SOC Audits do not last forever; the completion of an Audit proves your SOC compliance for around one year after completion. However, the audit process itself does take some time, and bridge letters can be used to cover any gaps in covered periods.
Audit Process Time
Typical SOC Audit time takes between 6 and 18 weeks to complete depending on several factors, such as whether the Audit is an initial or returning audit and how organized the audited and auditing organizations are. However, with SOC Vantage’s time saving SOC software, a typical SOC Audit only takes between 4 and 8 weeks, thanks to our smart fill technology and other features cutting down audit time.
Audit Valid Duration
Once a SOC Audit is complete, a report typically covers a time period of 12-months, but some organizations will choose to conduct an audit more frequently
Bridge Letters
A SOC Bridge Letter is a document that allows organizations to prove that they are still SOC compliant for up to three months between the end of last year’s audit period and the completion of this year’s Audit. This allows for gaps to be covered without having to worry about rushing the audit process. This is critically important because many clients and third-party partners depend on their service organizations to have properly managed security at all times. Learn more about Bridge Letters now.
If you would like to learn more about SOC Audit timing, or get started on your next SOC Audit, contact us today!
