What is a SOC report? SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 explained for vendors and buyers

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A SOC report (System and Organization Controls) is issued by an independent CPA firm after examining controls at a service organization, companies that provide outsourced services affecting their customers’ financial reporting, security, or operations.

Related: SOC 1, 2, and 3 guide · Collection

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Key takeaways

• SOC reports are attestations, not ISO-style certificates.
• SOC 1 focuses on financial reporting controls; SOC 2 on security/availability/etc.; SOC 3 is a public summary of SOC 2–style controls.
• Reports are usually restricted (NDA) except SOC 3 general-use reports.
• Buyers use SOC reports to assess vendor risk during procurement.

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What is a SOC report?

The report describes:

• Scope of systems and services
• Controls examined
• Auditor testing and opinion

Standards are governed by AICPA (e.g., SSAE 18). See SSAE 16 vs SSAE 18.

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SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3

Report	Primary audience	Focus
SOC 1	Financial auditors	Controls affecting customers’ financial statements
SOC 2	Security/procurement teams	Trust Services Criteria (security, etc.)
SOC 3	Public marketing	High-level SOC 2–aligned summary

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Type 1 vs Type 2 (SOC 2)

For SOC 2:

• Type 1: Design of controls at a point in time
• Type 2: Design and operating effectiveness over a period

See Type 1 vs Type 2.

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Disclaimer (legal note)

Report contents are confidential to intended users unless marked general use (SOC 3). Not legal advice.