SOC 3 reports are simplified versions of SOC 2 reports designed for public distribution. While containing similar information, SOC 3 reports exclude sensitive technical details, making them ideal for:
Marketing materials
Website content
Public relations
General business communications
Key Differences: SOC 2 vs. SOC 3
SOC 3 is the industry standard for security compliance for technology and cloud-based service organizations. This framework evaluates your organization’s controls according to five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
A SOC 3 report serves as a public-facing attestation of your organization’s security controls. Unlike its more detailed counterpart (SOC 2), SOC 3 provides a streamlined, accessible format that effectively communicates your security posture to a broader audience.
Key Characteristics:
General Use Report: Can be freely distributed and published
Executive Summary Format: Provides high-level overview without technical details
Marketing-Friendly: Ideal for public communication and brand trust
Simplified Presentation: Easy to understand for non-technical stakeholders
Broad Distribution: Perfect for websites, marketing materials, and RFPs
AICPA Trust Services Criteria
Our SOC 3 audit services evaluate your organization’s controls against the five critical Trust Services Criteria established by the AICPA:
1. Security
Controls protect against unauthorized access through system safeguards, monitoring, incident response procedures, and a comprehensive security governance framework.
2. Availability
Systems maintain reliable uptime through performance monitoring, robust disaster recovery capabilities, and business continuity planning.
3. Processing Integrity
Controls ensure accurate and complete transaction processing with timely verification, error handling, and quality assurance measures.
4. Confidentiality
Data protection is maintained through classification controls, handling procedures, encryption standards, and strict access management.
5. Privacy
Personal data is safeguarded through policy compliance, lifecycle management, and protection of consumer rights.
Who Needs a SOC 3 Report?
Cloud Service Providers
SOC 3 reports are essential for SaaS companies, infrastructure providers, and platform service organizations.
Technology Companies
Data centers, managed service providers, and IT consulting firms require SOC 3 certification to validate their service reliability.
Data Management Organizations
Processing centers, analytics providers, and information management services need SOC 3 reports to demonstrate data handling trustworthiness.
Other Organizations
SOC 3 reports help organizations publicly demonstrate security commitment, offering marketing-friendly attestations and simplified compliance documentation to build stakeholder trust.
Advantage of The SOC 3
Marketing and Communication Benefits
SOC 3 enhances brand reputation by demonstrating security commitment, enabling public sharing of achievements, streamlining customer acquisition, and building stakeholder trust.
Business Value
The certification provides competitive advantage through validated controls, accelerated sales cycles, and expanded market access by meeting industry requirements.
Partner with Aspirehigh Consultant
Our expert team delivers comprehensive audit support, industry-specific guidance, efficient process management, and ongoing advisory services.Contact us today to begin your SOC 3 compliance journey and discover how we can help you demonstrate your commitment to security and build stakeholder trust.
