Looking for a SOC 2 for Dummies guide (and we’re not saying you’re dumb!), rather, you need a guide that cuts through the complexities of what a SOC 2 audit is?

If so, then welcome to the SOC 2 for Dummies pages, courtesy of NDB, North America’s leading provider of SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 audit assessments.

With that said, if you’re new to the world of SOC 2 compliance, take note of the following points for gaining a greater understanding of what it really takes to get ready – and become – SOC 2 compliant.

1. Know What the SOC 2 Framework is all About and What it Isn’t.
2. Find an Auditor who Truly Knows Your Industry.
3. Get Started with a Scoping & Readiness Assessment.
4. Determine which TSP’s are in Scope.
5. Understand that Remediation is Critical to becoming SOC 2 Compliant.
6. Remediate!
7. Be Aware that SOC 2 Compliance is NOT an Overnight Process.
8. It is an Annual Requirement (at least for most service organizations).

SOC 2 for Dummies – What you Need to Know

(1). Know What the SOC 2 Framework is all About and What it Isn’t.

So, what is SOC 2 Plainly speaking? SOC 2 is an assessment conducted on an organization’s internal control environment. So, what’s internal controls? It’s essentially an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes. SOC 2 has become one of the most widely accepted and well-known regulatory compliance assessments performed on service organizations.

So, what’s a service organization? It’s an organization that essentially offers services to another company. Think Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, e-commerce businesses, data centers – almost any organization that’s providing essential services to another business.

NDB is one of Texas’ leading PCI DSS compliance audit firms, offering QSA assessments and other consulting services for companies all throughout Dallas.

As one of the country’s fastest growing metroplex regions, the DFW area is home to countless businesses requiring compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). If you store, process, and or transmit cardholder data, then becoming PCI DSS compliant is a must. Are you a merchant or service provider located in the Dalla area and need assistance with PCI compliance, then talk to the experts today at NDB, Texas’ leading PCI-QSAC firm.

Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s PCI services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your PCI DSS compliance needs.

Comprehensive PCI DSS Services for Dallas Businesses

NDB offers the following PCI DSS compliance services and solutions to Dallas merchants and service providers.

PCI DSS Scoping & Readiness Assessments: The very best way to ensure PCI DSS compliance is obtained quickly and cost-effectively performing an upfront PCI DSS Scoping & Readiness. NDB has completed hundreds of readiness assessments for merchants and service providers all throughout Texas, and we can also help you. The benefits of such an assessment include the following:

NDB offers industry leading SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits and assessment reports for Dallas, Texas businesses.

With the continued growth of third-party service providers being used by businesses for handling a wide-range of activities, SOC 2 audits have been – and still are – the go-to assessment for these very third-parties. Tens of thousands of businesses all throughout the country have to undergo annual SOC 2 compliance, with a large number of them residing in the greater Dallas area. As a leading provider of security, governance, and compliance solutions, NDB offers fixed fees and superior services.

NDB has performed hundreds of SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessments, so contact us today to learn more about our proven solutions for Houston service organizations. You can contact NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s SOC 2 services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your audit & compliance needs.

Specifically, we offer the following services and solutions to Dallas businesses relating to SOC 2 compliance:

SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessments

Performing a SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessment is one of the most important activities a business can do prior to commencing with an actual SOC 2 audit. Why? Because it’s important to gain a strong understanding of scoping & readiness issues relating to the following:

NDB’s service offering include comprehensive SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 audit assessments and reports for Austin, Texas businesses.

Additionally, many of our clients are in the cloud – Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google GCP – and we have extensive compliance experience with the Big Three cloud players. And if you’re not in the cloud, no problem, as we’ve successfully performed over a 1,000 compliance audits since 2006 in a wide range of industries and sectors. We know the SOC 2 auditing framework inside and out, and we’re ready to assist you today.

Contact us today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your audit & compliance needs.

We offer high-quality, fixed-fee audit solutions, but also a wide-range of additional services for your growing compliance needs. When it comes to the leaders in regulatory compliance for the Lone Star State, talk to the experts at NDB.

7 Important Things to Know about SOC 2 compliance

1. Start with a SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessment. It’s important to gain a strong understanding of all facets of a SOC 2 audit – specifically – the following:

NDB offfers numerous PCI DSS compliance services and solutions for Austin, TX merchants and service providers looking to become compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) provisions.

If you’re an Austin business that stores, processes, and/or transmits cardholder data, you’ll need to be compliant with PCI. We can assist. We have years of experience helping Austin businesses become – and stay – PCI DSS compliant. We also offer fixed-fees for a wide-range of services and solutions for the PCI DSS industry. Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s PCI services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your PCI DSS compliance needs.

