SOC 3 is often described as the “marketing-friendly” sibling of SOC 2. It reports on controls relevant to Trust Services Criteria but is intended for general distribution—no NDA required.
Related: SOC 2 vs SOC 3 · Collection
Key takeaways
- SOC 3 is a summary-level attestation suitable for websites and trust centers.
- Detailed testing and control descriptions live in the SOC 2 report (restricted).
- Many vendors complete SOC 2 first, then add SOC 3 for public trust signaling.
- SOC 3 does not replace SOC 2 for enterprise due diligence.
What is SOC 3?
A SOC 3 report provides assurance that controls meet selected TSC categories, presented for public audiences (prospects, partners, general public).
SOC 3 vs SOC 2
| SOC 2 | SOC 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution | Restricted (typically NDA) | General use |
| Detail level | Full control descriptions & tests | Summary |
| Buyer use | Deep security review | Trust marketing |
When to pursue SOC 3
Consider SOC 3 when:
- You want a public trust badge or report link on your site
- Sales needs a shareable artifact without NDAs
- You already maintain SOC 2 controls and evidence
See how to use your SOC 2 badge.
Disclaimer (legal note)
Scope and criteria must align with your SOC 2 program. Informational only.
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