2025-06-03 • 6 min read
SOC 2 can be a powerful framework to build trust and structure a security program. But many companies struggle with their first audit because of preventable missteps.
Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
SOC 2 readiness takes more than policies. It requires showing that you consistently follow what you have documented.
If evidence is not being captured during normal operations, teams often scramble to backfill logs, approvals, and screenshots right before the audit window closes.
Fix it:
Treat control testing as ongoing, not last-minute. Use workflows and automation where possible.
A risk assessment is not just a checkbox. It informs your scope, your control choices, and your business justification for decisions.
SOC 2 auditors expect to see that you understand your risks and have controls that reasonably address them. Skipping this step often results in misaligned or irrelevant controls.
Fix it:
Conduct a lightweight but meaningful risk assessment before defining your control set.
It is tempting to have one lead own SOC 2 and drive the process. But if other teams are not engaged, especially DevOps, IT, HR, and Legal, controls will not be implemented consistently.
Fix it:
Map controls to stakeholders and make ownership visible. Use a shared GRC tracker, not just a spreadsheet.
SOC 2 readiness should strengthen your internal practices, not become a parallel project that burns out your team. A little planning up front goes a long way.
If you need guidance preparing for your first audit or fixing a readiness path that has gone off-track, contact us. We can help.