The Biggest Challenges in SOC 2 Audits: What Frustrates Teams the Most?

SOC 2 audits are essential in today’s business world, especially for companies committed to data security and client trust. However, as many organizations will tell you, the journey to SOC 2 compliance is rarely smooth.

From an overwhelming number of SOPs to the pressure of meeting tight deadlines, navigating a SOC 2 audit can feel like an uphill battle. We decided to delve deeper and identify the most common frustrations companies face during SOC 2 audits. Let’s explore these pain points and discuss strategies to make the process a little more manageable.

Too Many SOPs and Documentation Requirements

For most companies, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is a monumental task. SOC 2 audits require organizations to document various policies and procedures, which can be overwhelming if the processes are not already in place. For smaller teams, this often means long hours of writing, editing, and refining documentation, which may seem tedious and never-ending.

Have you found documentation to be a burden during SOC 2 audits? Share your experiences in the comments—others may benefit from your insights!

Non-Professional Auditors

The role of the auditor is critical in any SOC 2 audit. While many auditors are experienced professionals who understand the nuances of different business environments, some organizations encounter auditors who lack this professionalism or adaptability. This can lead to misinterpretations, prolonged discussions, and even friction, which only adds stress to the process.

If you've had challenges with auditors, let us know. What would you change about your audit experience if you could?

Also Read: SOC2 Auditor - How should you select right one for your company?

Lack of Readiness Assessment

One of the most overlooked steps in a SOC 2 audit is the readiness assessment. Companies that skip this crucial phase may dive into the audit unprepared, which often leads to compliance gaps and additional stress. With a readiness assessment, organizations can identify weaknesses in their current processes, address them early, and streamline the audit process. Without this preparatory step, teams might feel they're fighting a losing battle from the outset.

Do you think a readiness assessment would help ease the SOC 2 audit process? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Also Read: SOC 2 Readiness Assessment

Tight Deadlines and High Stakes

Another pain point in SOC 2 audits is managing the high expectations and tight deadlines. Compliance deadlines can sometimes force teams to rush through documentation and control implementations. This pressure can leave companies feeling they’re compromising quality for the sake of speed, which ultimately leads to frustration and burnout.

Have deadlines been a big challenge for you? How do you manage the stress during SOC 2 audits? Tell us your strategies below.

Navigating Continuous Compliance

SOC 2 compliance isn’t a one-time achievement. Companies must maintain their controls and processes long after the audit concludes. This commitment to continuous compliance can be daunting for some, especially for organizations that lack a dedicated compliance team. As controls evolve, maintaining and updating documentation and processes becomes an ongoing responsibility.

How do you ensure continuous compliance? Share any tips for keeping your team on track and avoiding audit-related frustrations.

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 audits are rigorous by design, ensuring that companies meet high standards for data security and integrity. But with that rigor comes challenges that can feel insurmountable without the right resources and mindset. By tackling each frustration point and learning from the experiences of others, organizations can transform these pain points into growth opportunities.

What do you think? What's been the most frustrating part of SOC 2 audits for you or your team? Share your experience below—your insight might just help others!