Services offered for PCI DSS compliance for Austin Businesses consist of the following:

PCI DSS Scoping & Readiness Assessments

Getting off on the right track in terms of PCI DSS compliance starts by performing a much-needed scoping assessment BEFORE you try and actually become compliant. After all, Austin merchants and service providers need to gain a strong understanding of project scope in terms of personnel, business systems, third-parties and more.

Additionally, areas that require remediation (both in terms of documentation and technical remediation) will also need to be identified and addressed. When performed correctly, a PCI DSS scoping & readiness assessment will save Austin merchants both time and money in the long run. Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s PCI services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your PCI DSS compliance needs.

NDB, Texas’ leading provider of SOC 2 audit and attest services, offers the following introduction and overview to the world of SOC 2 audits. If you’re located in Austin, Dallas, Houston – or anywhere in the Lone Star State – and are considering a SOC 2 audit – then here’s what you need to know NOW.

Understand What a SOC 2 Audit Actually is

So, what’s a SOC 2 audit? A process? A certificate? Something else? There’s quite a bit of confusion on this issue alone, so let’s clear the air. First and foremost, a SOC 2 audit is an assessment conducted by a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm against the AICPA Trust Service Principles criteria. It’s essentially an audit performed to examine a service organization’s policies, procedures, and processes – that is – one’s “internal controls.”

There are two (2) types of SOC 2 audits; SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2, and yes, they are different in a few regards, so let’s talk about this. A SOC 2 Type 1 is an audit performed for a stated date in time, such as August 31, 20xx. However, a SOC 2 Type 2 assessment is an audit performed over an agreed upon test period time, such as January 1, 20xx to June 30, 20xx.  The main difference is that a Type 2 tests controls over a test period, whereas a Type 1 just assesses controls for a specific date.

Begin with a SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessment

Getting off on the right track with SOC 2 compliance for Austin, Dallas, and Houston businesses starts by performing a much-needed SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness assessment by a well-qualified CPA firm, such as NDB. The benefits of this exercise are the following: The ability to properly identify audit scope in terms of business processes examined, personnel involved, physical locations in scope, and what relevant third-parties are involved.

Additionally, two other notable benefits are (1). Identifying gaps and control deficiencies requiring remediation and (2). Putting in place a plan-of-action for correcting control weaknesses. Diving head first into a SOC 2 audit without any real upfront scoping & readiness work is not recommended, so talk to the experts today at NDB.

NDB is Texas’ premier provider of SOC 2 Type 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits, offering exceptional services and fixed-fee pricing for service providers in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

We’ve performed hundreds of SOC 2 audits over the years, effectively establishing ourselves as a true household name throughout Texas, and beyond.

With a challenging business world that’s become even more competitive by the day, businesses need to meet demanding compliance mandates from their customers – such as SOC 2 reporting – but also find ways for ensuring an efficient and cost-effective audit process is maintained.

Texas businesses in Houston, Austin, Dallas – and all other surrounding locations – are being hammered with growing regulatory compliance audits, particularly SSAE 18 SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits. They can be expensive, time-consuming, and operationally challenging – no question about it – so now’s the time to learn essential best practices for helping slay the regulatory compliance dragon once and for all. After all, you’ve got a business to run, so turn to the Texas compliance experts today at NDB for learning important points about today’s demanding regulatory compliance challenges.

Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s SOC 2 services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your audit & compliance needs.

Texas’ Leading Provider of Fixed-Fee SOC Audits – Learn More

As for SSAE 18 SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance, thousands of businesses throughout North America are performing these annual compliance audits, many of them in an efficient and cost-effective manner, thanks to learning important information regarding audit planning, preparation, and execution.  Here’s what you need to know about SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits, compliments of the Texas compliance experts at NDB.

1. Find a Firm that Provides Fixed-Fees:  Not only do you want to find a firm that offers fixed-fees, you also want to have a multi-year engagement for ensuring a consistent and efficient audit process from year to year. Changing auditors every year results in inefficiencies that often create additional costs for the overall audit.  NDB offers fixed-fees for all SOC 2 engagements – it’s been our standard pricing model for years.

2. Begin with a Scoping & Readiness Assessment: Any type of compliance mandate – and especially SOC 1 and SOC 2 assessments – need to begin with a comprehensive scoping & readiness assessment, and for some obvious reasons.  First and foremost, service organizations need to identify and confirm audit scope in terms of business processes, personnel involved, physical locations, and what relevant third-parties are considered part of the audit. Next, it’s highly essential to identify all gaps and control weaknesses that require remediation.

NDB offers the following PCI DSS compliance checklist for Texas merchants and services providers – a comprehensive overview for becoming compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

1. Understand what PCI DSS is. Ask ten different businesses in Texas what PCI is and what’s needed to become compliant and you’ll more than likely get ten different answers.  That’s because everyone’s interpretation of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) differs. The point is that you need to truly understand the technical aspects of PCI compliance, what it takes to become compliant, the actual reporting process to undertake, and many other important considerations. 

