How to Prepare for a SOC 2 Audit in 90 Days – A Startup’s Guide

Introduction: Why SOC 2 Matters for Startups

For B2B startups, SOC 2 compliance isn’t just a badge, it’s a ticket to the big leagues. Many enterprise clients and investors require it before signing contracts or funding rounds.

But here’s the challenge: achieving SOC 2 readiness can feel overwhelming when you’re already managing product development, hiring, and customer growth.

The good news? With a clear plan, you can be audit-ready in 90 days without burning out your team.

Step 1: Understand SOC 2 Basics

SOC 2 (System and Organisation Controls 2) is a framework developed by the AICPA to ensure companies securely manage customer data.

It’s built around five Trust Service Criteria:

1. Security

2. Availability

3. Processing Integrity

4. Confidentiality

5. Privacy

Most startups focus on Security (the common starting point), but aligning with more criteria can strengthen trust.

Step 2: Start with a Gap Assessment (Week 1–2)

Before implementing changes, you need to know where you stand.

• Review existing policies and procedures.

• Identify gaps against SOC 2 requirements.

• Prioritise high-risk areas like access control, data encryption, and vendor management.

Pro tip: Engage a SOC 2 readiness consultant or vCISO to speed up this process and avoid common mistakes.

Step 3: Implement Missing Controls (Week 3–6)

Once you know the gaps, start implementing the required controls. Common actions include:

• Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Setting up centralized logging and monitoring

• Documenting change management procedures

• Conducting background checks on employees

• Reviewing and updating security policies

Step 4: Collect Evidence (Week 7–10)

Your auditor will want proof, not promises. Start collecting:

• Access logs

• Policy documents

• Incident response plans

• Vendor security reviews

• Employee training records

Organise this in a compliance platform (like Drata, Vanta, or Secureframe) to streamline evidence sharing.

Step 5: Run a Mock Audit (Week 11–12)

A mock audit simulates the real thing and helps you:

• Validate your controls are working

• Identify last-minute gaps

• Train your team on what to expect

A vCISO or experienced consultant can conduct this mock audit and prepare you for the actual examination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting evidence collection too late

• Skipping vendor security reviews

• Treating SOC 2 as a one-time project instead of ongoing compliance

• Ignoring cultural adoption, security is everyone’s job

How Datawall Helps You Get SOC 2 Ready in 90 Days

At Datawall, our Virtual CISO services provide:

• A tailored SOC 2 readiness roadmap

• Hands-on gap assessment and control implementation

• Evidence management and auditor coordination

• Continuous compliance monitoring after certification

We work as your on-demand security leader, getting you ready fast without the cost of a full-time CISO.

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 compliance can open doors to enterprise deals, boost investor confidence, and strengthen your brand. With the right plan and the right partner you can achieve SOC 2 readiness in just 90 days.

Need SOC 2 readiness support? Book a free consultation with Datawall and let’s get your startup audit-ready in record time.