SOC 2, explained
Understand SOC 2 compliance
without the audit-speak.
Free, practitioner-written guides on what SOC 2 is, how the audit works, and exactly what it takes to pass -- so you can scope your program in an afternoon instead of a quarter.
Plain-English, not audit-speak
Every control, criterion, and requirement explained the way a founder or engineer actually needs it.
Actionable, not theoretical
Checklists and templates you can start using today -- not a 200-page framework PDF.
Written by practitioners
Published by the team building avow, who take companies through SOC 2 for a living.
Start here
The core guides
What Is SOC 2? A Plain-English Guide
What is SOC 2? An AICPA attestation report on your security controls that buyers demand before they sign. Type I vs II, the 5 criteria, and how to get one.
Read the guide →The 5 SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, Explained
SOC 2's five Trust Services Criteria: Security (required) plus Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy, with example controls.
Read the guide →SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2: The Difference
SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2: Type 1 attests control design at a point in time; Type 2 proves controls operate over 3-12 months. Which to get first, and why.
Read the guide →From the blog
All posts →Your First SOC 2 Type 2 Audit: What to Expect
A step-by-step walkthrough of your first SOC 2 Type 2 audit: scoping, the observation period, evidence requests, sampling, exceptions, and the report.
How Long Does SOC 2 Take? A Realistic Timeline
How long does SOC 2 take? Readiness runs 4-8 weeks, Type I follows fast, Type II needs a 3-12 month window. See the real phases and how to compress them.
How Much Does SOC 2 Cost in 2026?
SOC 2 cost in 2026 breaks into audit firm fees, compliance tooling, a pen test, and staff time. See realistic ranges, the drivers, and how to cut your total.