Ask HN: How to be SOC2 Type 2 compliant as a solo-entreprenuer?

Do they? Every time I was asked about SOC compliance, it turned out that the underlying reason was either insurance or the customer had a requirement from their downstream customer. None of these matters will be negotiable, the customer’s insurance company only cares about a checkbox indicating “all vendors are SOC2 compliant and relevant documentation is on file”.That said, it’s actually not that difficult to become SOC compliant except for the paperwork aspect. Any competent firm should already be doing all the necessary things, this is the minimum for safety. There really shouldn’t be any code or process changes required, if there are then you are extremely inadequate from a security perspective. SOC2 is below the minimum for real security, but it is the standard that companies have set.

That said, actually completing a valid SOC2 audit is expensive and for a single developer you can expect at least a month of wasted time. I wouldn’t pay out of pocket for an audit, but if you’re in a place where clients are asking it could be a selling point. One strategy would be to negotiate lower terms with the potential client for using their auditing firm and split the cost on the audit. This would require a very hot sales lead, as this is a big ask, but it might be worth exploring. They likely already have an established relationship with an auditor, and having a referral will reduce the price.

SOC is merely a box ticking exercise and does not improve security. Or at least it shouldn’t be, you’ll either have to close your favor or completely redesign your processes if you don’t already meet their requirements. That said, box-ticking is extremely tedious and involves a lot of paperwork. This would be possible as a solo entrepreneur, I worked through this process at a company of 6 employees, but it’s not fun or productive.