SOC 2 compliance software: What it is and why MSPs need it

In today’s business environment, trust is the ultimate currency. Clients share sensitive data with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) expecting confidentiality, security, and reliability at every step. But with cyberattacks making daily headlines and regulations tightening across industries, verbal assurances are no longer enough.

That’s where SOC 2 compliance comes into play.

For MSPs, achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance is not just about passing an annual audit, it’s about embedding trust, accountability, and security into the core of operations. However, getting there isn’t easy. Preparing for audits, maintaining controls, and tracking evidence can quickly overwhelm internal teams.

This is why SOC 2 compliance software has become a must-have for MSPs. It reduces the complexity of compliance, ensures audit readiness, and helps providers prove to clients that their services meet industry-recognized standards.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What SOC 2 compliance software is
• Why SOC 2 matters for MSPs
• Key features of compliance platforms
• Benefits of adopting compliance software
• How ScalePad and similar solutions fit into the bigger picture

What is SOC 2 compliance?

Before diving into software, let’s recap the basics. SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that evaluates whether a company manages customer data securely and in line with five Trust Services Criteria:

1. Security – Protection against unauthorized access.
2. Availability – Ensuring systems are available when promised.
3. Processing integrity – Delivering accurate, timely, and authorized data processing.
4. Confidentiality – Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.
5. Privacy – Managing personal information responsibly.
   

A SOC 2 report demonstrates that MSPs’ internal controls meet these criteria. Many enterprise clients and regulated businesses now require SOC 2 compliance as a condition for partnership. Without it, MSPs risk being left out of high-value opportunities.

The challenge of achieving SOC 2

While SOC 2 is valuable, achieving it is notoriously complex. MSPs must:

• Document policies and procedures
• Implement technical and administrative controls
• Collect evidence from systems, tools, and employees
• Monitor compliance continuously
• Prepare structured reports for auditors
  

For small and mid-sized MSPs, the manual approach, tracking everything in spreadsheets and shared drives, is risky and inefficient. Evidence may be incomplete, controls lapse, and audit prep becomes a stressful scramble.

This is where SOC 2 compliance software changes the game.

What Is SOC 2 compliance software?

SOC 2 compliance software is designed to streamline, automate, and simplify the compliance journey. It acts as a centralized hub for policies, evidence, and monitoring, helping MSPs stay audit-ready throughout the year.

Core features of SOC 2 compliance software

• Automated control mapping – Links MSP processes to SOC 2 requirements so nothing gets overlooked.
• Evidence collection – Pulls data directly from tools (e.g., ticketing, monitoring, HR, and security systems) to prove compliance automatically.
• Continuous monitoring – Flags gaps, expired controls, or potential risks before auditors find them.
• Task management – Assigns and tracks remediation tasks for accountability.
• Audit reporting – Generates structured documentation to simplify audit preparation.
• Integrations – Connects with MSP tech stacks (RMMs, PSA tools, backup platforms, asset management systems).

Instead of managing compliance as a reactive, once-a-year project, software makes it proactive and ongoing.

Why MSPs need SOC 2 compliance software?

1. Client trust is non-negotiable

Modern clients, particularly in healthcare, finance, SaaS, and enterprise sectors, expect their MSP to prove compliance with security frameworks. Having SOC 2 reports in hand—supported by a reliable compliance platform—provides that assurance.

2. Manual processes don’t scale

As MSPs grow and take on more clients, managing compliance with spreadsheets becomes impossible. SOC 2 compliance software ensures consistency across accounts and removes the chaos of last-minute evidence collection.

3. Audits become easier (and cheaper)

Auditors want clear, well-organized evidence. Software reduces the back-and-forth, which not only shortens audit time but also lowers audit costs.

4. Year-round readiness

SOC 2 isn’t a one-time event—it requires continuous adherence. Software enables always-on monitoring, so MSPs can stay compliant 365 days a year, not just in the weeks leading up to the audit.

5. Competitive advantage

Compliance doesn’t just check a box—it helps MSPs stand out. When bidding for contracts, being able to showcase SOC 2 compliance backed by automation can be the deciding factor.

SOC 2 compliance software in action

Let’s consider a real-world scenario:

An MSP supporting multiple financial clients needs to show auditors that its backup systems are secure, its access controls are up to date, and its policies are enforced across endpoints. Without software, this requires weeks of pulling logs, screenshots, and manually confirming processes.

With compliance software, however:

• Evidence is automatically collected from backup platforms and security tools.
• Alerts notify the MSP of gaps (e.g., outdated policies or missed access reviews).
• A dashboard provides a clear view of readiness.

Everything is already documented by the time the auditor arrives, saving time, stress, and cost.

The role of integrated platforms

Modern MSPs need more than compliance; they need connected compliance. That’s where solutions like ControlMap come into play. While ControlMap is best known for a compliance platform, its ecosystem helps MSPs tie compliance back to IT operations.

For example, knowing when assets are outdated or unsupported is directly relevant to SOC 2 controls around security and availability. By connecting asset insights with compliance monitoring, MSPs strengthen their security posture and audit readiness.

When compliance platforms and lifecycle management tools work together, MSPs can:

• Prove controls are enforced across all devices.
• Demonstrate continuous monitoring in line with SOC 2.
• Show clients they are serious about risk management, not just compliance.
  

Choosing the right SOC 2 compliance software

Not all platforms are created equal. When evaluating solutions, MSPs should consider:

• Ease of use – Can non-technical staff navigate it?
• Automation capabilities – How much manual work is eliminated?
• Integrations – Does it connect with PSA, RMM, backup, and asset management tools?
• Scalability – Will it support compliance needs as the MSP grows?
• Reporting – Can it generate auditor-ready reports without customization headaches?
• Support & guidance – Does the vendor provide templates, best practices, or pre-audit support?

MSPs that adopt the right tool gain compliance efficiency and client confidence.

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 compliance has moved from “nice to have” to “essential” for MSPs that want to build trust and win higher-value clients. But compliance shouldn’t be a distraction from delivering excellent service. That’s why SOC 2 compliance software is a game-changer—it makes compliance manageable, repeatable, and scalable.

Audits become less stressful and more strategic with platforms that automate evidence collection, provide continuous monitoring, and integrate with the MSP tech stack. And when paired with tools like ControlMap, compliance becomes part of a larger IT asset and risk management ecosystem.

SOC 2 isn’t just about passing an audit; it’s about proving to clients that their data is safe in your hands. MSPs can achieve that goal with the right software and position themselves as trusted, security-first partners.