What distinguishes the SOC 3 report in terms of data about security controls?

The SOC 3 report is distinguished by the fact that it includes no actual data on specific security controls. It provides a general overview of the service organization's controls and how they align with the criteria set forth by the Trust Services Criteria, but it does not delve into the specifics or detailed descriptions of those controls. This makes the SOC 3 report suitable for public distribution, allowing stakeholders to understand the organization’s commitment to security without disclosing sensitive control information that might compromise its security posture.

This distinction is important as it provides a level of assurance to users and clients that the service organization adheres to certain standards without exposing detailed practices that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The focus on general assertions rather than detailed operational information is what makes the SOC 3 report valuable for a wider audience, including potential customers who need confidence in the service provider's control environment.