Your software product has passed the technical evaluation, pricing discussions are complete, and an enterprise customer is ready to proceed. That’s when procurement requests your latest SOC 2 report. Nothing like that exists yet.
Australian SaaS companies entering larger markets face an immediate challenge in this situation. Rushing into the wrong assessment may not satisfy the customer’s requirements, and security assurance takes time. Start by understanding what the buyer expects, then plan backward from the deadline.
First, find out exactly what was asked for, and by when, without rushing. Ask before assuming: a request sometimes leaves more room than it first seems to.
Which SOC 2 Report Does the Customer Need?
Different SOC 2 reports provide different levels of assurance. The distinction between SOC 2 type 1 vs type 2 matters when responding to enterprise security requirements. At a particular date, Type 1 evaluates whether relevant controls are suitably designed. Their design and operating effectiveness over a defined period are what Type 2 examines.
Many enterprise buyers specifically request Type 2 because it provides evidence covering actual operations, though some may accept Type 1 temporarily. Before commissioning an examination, confirm the report type, required scope, and acceptable reporting dates with the customer.
Write the answers down, since the report type, scope, and dates all drive the plan and the budget. When it’s unclear what the customer requires, ask for the exact wording in the contract or the security questionnaire.
Work Out Your Timeline From the Observation Period
Preparing documentation and scheduling an auditor isn’t enough to complete a SOC 2 type 2 examination. Throughout the reporting period, the organization must operate its relevant controls. That period may cover three months for an initial examination, while subsequent reports commonly examine longer periods.
Where your business needs to demonstrate access reviews, security training, or change approvals, those activities must happen, and be documented, during the applicable window. By planning backward from a customer deadline, you can see whether the requested report can realistically be delivered on time.
Tell the customer early if the deadline is tighter than the observation period allows. A dated plan is one interim step that some customers are willing to discuss when they hear about the gap early.
Understand What the Examination Delivers
Although SOC 2 does not issue certificates, businesses frequently search for SOC 2 type 2 certification.
A licensed CPA firm performs an independent examination against the applicable AICPA Trust Services Criteria and issues an attestation report. The assessed system, relevant controls, testing procedures, and the auditor’s opinion are all described in the report.
It’s that document, often shared under a confidentiality agreement, that customers typically review. A SOC type 2 report also relates to a specific historical period. It doesn’t automatically give assurance about every change made afterward.
Get Clear on Costs Before Starting
SOC 2 preparation involves more than an independent examination fee. Businesses may need assistance developing policies, conducting risk assessments, preparing evidence, training employees, and arranging security testing.
Siege Cyber advertises a SOC 2 compliance package priced at AUD $2,750 per month, excluding GST, over twelve months for businesses with up to 50 employees. Eligible contracts signed by December 31, 2026 are covered by the advertised offer. Compliance preparation, training, a compliance platform, and external penetration testing are included in its package.
Billed separately is the independent CPA examination, with Siege Cyber indicating typical fees of approximately AUD 5,000–15,000, depending on scope and complexity. Confirm current pricing, eligibility, and deliverables before committing.
When Your Report Is Already Out of Date
Imagine a customer requesting assurance in October when your Type 2 report covers January through June. The report doesn’t look at the months in between. Relevant changes since the reporting period ended can be described in a management-issued bridge letter, which some customers may accept.
A bridge letter does not replace an independent examination, and acceptance depends on the customer’s requirements. Rather than assuming an older report will satisfy procurement, discuss reporting gaps early.
Make Your Compliance Work Harder Than a Single Deal
Siege Cyber provides SOC 2 readiness support from Australian-based specialists, with fixed-price consulting packages and independent audit coordination. The most useful approach for growing software companies is to connect compliance preparation with actual operational responsibilities.
Assign control owners, maintain security records, and establish a reporting schedule that supports future customer reviews. Rather than simply helping respond to the current request, a successful SOC 2 project should leave your business better prepared for the next enterprise opportunity.
Keep the evidence you collect organized from the beginning, and the next audit cycle becomes less of a scramble. Review responsibilities and schedules regularly so controls keep operating between audits.