The SOC 2 Illusion: Are We Paying for Security or Just a Certificate?
Probaha Naskar L.I.O.N
Head of APAC Partnerships || Dedicated to Strategic Growth for MSP's || End-to-End Managed Security Services
SOC 2 compliance has become a standard checkbox for enterprises evaluating vendors—but does it actually ensure security? Startups are spending upwards of $12,000 annually, yet the level of protection it offers to buyers remains questionable.
?? The SOC 2 Process: A Pay-to-Play Model?
Achieving SOC 2 compliance isn’t about implementing strong security measures—it’s about following a templated process:
? Pay around ~$6,000 to a SaaS compliance platform.
? Receive generic policy templates and instructions to capture screenshots of basic security settings (e.g., enabling 2FA).
? Skip inconvenient controls by marking them as “obsolete†and still pass.
? Pay another ~$6,000 to an auditor who verifies that all boxes are ticked.
And just like that—you’re SOC 2 compliant! ?
? The Problem: A False Sense of Security
SOC 2 compliance doesn't guarantee strong security practices. Many certified companies still:
?? Lack meaningful technical safeguards for customer data.
?? Retain full control over shared data, leaving it vulnerable to breaches.
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?? Follow security policies they haven’t actually read or implemented.
If a vendor is compromised, SOC 2 won’t protect your data—real security measures will. ?
? The Right Approach: Invest in Real Security
Instead of spending time and money on compliance theater, startups should:
?? Implement security-by-design principles.
?? Adopt zero-trust architectures and enforce least privilege access.
?? Conduct regular security audits that go beyond checklists.
Enterprises, on the other hand, should move beyond SOC 2 as a trust signal and conduct their own security assessments, especially when dealing with sensitive data. ?
?? How SharkStriker Is Changing the Game
At SharkStriker, we simplify security through real time monitoring, enabling businesses to go live in hours—not months—while reducing ongoing costs through automation, monitoring, and proactive security measures. Instead of chasing compliance badges, we prioritize real security.
Comment below and let’s talk about how we can help your organization build a truly resilient cybersecurity posture????