SOC 2 Audits That Build Confidence
Demonstrate trust, meet market expectations, and simplify multi-framework compliance.
Proving Security and Strengthening Trust
Drummond’s SOC 2 audits provide independent attestation that your organization’s controls meet the rigorous standards defined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Unlike transactional auditors, Drummond’s audits are conducted by experienced auditors and result in CPA-issued reports you can confidently share. Drummond’s audits deliver precise, reliable results. Whether you’re preparing for your first SOC 2 audit or maintaining ongoing compliance, Drummond simplifies the process with responsive support and a collaborative approach.
Drummond’s SOC 2 audits are performed under the AICPA AT-C Section 205 (Examination Engagements) attestation standard, which governs how independent auditors evaluate and report on controls related to the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria.
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Streamlined Audits
Led by Experienced Professionals
Drummond combines technical depth and CPA attestations via Drummond Assurance , with a premium audit experience to make SOC 2 compliance predictable, transparent, and efficient. For over 25 years, our team has provided compliance support services, helping clients reduce complexity, streamline efforts, and strengthen market confidence in their products and services.
One Trusted Partner for Multiple Frameworks
Organizations often juggle overlapping compliance, regulations, standards, frameworks, and security best practice requirements like SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, HIPAA, NIST Risk Assessments, and Threat Identification (like Penetration Testing, Code Analysis, and Vulnerability Scanning).
Drummond’s cross-framework expertise and centralized team simplify evidence management, reduce duplicated effort, and promote consistency across audits. By consolidating your audit programs with Drummond, you’ll gain efficiency, alignment, and a single point of contact for your compliance and security needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SOC 2 audit?
A SOC 2 audit is an independent assessment that evaluates an organization’s security controls based on the five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. It’s used to demonstrate how well a company protects customer data.
What auditing standard governs SOC 2 examinations?
SOC 2 audits are performed under the AICPA AT-C Section 205 (Examination Engagements) standard. This attestation standard defines how auditors evaluate and report on the design and operating effectiveness of controls using the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. It ensures consistency, objectivity, and credibility across all SOC 2 engagements.
What is the difference between a SOC 2 Type I and a SOC 2 Type II audit?
Type I assesses whether your controls are suitably designed at a specific point in time.
Type II evaluates both the design and operating effectiveness of those controls over a defined period (typically 3–12 months).
Who needs a SOC 2 audit?
SOC 2 is most relevant for technology-driven companies that handle customer data, including SaaS, cloud, FinTech, HealthTech, IT service providers, and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Many enterprise customers now require vendors to have current SOC 2 reports before signing contracts.
Why is SOC 2 important for my organization?
SOC 2 compliance builds customer trust, supports enterprise sales, and demonstrates that your organization takes data protection seriously. It also streamlines vendor security reviews and risk-management questionnaires.
How long does a SOC 2 audit take?
A Type I audit can be completed in weeks, while a Type II audit usually takes several months because it reviews control effectiveness over time. The duration also depends on your organization’s readiness and control maturity.
What does a SOC 2 report include?
A SOC 2 report typically contains five sections:
- Auditor’s Opinion – summarizes the scope, period, and overall conclusion.
- Management’s Assertion – confirms management’s responsibility for the controls.
- System Description – outlines the services, systems, and boundaries covered.
- Control Testing and Results – details each control tested and the auditor’s findings.
- Other Information (optional) – may include management responses or additional context.
This structure follows the AICPA SOC 2 Guide and provides a complete picture of the system and control performance.
What are the five Trust Services Criteria in SOC 2?
The criteria categories include: Security (required), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Organizations choose which apply based on their services and risk environment.
How often should a SOC 2 audit be performed?
Most organizations conduct SOC 2 Type II audits annually to maintain continuous assurance for customers and partners.
How does SOC 2 compare to ISO 27001?
SOC 2 is widely recognized in North America and focuses on operational controls, while ISO 27001 is an international framework emphasizing a structured information security management system (ISMS).
What are the common challenges companies face during SOC 2 readiness?
Many organizations underestimate the time needed for documentation, evidence gathering, and team coordination. Working with an experienced auditor helps avoid delays and surprises during fieldwork.
Why choose Drummond for your SOC 2 audit?
Drummond combines 25 years of compliance and certification experience with a white-glove, customer-focused approach. Our seasoned assessors and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) partner (Drummond Assurance) deliver premium audit quality and a smoother, more efficient experience than lower-cost alternatives.
