SOC 1 FAQs
What is a SOC 1 audit?
A SOC 1 audit is an audit at a service organization related to internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). SOC 1 audits were developed by the AICPA and follow the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18 (SSAE 18).
How much does a SOC 1 audit cost?
Pricing for a SOC 1 audit depends on scoping factors, including business applications, technology platforms, physical locations, third parties, and audit frequency. Pricing will also vary based on the report type you choose, inclusion of a gap analysis, or inclusion of additional remediation time.
How long does a SOC 1 audit take to complete?
The average SOC 1 audit, using KirkpatrickPrice’s process, is completed in 12 weeks. The engagement begins with scoping procedures, then moves into an onsite visit, evidence review, report writing, and concludes with the delivery of a SOC 1 report. This timeline is extended when a gap analysis must be performed or when remediation takes longer than expected.
What do I receive when my SOC 1 audit is complete?
A SOC 1 audit culminates in a SOC 1 report. The components and formatting of SOC 1 reports delivered by KirkpatrickPrice are based on guidelines provided by the AICPA and written by our in-house Professional Writing team. SOC 1 reports provide a service organization’s clients with documentation outlining their system and controls, demonstrating how client information is maintained in a secure manner, and aides clients in performing their evaluation of the effectiveness of controls that may require their administration.
How long is a SOC 1 report valid?
The opinion stated in a SOC 1 report is valid for twelve months following the date the SOC 1 report was issued.
How often does a SOC 1 audit need to be performed?
Industry standard is to schedule a SOC 1 audit (Type I or Type II) to be performed annually or when significant changes are made that will impact the control environment. Any frequency less than that will demonstrate a lack of commitment to compliance, plus it may cause distrust in the service organization’s systems.
Who is involved in a SOC 1 audit?
In every SOC 1 engagement, our Information Security Auditors are required by the AICPA to maintain communication with management and those charged with governance from the service organization. Other team members involved in the audit could come from anywhere in your organization, ranging range from human resources to development to compliance officers – anyone with the appropriate responsibilities for and knowledge of the matters concerned in the audit.