What is the difference between Type I and Type II?

Type I attests that controls are designed appropriately at a point in time, a snapshot. Type II attests they operate effectively across an observation period (6 or 12 months). Enterprise buyers strongly prefer Type II; Type I is mostly useful as an interim credential while observation period evidence accumulates.

Which Trust Service Criteria should we include?

Security is mandatory. Availability is essential for any service organisation where uptime matters to customers. Confidentiality is common where customer data is sensitive. Processing Integrity applies to systems that calculate financial or other critical outputs. Privacy is added where PII is processed. We recommend the right scope during initial scoping.

How long is the observation period?

Minimum is 3 months; typical is 6 or 12 months. Enterprise buyers strongly prefer 12-month Type II reports as they cover full annual cycles. We typically recommend 6 months for first audit, transitioning to 12-month cycles thereafter, but the right choice depends on your sales context.

Do we need Vanta, Drata or another compliance platform?

No. If you already use Drata, Vanta, Secureframe or similar, we work with it and configure it to produce audit-grade evidence. If you don't, we run the evidence process without a platform, so you avoid an extra annual subscription. A tool can cut manual evidence work, but it is never a requirement to get through your SOC 2.

How does SOC 2 compare to ISO 27001?

SOC 2 is a US-originating attestation framework strongest in North American markets; ISO 27001 is the international ISMS standard with broader global recognition. Many organisations need both. The good news: controls overlap 70%+, so a well-designed compliance programme produces evidence usable for either.

How much does SOC 2 cost?

Cost depends on Type I vs Type II, the Trust Service Criteria in scope, system complexity and integrations, and how mature your evidence already is. We work to a fixed fee agreed up front, so there are no surprise invoices, and we give you that quote after a short scoping call. The CPA attestation is billed separately and independently.

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Most engagements begin with a 30-minute scoping call. We confirm whether we are the right fit, identify the scope of work, and quote a fixed fee within 48 hours.

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+44 20 3996 1505

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General enquiries, RFPs and partner enquiries. Replies within one business day.
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If you have an active security incident, call and ask for incident response.
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Offices

London · Sheridan, WY · Dubai

London (UK HQ)

124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom

Sheridan, WY (US)

30 N Gould St, Ste N, Sheridan, WY 82801, United States

Dubai (UAE)

Meydan Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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