SOC 3 report: What it is and why it matters

SOC (System and Organization Controls) reports were created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to help organizations prove that they take data protection seriously. While all SOC reports serve the goal of building trust, each type, SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3, focuses on different aspects of security and transparency.

SOC 3 reports are most similar to SOC 2 in what they measure, but they’re intended for a public audience. This makes SOC 3 a valuable tool for showing your commitment to security without sharing sensitive technical details.

What is SOC 3?

In today’s business environment, trust is everything. Customers, partners, and stakeholders all want assurance that you’re handling data responsibly. A SOC 3 is a public-facing way to provide that assurance.

SOC 3 reports highlight the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy controls you have in place. These are collectively known as the Trust Services Criteria (TSC). The difference is that a SOC 3 report communicates this information in a clear, non-technical format so anyone can understand it. Not just auditors or IT professionals.

What is a SOC 3 report?

A SOC 3 report is a third-party audit document that outlines your organization’s controls for keeping data safe. While SOC 2 reports provide detailed, technical information for internal stakeholders, SOC 3 reports are designed for broad distribution. They can be posted on your website, shared with customers, and even included in marketing materials.

Both SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits review the same TSC categories:

1. Security (mandatory)
2. Availability
3. Processing Integrity
4. Confidentiality
5. Privacy

Only the relevant categories are included in your audit scope. The security category is always required for SOC 3.

Who needs a SOC 3?

SOC 3 compliance isn’t legally required. However, it’s becoming an expectation for organizations that process, store, or manage customer data.

A SOC 3 is particularly useful for:

• SaaS and PaaS providers
• Businesses collecting customer data online
• Organizations that want to demonstrate strong data protection measures publicly

If you need a compliance report that you can share freely without disclosing sensitive technical details, SOC 3 is the right fit.

Why SOC 3 compliance is important

Data breaches remain one of the biggest risks for modern businesses. In 2023, the average cost of a breach reached $4.45 million (IBM Security). While compliance alone doesn’t eliminate this risk, it does show that you have formal, tested controls in place to protect sensitive data.

For customers, it’s a sign that you value their trust. For stakeholders, it’s evidence that you take risk management seriously. And for your brand, it’s an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market by being transparent about your security posture.

Differences between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3

The key takeaway:

• SOC 1 = financial controls
• SOC 2 = detailed security and privacy controls (private)
• SOC 3 = summarized security and privacy controls (public)

SOC 3 audit process

Getting SOC 3 compliant involves a formal audit from an AICPA-accredited third-party firm. While the specifics depend on your business and services, the process usually looks like this:

1. Determine scope – Security is always included; decide if other TSC categories apply.
2. Prepare controls and documentation – Implement the necessary processes and collect evidence for your auditor.
3. Readiness assessment (optional) – A pre-audit check to confirm you’re on track.
4. Formal audit – The auditor reviews your controls and evidence.
5. Receive your SOC 3 report – A public-facing document summarizing your compliance.

Best practices for achieving SOC 3 compliance

1. Plan for ongoing compliance
   SOC 3 reports are valid for one year. To avoid gaps, begin the re-audit process at least six months before your current report expires.
2. Pair SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits
   Since both audits review the same controls, many organizations complete them at the same time. You’ll get two reports — one for internal use (SOC 2) and one for public use (SOC 3) — with only one audit process.
3. Automate where possible
   Compliance management platforms can help monitor and maintain controls year-round, reducing the time and effort required during audit season.

Final thoughts

SOC 3 compliance is more than just a checkbox, it’s a public declaration of your commitment to protecting customer data. By providing a clear, accessible summary of your security posture, you can build trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders while setting your brand apart.

If you’re already pursuing SOC 2 compliance, pairing it with SOC 3 is a smart move; you’ll be ready to meet both private and public trust requirements with minimal extra work.