AskMyAdvisor® and SOC 2 Certification

At AskMyAdvisor®, achieving SOC 2 Type 2 certification reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding user data with the highest standards of security, availability, and privacy. By prioritizing trust and transparency, we ensure our platform remains a safe and reliable foundation for our clients' success.

Learn more below or click here to view our SOC 2 Type 2 status in real-time (opens new window).

SOC 2 Origins

The SOC 2 certification is rooted in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) framework for service organization controls. Its purpose is to ensure that service providers securely manage customer data to protect the privacy and interests of their clients. Let’s break down its origins, purpose, and adoption strategy:

Who started it?

• The AICPA, an influential professional organization for accountants in the United States, established SOC 2. It evolved from the older SAS 70 standard, which was primarily an auditing standard for financial controls.
• SAS 70 was replaced by SOC (Service Organization Control) reports, which split into SOC 1 for financial controls and SOC 2/3 for operational security and compliance.

Why was it created?

• The rise of cloud computing and the increasing reliance on third-party service providers in the early 2000s created a need for more comprehensive assurance around data security, confidentiality, and privacy.
• SOC 2 specifically addresses these operational concerns, ensuring that service organizations demonstrate a strong commitment to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

How Did SOC 2 Gain Traction?

Initial Adoption

• The AICPA promoted SOC 2 to meet the needs of businesses handling sensitive customer data in industries like SaaS, financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce.
• The five Trust Services Criteria (TSC) (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy) provide clear, actionable benchmarks for service providers.

Word of Mouth and Momentum

• SOC 2 certification quickly became a benchmark for third-party vendors as early adopters in tech, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Salesforce, and Google, began requiring their vendors and partners to demonstrate compliance.
• VC-backed startups and larger enterprises began to mandate SOC 2 reports as part of their vendor due diligence processes, creating a ripple effect throughout the B2B ecosystem.

Marketing and Evangelism

• The AICPA worked with consulting firms, auditors, and tech influencers to highlight the importance of SOC 2 compliance in reducing risk and building trust.
• Certification bodies such as KPMG, Deloitte, and PwC began offering SOC 2 audits and promoted their importance through whitepapers, webinars, and conferences.
• SaaS companies themselves promoted SOC 2 compliance as a competitive advantage, showcasing their security practices to attract enterprise customers.

Ecosystem Support

• Companies like Vanta, Drata, and Secureframe emerged to streamline the SOC 2 readiness and auditing process, further raising awareness and simplifying adoption for small- to medium-sized businesses.
• Community-driven conversations, including on platforms like LinkedIn and at industry events, helped cement its reputation.

Why Did SOC 2 Resonate?

• Businesses increasingly prioritized trust and data protection, especially with the rise of data breaches and regulatory requirements like GDPR and HIPAA.
• SOC 2 filled a critical gap for companies that wanted to demonstrate operational excellence in handling customer data, which became essential for maintaining partnerships and winning contracts in competitive markets.

SOC 2 is now considered a gold standard for operational security, helping businesses of all sizes prove they can safeguard their customers' data. Its success lies in its adaptability, scalability, and focus on what matters most in today’s digital economy: trust and transparency.