For startups, earning customer trust is one of the biggest steps toward growth. SOC 2 compliance shows that your company takes security and data protection seriously. But while compliance builds credibility, it also comes with real costs that young businesses need to plan for. Understanding these expenses and budgeting wisely can help startups avoid surprises.
Audit and Assessment Costs
The SOC 2 audit is often the largest cost. Depending on the size of your business and the type of audit—Type I or Type II—fees can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Startups should plan and set aside funds for these audits, as they are key to the certification process.
Technology and Tools
Meeting SOC 2 requirements often means upgrading systems and adding security tools. This might include encryption, monitoring software, or cloud security solutions. While these investments can be costly, they also strengthen your security and protect your company from breaches.
Employee Training
Compliance isn’t just about technology—it’s also about people. Employees need training on policies like password use, access control, and data handling. Budgeting for staff training helps reduce risks and ensures your team follows best practices.
Ongoing Maintenance
SOC 2 compliance is not a one-time task. Startups must plan for ongoing costs like system updates, risk checks, and repeat audits. Adding these recurring expenses to your budget ensures you stay compliant year after year.
Smart Budgeting Tips
To manage costs, startups should focus on the most important risks first. Using cloud services with built-in compliance tools can also help lower expenses. Working with an experienced security partner can save money by guiding you through the process and helping avoid mistakes.
At Sentant, we help startups achieve SOC 2 compliance without wasting time or money. We provide expert guidance, tools, and training tailored to your business so you can meet requirements while staying on budget. We make the process clear, efficient, and cost-effective. With us, you get more than a checklist—you get a partner committed to protecting your business. Contact us today, and let us help you reach SOC 2 compliance the smart way.
This post was written by a professional at Sentant. Sentant specializes in advanced Managed IT and digital security solutions designed specifically for hybrid and remote workforces. Our adaptive, modern approach moves beyond one-size-fits-all service models, delivering customized support to match each client’s exact requirements. Whether it’s streamlining employee onboarding or navigating critical compliance standards such as SOC 2, Sentant stands as a dependable partner in securing and optimizing your IT environment.