How long is a SOC 2 report valid?

The opinion in a SOC 2 report usually holds weight for about 12 months from when it’s issued. In technical terms, the report doesn’t exactly “expire,” but customers might see it as outdated if too much time passes. That’s why most service organizations renew their report each year.

Why? SOC 2 certification matters because it shows potential customers that your systems are secure. And they value it even more because it needs to be updated regularly. Customers want to be sure that your controls are strong right now, not just a couple of years ago.

Since a SOC 2 report is generally valid for just one year, it keeps you accountable for maintaining solid internal controls over time. This builds customer trust, making them more confident in sharing sensitive information with you. Just like you wouldn’t want old security measures to protect your house, customers want to know you’re keeping their data safe today.

There are two types of SOC 2 reports:

• Type 1: Type 1 report looks at your security controls and stability at a single point in time. It might take up to 6 months to get your first Type 1 report.
• Type 2: These reports are more detailed and cover a longer period. Some audits for Type 2 reports can last up to a year. They focus on various aspects like infrastructure, software, personnel, data security, and automation.