Mastering SOC 2 Compliance for Modern Security Leaders
You're under pressure. Your stakeholders are demanding proof of security maturity. Your sales team loses deals because you can’t demonstrate compliance. Audit season looms, and the checklist keeps growing. The burden isn’t just technical - it’s strategic, organisational, and personal. If you don’t get SOC 2 right, you risk losing credibility, revenue, and leadership trust. But what if you could walk into your next board meeting with a clear, actionable plan? A plan that not only satisfies auditors but positions your security program as a competitive advantage. What if you could transform compliance from a cost centre into a growth enabler - with confidence, precision, and authority? Mastering SOC 2 Compliance for Modern Security Leaders is not just another checklist course. It’s the definitive system used by top security executives to design, implement, and maintain SOC 2 programs that scale. No guesswork. No outdated templates. Just battle-tested frameworks, real-world workflows, and governance strategies that align security with business outcomes. This course delivers one powerful outcome: going from scattered controls and audit anxiety to a fully operational, board-ready SOC 2 compliance program in under 90 days - with documentation, evidence trails, and executive reporting that stands up to scrutiny. One participant, Sarah Lin, Director of Security at a Series B SaaS company, used this methodology to close a $4.3M enterprise deal that had been stalled for six months due to compliance concerns. Her auditor approved her report in the first pass. She didn’t just pass - she impressed. I went from reactive to strategic in weeks, she said. ow my team leads the conversation on risk. If you're ready to stop firefighting and start leading, this is your turning point. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details Self-Paced, On-Demand Access - Learn When and Where You Want
The Mastering SOC 2 Compliance for Modern Security Leaders course is designed for real-world leaders with real-world schedules. There are no fixed dates, no mandatory sessions, and no time zones to work around. Enrol once, and gain immediate on-demand access to the full curriculum, allowing you to progress at your own pace - whether that’s 30 minutes a day or an intensive deep dive. - Typical learners complete the core implementation framework in 6–8 weeks, with many applying key controls and drafting policies in under 14 days
- Designed for fast application: Most participants report measurable progress within the first 72 hours of starting
Lifetime Access with Ongoing Updates at No Extra Cost
Security standards evolve. Your training shouldn’t become obsolete. That’s why this course includes lifetime access and continuous content updates. Every time a new AICPA guideline is issued, a regulator changes expectations, or industry best practices shift, you’ll receive refined materials - automatically, at no additional charge. - Future-proof your knowledge with live documentation updates and version-controlled policy templates
- Access is 24/7, from any device, anywhere in the world
- Optimised for mobile, tablet, and desktop - review frameworks during travel, meetings, or downtime
Direct Instructor Guidance & Support
You’re not navigating this alone. As a participant, you receive direct access to subject-matter experts with over 15 years of combined experience guiding organisations through successful SOC 2 audits. Ask questions, submit draft policy excerpts for feedback, and clarify scope decisions with confidence. - Structured guidance via priority support channels
- Responses to critical queries typically within 12 business hours
- Support covers control implementation, auditor preparation, scoping strategy, and executive communication
Certificate of Completion Issued by The Art of Service
Upon finishing the course and submitting your final compliance framework package, you’ll receive a globally recognised Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. This credential validates your expertise in modern SOC 2 practices and is shareable on LinkedIn, professional profiles, and internal performance reviews. Organisations from AWS partners to fintech startups recognise The Art of Service as a benchmark for operational excellence. Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
The investment is straightforward. There are no monthly subscriptions, surprise charges, or upsells. One payment grants you lifetime access, all course materials, future updates, and your certification. No hidden fees. No fine print. Accepted Payment Methods
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Secure checkout with bank-level encryption ensures your transaction is protected. 100% Money-Back Guarantee - Satisfied or Refunded
We eliminate your risk. If, after completing the first two modules, you find the content does not meet your expectations for depth, clarity, or practicality, simply contact support for a full refund - no questions asked. Over 98% of participants complete the course, and 94% rate it as “transformational” for their role. What Happens After Enrollment?
After enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation email acknowledging your registration. Your access details and login instructions will be sent separately once your course account is fully provisioned and your personalised learning environment is activated. Will This Work for Me?
