What Is a SOC 2 Audit?

Data protection is now a key part of doing business. A SOC 2 audit helps your organisation show that its systems are safe, well managed, and follow trusted international practices.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a SOC 2 audit means, how it works, how long it takes, and what it may cost — all tailored for companies in the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

Understanding SOC 2 Audits

A SOC 2 audit assesses how your organization manages data protection, service availability, processing accuracy, confidentiality, and privacy. These principles align with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and NIS2 Directive, ensuring that your data handling practices are secure and compliant.

Unlike national certifications, SOC 2 is an independent assurance framework recognised by many European clients as evidence of strong internal controls.

Example: A fintech company in Dublin handling customer financial data can use SOC 2 compliance to show that it meets both GDPR and NIS2 standards for information security.

Why SOC 2 Matters for UK and EU Businesses

Across Europe, clients, regulators, and partners expect proof that organizations take data protection seriously. A SOC 2 audit gives that assurance — showing that you maintain strong governance and operational controls.

Key Benefits:

• Demonstrates compliance with European data protection principles

• Builds trust with partners, regulators, and customers

• Reduces cybersecurity and operational risks

• Improves internal governance and efficiency

If your organization already follows ISO 27001 Implementation standards, SOC 2 complements your framework by providing external validation through a formal report.

The SOC 2 Audit Process

The SOC 2 audit process in Europe generally includes four key stages:

1. Gap Assessment – Identify gaps between your existing controls and SOC 2 expectations.

2. Remediation – Implement missing or weak controls to strengthen data security.

3. Audit Review – Independent auditors evaluate evidence, procedures, and control operation.

4. SOC 2 Audit Report – A detailed report summarising the findings and level of compliance achieved.

Atoro supports businesses throughout this journey with SOC 2 compliance services, readiness reviews, and penetration testing services to ensure your systems meet the latest European cybersecurity expectations.

What Does a SOC 2 Audit Report Contain?

A SOC 2 audit report provides structured evidence that your business maintains strong security and privacy controls. It usually includes:

• A description of your company’s systems and scope of review

• Evaluation of technical and operational controls

• Audit findings and recommendations

• Evidence of compliance with European data protection standards

This report can be shared with customers or partners to build confidence in your services and demonstrate operational reliability.

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How Long Does a SOC 2 Audit Take?

The time required for a SOC 2 audit depends on your company’s size, infrastructure, and readiness.

A Type I audit verifies that your controls are properly designed.
A Type II audit confirms that they work effectively over time.

💡 If you want to prepare efficiently, services like ISO 27001 Internal Audit and Virtual CISO Services can help identify weaknesses before the SOC 2 testing begins.

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Who Can Conduct a SOC 2 Audit in Europe?

In Europe and the UK, independent audit and assurance firms carry out SOC 2 assessments. These firms must follow international assurance standards such as ISAE 3000 (International Standard on Assurance Engagements), which is recognised by European regulators and accounting bodies.

When choosing an audit provider, consider:

• Experience in SOC 2 and information security audits

• Knowledge of GDPR and NIS2 compliance

• Independence and credibility of the audit team

You can learn more about ISAE 3000 standards from ifac.org — the official International Federation of Accountants website.

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How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost?

The SOC 2 audit cost varies depending on your organization’s size, the number of systems reviewed, and the audit type.

Costs may also include readiness assessments, technical penetration tests, and ongoing compliance support. Working with experienced consultants like Atoro can help reduce unnecessary costs and shorten audit time.

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SOC 2 Audit Requirements for European Businesses

SOC 2 audit requirements in the UK and Europe align closely with best practices defined by ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and the NIS2 Directive.

Common SOC 2 Requirements:

• Documented data protection and security policies

• Access management and identity verification

• Data encryption during storage and transfer

• Incident management and reporting procedures

• Regular vulnerability assessments

• Third-party risk and vendor compliance reviews

These controls also help you meet legal expectations under GDPR. For more information, see enisa.europa.eu or ico.gov.uk.

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Case Study: Helping Silktide Achieve SOC 2 Readiness with Atoro

Atoro recently supported Silktide’s SOC 2 compliance project to help them meet international data protection standards.

Challenge: Silktide required an independent SOC 2 review to strengthen trust with enterprise clients.
Solution: Atoro performed readiness assessments, gap analysis, and penetration testing to meet European SOC 2 and ISO 27001 expectations.
Result: Silktide achieved full compliance while improving overall cybersecurity maturity.

SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: What’s the Difference?

Many UK and EU businesses use both frameworks together to show robust compliance and operational excellence.

How Atoro Helps Businesses Achieve SOC 2 Compliance

Atoro offers tailored support for organizations across the UK and Europe aiming to achieve SOC 2 readiness and certification.

Their SOC 2 compliance services include:

• Detailed readiness and gap assessments

• Security policy creation and control design

• Evidence preparation for external auditors

• Ongoing compliance management

Atoro also provides Penetration Testing Services and Virtual DPO Services to enhance GDPR compliance and protect data integrity across your systems.

With extensive experience in ISO 27001, SOC 2, and NIS2 frameworks, Atoro ensures your business meets both operational and regulatory standards confidently.

Conclusion

A SOC 2 audit helps European organizations prove their commitment to security, privacy, and reliability. It supports GDPR, NIS2, and ISO 27001 goals — giving clients the assurance that your company manages data responsibly.

If you want to simplify your compliance journey, Atoro can guide you through every step — from readiness assessment to successful SOC 2 completion.

Author: Thomas McNamara

Thomas McNamara is a Senior Security and Compliance Consultant at Atoro, specializing in SOC 2, ISO 27001, and data protection frameworks. With over 11 years of experience in cybersecurity and risk management, he has guided organizations across multiple industries to achieve compliance excellence and operational security.

Thomas has played a key role in projects like Silktide, K15t, GoCertify, Firemelon, and Heartpace, helping each company streamline audits and strengthen information security posture. His approach combines technical precision with practical business insight, ensuring clients meet regulatory standards efficiently and confidently.

His insights are grounded in real-world experience supporting global enterprises through complex compliance journeys.
 Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn to explore more about SOC 2 and ISO 27001 success strategies.