Visiting the official PCI DSS website at pcisecuritystandards.org is a great place to start, as the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSSC) is the governing body for the PCI DSS standards. From downloading essential forms to learning about key terms, you’ll find all the information needed to truly gain a strong working knowledge of the PCI DSS framework. 

2. Learn about the reporting requirements. Luckily, the vast majority of Texas businesses – both merchants and service providers – can annually comply with the PCI DSS standards via any number of the PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ), from SAQ-A to SAQ-D. However, there are a select few businesses that will have to perform an annual Level 1 onsite assessment via a Payment Card Industry Qualified Security Assessor (PCI-QSA).  Here’s what you need to know at a high-level about PCI DSS reporting:

• The vast majority of merchants will fall into the Level 2 – 4 categories 4, meaning you can use any number of the SAQ questionnaires.  While that removes you from performing the much-dreaded Level 1 onsite assessment performed by a PCI-QSA, there’s still work to be done in terms of auditing and compliance.  Just because it says “SAQ” doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park – hardly. In fact, a large number of Texas merchants and service providers needing to become PCI DSS compliant fall victim to the false assumption that they can perform the SAQ on their own, when that’s not the truth. You need help, and NDB is here to assist in getting you compliant in an efficient, cost-effective, and scalable manner.  Contact us today to learn more. 

• Documentation is often the biggest, most challenging, and most time-consuming hurdle to overcome in terms of PCI DSS compliance. And it’s why NDB offers industry-leading tools, templates, and other supporting documents for Texas businesses. 

• Spending time on ensuring compliance long after your initial PCI DSS SAQ is completed is mandatory. Think about it, compliance isn’t really about a stop and start process, it’s about putting in place controls and continuously monitoring them.  NDB offers continuous monitoring services for Texas merchants and service providers when it comes to PCI DSS compliance, or any other of today’s demanding regulations.

3. Are you a merchant or a service provider? You will need to determine this up front, as this can make a big difference in the scope of one's assessment.

Looking for a SOC 2 for Dummies, well, if you’re new to the world of SOC 2 compliance, take note of the following points for gaining a greater understanding of what it really takes to get ready – and become – SOC 2 compliant.

Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s SOC 2 services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your audit & compliance needs.

The SOC 2 Type 1 guidelines, which have been published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), consist of the AT 101 professional standard, along with the inclusion of the following five (5) Trust Services Principles (TSP):

• Security
• Availability
• Processing Integrity
• Confidentiality
• Privacy

The Importance of a SOC 2 Scoping & Readiness Assessment

Want to save time, money, while reducing cost overruns and headaches when it comes to SOC 2 compliance? If so, and we’re sure you do, then begin the process with a much-needed SOC 2 scoping & readiness assessment. Benefits of such an assessment include the following:

• Effectively identifies audit scope in terms of business processes to be examined, which would include physical locations to assess, personal involved in the audit, relevant third-party providers, and more. 
• Assesses current internal controls in terms of policies, procedures, and processes, and what gaps and deficiencies exist that require remediation prior to the commencement of the actual SOC 2 audit.
• Helps ensure transparency for the entire audit process, while also putting in place a roadmap for auditing success.

Additional points worth noting about NDB's industry leading SOC 2 Type 1 guidelines are the following:

• SOC 2 Type 1 assessments are done for a point in time, whereas SOC 2 Type 2 assessments are conducted over an agreed upon time period.
• Becoming SOC 2 Type 1 compliance means putting in place numerous information security policies and procedures, for which Texas Compliance, LLC offers a complimentary SOC 2 Policy Packet with all the documentation needed.
• SOC 2 Type 1 guidelines call for the use of the five (5) Trust Services Principles.
• SOC 2 Type 1 guidelines require management of the service organization to develop a written statement of assertion and provide a description of its “system”.

Other Important Considerations for SOC 2 Type 1 Reports

Policies and Procedures are Key to Compliance: That’s right, having well-written information security policies and procedures are a big part of becoming – and staying – SOC 2 compliant. In fact, many Texas businesses quickly find that developing such documentation is often the most time-consuming and taxing aspect of the entire audit!

For that reason alone, we offer industry leading InfoSec policy templates for helping Texas businesses save thousands of dollars and dozens of operational hours on critical policy development.  It’s just another reason why so many firms in Texas look to NDB for SOC 2 audit guidance and expertise.

Texas businesses in Houston, Austin, Dallas – and all other surrounding locations – are being hammered with growing regulatory compliance audits, particularly SSAE 18 SOC 1 and SOC audits. They can be expensive, time-consuming, and operationally challenging – no question about it – so now’s the time to learn essential best practices for helping slay the regulatory compliance dragon once and for all. After all, you’ve got a business to run, so turn to the Texas compliance experts today at NDB for learning important points about today’s demanding regulatory compliance challenges.

Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s SOC 2 services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your compliance needs.

As for SSAE 18 SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance, thousands of businesses throughout North America are performing these annual compliance audits, many of them in an efficient and cost-effective manner, thanks to the learning important information regarding audit planning, preparation, and execution.  Here’s what you need to know about SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits compliments of the Texas compliance experts at NDB:

1. Find a Firm that Provides Fixed-Fees:
2. Begin with a Scoping & Readiness Assessment:
3. Understand the Importance of Technical Remediation:
4. Be Mindful of Policies and Procedures:

SOC 2 audits for Dallas, TX businesses are offered by NDB, Texas’ leading provider of regulatory compliance assessments and consulting services.  From Bridge City to El Paso, service providers all throughout the Lone Star State have relied on the expertise and professionalism of NDB, so contact us today to discuss your SOC 2 audits for Dallas businesses – or any other location in Texas. 

SOC 2 Audits for Dallas, TX Businesses | Fixed Fees 

SOC 2 audits are becoming increasingly mandated in today’s information security age – and for good reason – as outsourcing and the sheer growth of technology continues to dominate the business landscape. It means that now is the time to get serious about one’s overall information security posture, and it starts by contacting the SOC 2 experts today at NDB.  One of the distinct advantages we possess over any other compliance firm is the ability to offer our clients comprehensive SOC 2 supporting documentation, such as the following:

• Information security policies and procedures templates for SOC 2 compliance.
• Risk assessment programs as mandated for SOC 2 reporting.
• Provisioning and hardening checklists for ensuring all in-scope systems are configured and deployed in accordance with information security best practices.
• In-depth security awareness and training materials, such as manuals and PowerPoint presentations (PPT) – all to be used for effectively ensuring that employees are properly trained with respect to information security issues, threats, challenges, and best practices.

Obtain SOC 2 Policies and Procedures with our SOC 2 Policy Packet

As for the NDB difference and what separates us from other CPA firms offering SOC 2 audits for Dallas, TX businesses? Simple – we also offer a comprehensive SOC 2 Policy Packet filled with hundreds of pages of information security and business specific policy templates, forms, checklists, and so much more.  The SOC 2 Policy Packet saves businesses thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours when it comes to SOC 2 compliance – no question about it. 

Why spend needless hours and thousands of dollars authoring compliance policy documentation when the SOC 2 Policy Packet from NDNB is available as part of our fixed fee SOC 2 audit services for Dallas, TX businesses.  Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s SOC 2 services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your compliance needs.

SOC 2 Audits for Dallas, TX Businesses | Fixed Fees

Businesses in Texas are being hit hard with increasing regulatory compliance burdens, ranging from PCI DSS assessment to SSAE 18 SOC 1 and SOC 2 assessments. The choice for helping Lone Star businesses is NDNB, providers of high-quality, industry leading regulatory compliance services. Call Christopher Nickell today at 1-800-277-5415, ext. 706 to learn more. 

PCI DSS Compliance Overview for Austin Merchants & Small Businesses

Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s PCI DSS services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your PCI DSS compliance needs whe searching for high-quality, fixed fee compliance and certification services for Austin, TX businesses. As one of North America’s longest licensed PCI-QSA firms, NDB, and its affiliated entities, has built an efficient PCI DSS compliance model consisting of lockstep phases for rapid and complete compliance.

While most merchants and service providers in Austin are spending hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars on annual PCI DSS compliance, NDB's clients are building an efficient process that saves both time and money. From essential policy templates to Level 1 onsite assessments – and more – NDB offers a wealth of cost-effective, fixed-fee solutions for PCI DSS compliance.

PCI DSS QSA Compliance & Certification Austin, TX | Fixed Fees

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) are an important component for ensuring cardholder data is secure when being stored, processed and/or transmitted, so talk to the industry leaders today.  Call NDB today at 512-522-4943 (Austin), 214-272-0967 (Dallas), or at 713-331-5492 (Houston) to learn more about NDB’s PCI DSS services, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your PCI DSS compliance needs

NDB offers the following PCI DSS services to merchants and service providers throughout the Austin, TX area:

1. PCI DSS Readiness Assessments: One of the most important initiatives any merchant or service provider in Austin, TX can undertake regarding PCI DSS compliance is performing a brief, yet comprehensive readiness assessment for helping define audit boundaries, business functions, personnel involved, and other important scope considerations. PCI DSS compliance can be complex and time-consuming – all the more reason for performing a readiness assessment – which NDB offers at fixed-fee pricing.

Along with offering PCI scoping & readiness assessments for Austin businesses, we also provide comprehensive services for helping both merchants and service providers complete the PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ). Many businesses find the SAQs to be complex and challenging, often requiring assistance from an expert consultant.