Yes - even if you’re starting from zero documentation. Even if your last audit failed. Even if your team resists change. This program was built for complexity, not simplicity. It has been applied successfully by: - CISOs rebuilding fragmented compliance programs
- IT directors stepping into governance roles without formal training
- Founders leading compliance efforts in fast-growing startups
- Compliance officers transitioning from ISO 27001 or HIPAA environments
This works even if your organisation lacks dedicated compliance staff, uses multiple cloud platforms, or serves high-regulation industries like healthcare or financial services. The frameworks are modular, adaptable, and designed for real environments - not theoretical ideals. Every tool, template, and decision guide has been field-tested across more than 200 compliance implementations. This isn’t academic theory. It’s operational clarity, delivered with precision.
Module 1: Foundations of SOC 2 Compliance - Understanding the purpose and evolution of SOC 2
- Differentiating SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 reports
- The role of the AICPA and Trust Services Criteria (TSC)
- Why SOC 2 matters for revenue, procurement, and investor relations
- Common misconceptions about compliance and audits
- Identifying internal vs external drivers for SOC 2
- Mapping compliance to business strategy and market positioning
- Recognising the five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy
- Determining which TSC categories apply to your organisation
- Overview of Type I vs Type II reports
Module 2: Building Your SOC 2 Strategy - Aligning SOC 2 goals with executive leadership priorities
- Creating a board-level justification for compliance investment
- Developing a 90-day roadmap for SOC 2 readiness
- Defining success metrics beyond audit pass/fail
- Establishing ownership: CISO, CIO, or third-party lead?
- Building cross-functional support across Legal, IT, and Product
- Calculating ROI of SOC 2: cost avoidance, deal acceleration, risk reduction
- Assessing organisational maturity using a compliance maturity model
- Preparing for scope creep and auditor pushback
- Creating a stakeholder communication plan
Module 3: Scoping Your SOC 2 Engagement - What is in scope: systems, services, locations, and personnel
- Defining your system boundary with precision
- Determining which products or services require inclusion
- Handling multi-tenant vs single-tenant architectures
- Including or excluding third-party vendors and subcontractors
- Managing cloud environments: AWS, Azure, GCP considerations
- Deciding between organisation-wide vs service-specific reports
- Documenting data flows and custody chains
- Using system diagrams to clarify in-scope components
- Getting buy-in from engineering and infrastructure teams
Module 4: Implementing the Common Criteria (CC) - Overview of the 2023 Common Criteria framework
- Mapping controls to CC1 through CC9 domains
- Control design vs control operation: what auditors evaluate
- Implementing policies for organisational governance
- Establishing risk assessment processes aligned with CC3
- Documenting control activities for CC4 (Monitoring)
- Ensuring logical access policies meet CC6 requirements
- Implementing separation of duties in admin and development roles
- Designing change management processes for CC7
- Implementing vendor management under CC8
Module 5: Security Criteria (C1–C10) Deep Dive - Establishing a formal information security policy
- Implementing strong authentication and MFA enforcement
- Designing role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks
- Managing privileged accounts and just-in-time access
- Configuring endpoint protection across devices
- Securing administrative interfaces and API endpoints
- Implementing intrusion detection and log monitoring
- Creating incident response procedures aligned with NIST
- Managing encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Designing network segmentation and firewall rules
Module 6: Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality - Defining uptime targets and SLAs with engineering
- Implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms
- Monitoring system performance and detecting outages
- Designing alerting and escalation protocols
- Validating processing accuracy and completeness
- Preventing unauthorised modification of data
- Implementing logging for data processing activities
- Securing customer data confidentiality by design
- Managing encryption key lifecycle and storage
- Restricting access to sensitive data by role and need
Module 7: Privacy Criteria (P1–P6) for Data Protection - Mapping personal data collection and processing activities
- Obtaining and documenting valid consent
- Implementing data minimisation and retention policies
- Enabling customer rights: access, correction, deletion
- Conducting data inventory and mapping exercises
- Handling cross-border data transfers securely
- Integrating privacy into product development lifecycle
- Updating privacy notices to reflect SOC 2 commitments
- Managing third-party processors for GDPR and CCPA alignment
- Creating breach notification procedures
Module 8: Control Design & Documentation - Writing clear, audit-ready control descriptions
- Using standard templates for consistent documentation
- Linking controls to policy references and evidence sources
- Assigning control owners and accountability
- Creating control matrices for executive review
- Documenting manual vs automated controls
- Designing compensating controls when full automation isn’t possible
- Version controlling all compliance documents
- Establishing review cycles for annual updates
- Using plain language to avoid auditor confusion
Module 9: Policy Development & Management - Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Understanding the purpose and evolution of SOC 2
- Differentiating SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 reports
- The role of the AICPA and Trust Services Criteria (TSC)
- Why SOC 2 matters for revenue, procurement, and investor relations
- Common misconceptions about compliance and audits
- Identifying internal vs external drivers for SOC 2
- Mapping compliance to business strategy and market positioning
- Recognising the five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy
- Determining which TSC categories apply to your organisation
- Overview of Type I vs Type II reports
Module 2: Building Your SOC 2 Strategy - Aligning SOC 2 goals with executive leadership priorities
- Creating a board-level justification for compliance investment
- Developing a 90-day roadmap for SOC 2 readiness
- Defining success metrics beyond audit pass/fail
- Establishing ownership: CISO, CIO, or third-party lead?