Unlike transactional auditors, Drummond’s audits are conducted by experienced auditors and result in CPA-issued reports you can confidently share.
What makes Drummond’s SOC 2 process different?
Unlike commoditized audit providers, Drummond takes time to understand your environment, communicate clearly, and minimize disruption. Our team maps overlapping controls across frameworks like ISO 27001, PCI, HIPAA, and NIST, helping you manage multiple compliance efforts efficiently.
Is Drummond’s SOC 2 service more expensive than others?
Our pricing reflects the depth of expertise, consistency, and accuracy that customers receive. Choosing a premium provider reduces rework, misalignment, and the risk of reports that don’t stand up to customer or regulatory scrutiny, which ultimately saves time and money in the long run.
What evidence is required for SOC 2 control testing?
Evidence may include policies, procedures, access logs, change management records, employee onboarding and termination records, incident reports, and system configurations. The exact evidence depends on your chosen Trust Services Criteria and scope, but it should demonstrate that controls were both designed and operating effectively during the audit period.
Can we use automated compliance tools for SOC 2 preparation?
Automation platforms, such as Drata, can streamline documentation and evidence collection, but they do not replace a qualified auditor. Drummond works seamlessly with these tools, helping clients interpret evidence correctly and focus on areas that require judgment, ensuring a faster, smoother, and more accurate audit.
What happens if we fail a SOC 2 audit?
SOC 2 audits are not pass-fail in the traditional sense. If deficiencies are identified, they appear in the report as exceptions. These can often be remediated and retested before the final attestation. Drummond helps organizations understand and address issues early to avoid surprises in the final report.
How do SOC 2 exceptions or qualified opinions affect my report?
Exceptions describe specific control gaps, while a qualified opinion means the auditor could not confirm full effectiveness of one or more controls. Both reduce the strength of your assurance but don’t invalidate your report. Drummond works with clients to resolve or minimize findings before issuing the attestation.
Can one SOC 2 report cover multiple products or business units?
Yes, if those products or units share systems, infrastructure, or security controls within a defined scope. Expanding the report scope adds complexity, but it can reduce the need for multiple audits. Drummond helps define an efficient, accurate scope that meets your business objectives and customer expectations.
How long should the SOC 2 audit period be for a Type II report?
Most organizations select a six- to twelve-month period. Shorter periods provide quicker results but less operating history, while longer periods offer stronger assurance. Drummond helps determine the right duration based on your control maturity, reporting needs, and customer requirements.
What are subservice organizations, and how do they impact a SOC 2 report?
A subservice organization is a vendor that performs critical functions affecting your controls such as cloud hosting or payroll processing. Auditors can either include them (inclusive method) or exclude them while disclosing their role (carve-out method). Drummond helps determine which approach best fits your environment and customer needs.
Can a SOC 2 audit be performed remotely?
Yes. Most SOC 2 audits today are conducted remotely using secure collaboration tools for evidence review and interviews. Drummond’s assessors regularly perform remote and hybrid audits across North America, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal business disruption regardless of location.
How does SOC 2 readiness differ for startups vs. enterprise organizations?
Startups often begin with a SOC 2 Type I report to demonstrate that controls are in place, while larger or more mature companies pursue Type II reports to demonstrate operational effectiveness. Drummond tailors the approach to organizational size, helping startups prepare quickly and enterprises maintain ongoing compliance programs.
Can we align SOC 2 controls with ISO 27001 or NIST to reduce effort?
Yes. SOC 2 controls map closely to ISO 27001 Annex A and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Identity, Protect, and Detect functions. Aligning them saves time and improves consistency. Drummond’s cross-framework expertise allows clients to reuse evidence and testing results, simplifying multi-framework compliance and reducing redundant effort.
Does Drummond issue CPA-attested SOC 2 reports?
Yes. All Drummond SOC 2 reports are issued through Drummond Assurance, LLC, our Certified Public Accountant (CPA) partner authorized to provide official SOC 2 attestations. This partnership ensures your report meets AICPA requirements while maintaining Drummond’s high standards for clarity, accuracy, and professionalism—resulting in reports you can confidently share with all your stakeholders (investors, partners, customers, and prospects).
How does Drummond ensure consistent findings across multiple frameworks?
Drummond uses a unified audit methodology and experienced assessors who understand how different frameworks overlap. This consistency helps clients avoid contradictory results and redundant testing, providing a clear, coordinated view of compliance across SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, HIPAA, NIST and other compliance audits or risk assessments.
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