 1 vs. Type 2 on SOC examinations?
A Type 1 examination evaluates whether controls are designed appropriately at a single point in time. A Type 1 is usually issued once and used as a starting point for organizations pursuing their first SOC examination.
A Type 2 examination evaluates whether those controls operated effectively over a defined period — typically six to 12 months. Most enterprise customers and procurement teams require a Type 2 report of at least nine to 12 months on a yearly basis.
Under what standards are the SOC examinations issued?
SOC 1 reports are issued under American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards (also known as the United States (US) standard SSAE18) and/or the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) (also known as the International Standard ISAE 3402).
SOC 2 reports are also issued under AICPA standards (also known as the United States standard SSAE18) and/or the IAASB (also known as the International Standard ISAE 3000).
Depending on where the customers of the service operate (US or International), is usually the standard that selected by the company to present the report. Or alternately, a dual opinion report (both AICPA and ISAE) can be selected to present the report if you have both US and International clients.
SOC 3 reports are issued under the AICPA standards only and can be issued alongside a SOC 2 Type 2 only.
Do I need a SOC 1 or a SOC 2?
It depends on how your service affects your customers. If your platform or service has a direct impact on your clients’ financial statements internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) — such as payroll processing, claims processing, billing and payment processing, clearinghouses, asset and fund management, financial service providers and cloud hosting providers.— a SOC 1 is typically required.
If your service handles customer data and your goal is to provide assurance to your customers regarding the data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy—, a SOC 2 is the more appropriate framework.
Many organizations are required to obtain both a SOC 1 and a SOC 2 depending on their customer base.
How long does a SOC audit take?
The timeline depends on the type of report and the organization’s readiness to be subject to the examination. A Type 1 can typically be completed in four to eight weeks once the observation period begins. A Type 2 requires an audit period of at least six months before the audit can be finalized, with the assessment itself adding additional time. Overall, most organizations complete their first Type 2 within nine to 12 months from starting preparation.
Is a SOC 1 and SOC 2 a certification?
No. SOC 1 and SOC 2 are not certifications — they are an attestation. A licensed CPA firm issues a report expressing an opinion on whether an organization’s controls meet its Control Objectives (SOC 1) or the selected AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (SOC 2). There is no pass or fail, and no certificate is issued. The report itself is the deliverable, and its credibility depends on the independence and accreditation of the firm that conducts it.
Who typically requires a SOC 1 report?
SOC 1 reports address controls relevant to clients’ financial reporting — most commonly used by payroll processors, claims administrators, billing and payment platforms, clearinghouses, asset and fund management, financial service providers and cloud hosting providers. If your company provides a service that support a clients’ financial reporting, a SOC 1 may be requested by your client to confirm your organization’s compliance regarding internal controls against established standards.
Who typically requires a SOC 2 report?
SOC 2 reports are most commonly requested by enterprise customers during procurement and vendor due diligence processes, by regulated-industry clients in healthcare, finance, and government, and as a requirement for inclusion in Request For Proposals (RFP’s) and contract vehicles. SaaS companies, cloud service providers, managed service providers, and data processors are the most frequent candidates.
Can a compliance automation platform replace a SOC audit?
No. Compliance automation platforms support evidence collection, control monitoring, and audit readiness — but the SOC report itself must be issued by an independent, licensed CPA firm. The platform and the auditor serve different functions. Insight Assurance conducts SOC examinations and works alongside the major compliance platforms organizations use to prepare.
Why Choose Insight Assurance?
We combine deep technical expertise with a modern, efficient approach to SOC audits — delivering trusted, independent reports that meet regulatory and client expectations.
What sets us apart?
Big 4 Expertise, Agile Execution
Global Reach
Tech-Driven Efficiency
Dedicated Support
Clear, Actionable Reports
No confusing jargon — just insights you can use.
Retention Rate
Retention rate remains at 97%