- Building cross-functional support across Legal, IT, and Product
- Calculating ROI of SOC 2: cost avoidance, deal acceleration, risk reduction
- Assessing organisational maturity using a compliance maturity model
- Preparing for scope creep and auditor pushback
- Creating a stakeholder communication plan
Module 3: Scoping Your SOC 2 Engagement - What is in scope: systems, services, locations, and personnel
- Defining your system boundary with precision
- Determining which products or services require inclusion
- Handling multi-tenant vs single-tenant architectures
- Including or excluding third-party vendors and subcontractors
- Managing cloud environments: AWS, Azure, GCP considerations
- Deciding between organisation-wide vs service-specific reports
- Documenting data flows and custody chains
- Using system diagrams to clarify in-scope components
- Getting buy-in from engineering and infrastructure teams
Module 4: Implementing the Common Criteria (CC) - Overview of the 2023 Common Criteria framework
- Mapping controls to CC1 through CC9 domains
- Control design vs control operation: what auditors evaluate
- Implementing policies for organisational governance
- Establishing risk assessment processes aligned with CC3
- Documenting control activities for CC4 (Monitoring)
- Ensuring logical access policies meet CC6 requirements
- Implementing separation of duties in admin and development roles
- Designing change management processes for CC7
- Implementing vendor management under CC8
Module 5: Security Criteria (C1–C10) Deep Dive - Establishing a formal information security policy
- Implementing strong authentication and MFA enforcement
- Designing role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks
- Managing privileged accounts and just-in-time access
- Configuring endpoint protection across devices
- Securing administrative interfaces and API endpoints
- Implementing intrusion detection and log monitoring
- Creating incident response procedures aligned with NIST
- Managing encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Designing network segmentation and firewall rules
Module 6: Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality - Defining uptime targets and SLAs with engineering
- Implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms
- Monitoring system performance and detecting outages
- Designing alerting and escalation protocols
- Validating processing accuracy and completeness
- Preventing unauthorised modification of data
- Implementing logging for data processing activities
- Securing customer data confidentiality by design
- Managing encryption key lifecycle and storage
- Restricting access to sensitive data by role and need
Module 7: Privacy Criteria (P1–P6) for Data Protection - Mapping personal data collection and processing activities
- Obtaining and documenting valid consent
- Implementing data minimisation and retention policies
- Enabling customer rights: access, correction, deletion
- Conducting data inventory and mapping exercises
- Handling cross-border data transfers securely
- Integrating privacy into product development lifecycle
- Updating privacy notices to reflect SOC 2 commitments
- Managing third-party processors for GDPR and CCPA alignment
- Creating breach notification procedures
Module 8: Control Design & Documentation - Writing clear, audit-ready control descriptions
- Using standard templates for consistent documentation
- Linking controls to policy references and evidence sources
- Assigning control owners and accountability
- Creating control matrices for executive review
- Documenting manual vs automated controls
- Designing compensating controls when full automation isn’t possible
- Version controlling all compliance documents
- Establishing review cycles for annual updates
- Using plain language to avoid auditor confusion
Module 9: Policy Development & Management - Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- What is in scope: systems, services, locations, and personnel
- Defining your system boundary with precision
- Determining which products or services require inclusion
- Handling multi-tenant vs single-tenant architectures
- Including or excluding third-party vendors and subcontractors
- Managing cloud environments: AWS, Azure, GCP considerations
- Deciding between organisation-wide vs service-specific reports
- Documenting data flows and custody chains
- Using system diagrams to clarify in-scope components
- Getting buy-in from engineering and infrastructure teams
Module 4: Implementing the Common Criteria (CC) - Overview of the 2023 Common Criteria framework
- Mapping controls to CC1 through CC9 domains
- Control design vs control operation: what auditors evaluate
- Implementing policies for organisational governance
- Establishing risk assessment processes aligned with CC3
- Documenting control activities for CC4 (Monitoring)
- Ensuring logical access policies meet CC6 requirements
- Implementing separation of duties in admin and development roles
- Designing change management processes for CC7
- Implementing vendor management under CC8
Module 5: Security Criteria (C1–C10) Deep Dive - Establishing a formal information security policy
- Implementing strong authentication and MFA enforcement
