What are SOC 1/SOC 2/SOC 3?

SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 are indeed audit reports, specifically designed to assess and report on the controls that a service organization has in place. These reports are part of the AICPA's Service Organization Control (SOC) framework and serve distinct purposes for different types of users.

SOC 1 reports focus on internal controls over financial reporting and are primarily geared towards users like auditors who need to understand how the service organization's controls affect the financial statements of their clients.

SOC 2 reports are centered on controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. They provide insights into how a service organization safeguards customer data and their overall operational effectiveness in handling sensitive information, making them valuable for clients looking for assurance about the service provider's compliance with data protection standards.

SOC 3 reports are similar to SOC 2 but are less detailed. They provide a high-level overview of the service organization's controls without disclosing sensitive information, making them suitable for general use and marketing purposes.

This differentiation in focus and audience underscores the importance of understanding these reports for effective risk management and compliance within cloud security and the broader IT landscape.