- Designing role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks
- Managing privileged accounts and just-in-time access
- Configuring endpoint protection across devices
- Securing administrative interfaces and API endpoints
- Implementing intrusion detection and log monitoring
- Creating incident response procedures aligned with NIST
- Managing encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Designing network segmentation and firewall rules
Module 6: Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality - Defining uptime targets and SLAs with engineering
- Implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms
- Monitoring system performance and detecting outages
- Designing alerting and escalation protocols
- Validating processing accuracy and completeness
- Preventing unauthorised modification of data
- Implementing logging for data processing activities
- Securing customer data confidentiality by design
- Managing encryption key lifecycle and storage
- Restricting access to sensitive data by role and need
Module 7: Privacy Criteria (P1–P6) for Data Protection - Mapping personal data collection and processing activities
- Obtaining and documenting valid consent
- Implementing data minimisation and retention policies
- Enabling customer rights: access, correction, deletion
- Conducting data inventory and mapping exercises
- Handling cross-border data transfers securely
- Integrating privacy into product development lifecycle
- Updating privacy notices to reflect SOC 2 commitments
- Managing third-party processors for GDPR and CCPA alignment
- Creating breach notification procedures
Module 8: Control Design & Documentation - Writing clear, audit-ready control descriptions
- Using standard templates for consistent documentation
- Linking controls to policy references and evidence sources
- Assigning control owners and accountability
- Creating control matrices for executive review
- Documenting manual vs automated controls
- Designing compensating controls when full automation isn’t possible
- Version controlling all compliance documents
- Establishing review cycles for annual updates
- Using plain language to avoid auditor confusion
Module 9: Policy Development & Management - Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Establishing a formal information security policy
- Implementing strong authentication and MFA enforcement
- Designing role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks
- Managing privileged accounts and just-in-time access
- Configuring endpoint protection across devices
- Securing administrative interfaces and API endpoints
- Implementing intrusion detection and log monitoring
- Creating incident response procedures aligned with NIST
- Managing encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Designing network segmentation and firewall rules
Module 6: Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality - Defining uptime targets and SLAs with engineering
- Implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms
- Monitoring system performance and detecting outages
- Designing alerting and escalation protocols
- Validating processing accuracy and completeness
- Preventing unauthorised modification of data
- Implementing logging for data processing activities
- Securing customer data confidentiality by design
- Managing encryption key lifecycle and storage
- Restricting access to sensitive data by role and need
Module 7: Privacy Criteria (P1–P6) for Data Protection - Mapping personal data collection and processing activities
- Obtaining and documenting valid consent
- Implementing data minimisation and retention policies
- Enabling customer rights: access, correction, deletion
- Conducting data inventory and mapping exercises
- Handling cross-border data transfers securely
- Integrating privacy into product development lifecycle
- Updating privacy notices to reflect SOC 2 commitments
- Managing third-party processors for GDPR and CCPA alignment
- Creating breach notification procedures
Module 8: Control Design & Documentation - Writing clear, audit-ready control descriptions
- Using standard templates for consistent documentation
- Linking controls to policy references and evidence sources
- Assigning control owners and accountability
- Creating control matrices for executive review
- Documenting manual vs automated controls
- Designing compensating controls when full automation isn’t possible
- Version controlling all compliance documents
- Establishing review cycles for annual updates
- Using plain language to avoid auditor confusion
Module 9: Policy Development & Management - Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Mapping personal data collection and processing activities
- Obtaining and documenting valid consent
- Implementing data minimisation and retention policies
- Enabling customer rights: access, correction, deletion
- Conducting data inventory and mapping exercises
- Handling cross-border data transfers securely
- Integrating privacy into product development lifecycle
- Updating privacy notices to reflect SOC 2 commitments
- Managing third-party processors for GDPR and CCPA alignment
- Creating breach notification procedures
Module 8: Control Design & Documentation - Writing clear, audit-ready control descriptions
- Using standard templates for consistent documentation
- Linking controls to policy references and evidence sources
- Assigning control owners and accountability
- Creating control matrices for executive review
- Documenting manual vs automated controls
- Designing compensating controls when full automation isn’t possible
- Version controlling all compliance documents
- Establishing review cycles for annual updates
- Using plain language to avoid auditor confusion
Module 9: Policy Development & Management - Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Writing an Information Security Policy (ISP) that meets auditor standards
- Creating an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Developing Access Control Policy
- Establishing Change Management Policy
- Creating Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) policy
- Writing Data Classification and Handling Policy
- Implementing Vendor Risk Management Policy
- Creating Physical Security Policy for offices and data centres
- Drafting Encryption and Key Management Policy
Module 10: Evidence Collection & Maintenance - Defining evidence requirements for each control
- Selecting appropriate evidence types: logs, reports, screenshots, attestations
- Automating evidence collection using SIEM and IAM tools
- Scheduling recurring evidence gathering tasks
- Storing evidence securely with controlled access
- Organising evidence repositories by control and audit period
- Using timestamped records to prove operational effectiveness
- Creating evidence logs with custodian and review dates
- Performing quarterly control testing and sampling
- Addressing gaps before auditor engagement
Module 11: Auditor Preparation & Management - Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Selecting a qualified SOC 2 auditor: what to look for
- Understanding auditor independence and AICPA standards
- Preliminary discussion: setting expectations and scope
- Preparing your Point of Contact (POC) and support team
- Creating a secure auditor portal with read-only access
- Running internal pre-assessments to identify weaknesses
- Conducting a readiness walkthrough with key stakeholders
- Simulating auditor interviews with role-playing exercises
- Responding to auditor requests professionally and efficiently
- Negotiating findings and remediation timelines
Module 12: Internal Testing & Remediation - Conducting a gap analysis against all Trust Services Criteria
- Running internal control assessments quarterly
- Using checklists to verify control operation
- Documenting exceptions and remediation plans
- Assigning ownership for corrective actions
- Tracking remediation progress with dashboards
- Verifying fixes before auditor engagement
- Using root cause analysis for recurring issues
- Integrating testing into sprint planning and release cycles
- Reporting testing outcomes to executive leadership
Module 13: Executive Reporting & Communication - Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Creating a SOC 2 dashboard for C-suite review
- Summarising compliance status in non-technical language
- Reporting on control effectiveness and risk posture
- Presenting findings to the board or audit committee
- Using visualisations to communicate maturity trends
- Highlighting cost savings and revenue enablers
- Positioning security as a business function, not overhead
- Responding to investor due diligence questions
- Sharing SOC 2 status with customers without disclosing sensitive details
- Managing public relations around compliance achievements
Module 14: Integration with Other Frameworks - Mapping SOC 2 controls to ISO 27001 requirements
- Dual-certification benefits and efficiencies
- Aligning with NIST CSF and CIS Controls
- Integrating HIPAA safeguards into confidentiality criteria
- Adapting GDPR requirements for privacy criteria
- Using CSA STAR for cloud-specific controls
- Mapping PCI DSS controls to security criteria
- Streamlining evidence for multiple frameworks
- Creating a unified compliance program
- Reducing audit fatigue through consolidation
Module 15: Maintaining Compliance Post-Audit - Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training
Module 16: Certification & Next Steps - Final review of your compliance framework package
- Submitting materials for Certificate of Completion
- Receiving official certification from The Art of Service
- Adding credentials to LinkedIn and professional bios
- Using certification in RFP responses and sales enablement
- Joining the graduate network of security leaders
- Accessing advanced templates and future updates
- Enrolling in advanced programs for CISOs and auditors
- Participating in quarterly alumni web forums (text-based)
- Providing feedback to shape next-generation content
- Establishing a continuous compliance operating model
- Integrating compliance into daily operations
- Scheduling ongoing control monitoring and review
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Managing compliance during mergers or acquisitions
- Handling product or infrastructure changes during audit period
- Preparing for re-audits with minimal disruption
- Scaling compliance as your organisation grows
- Onboarding new employees into compliance culture
- Conducting annual refresher training