August 07, 2025
Trust Isn't Optional — It's Everything
In today's cybersecurity landscape, "trust but verify" is essential. Businesses across industries can't afford to leave data protection and compliance up to chance. That's why SOC 2 compliance (System and Organization Controls 2) is quickly becoming a non-negotiable standard when choosing a Managed Services Provider (MSP).
If you've never heard of SOC 2 or unsure about what it means, you're not alone. The truth is: choosing an IT partner without this certification puts your systems—and your clients—at unnecessary risk.
Let's break down SOC 2 compliance, explain the five trust principles, and why working with an MSP like Veracity Technologies helps you protect sensitive data, reduce risk, and prepare for audits.
What Is SOC 2 Compliance?
SOC 2 is a cybersecurity and risk management framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It's designed to ensure that service providers manage data securely to protect the interests of their clients and the privacy of their customers.
What does a SOC 2 report include?
A SOC 2 report evaluates how a service organization implements controls around:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
These are known as the Trust Services Criteria, and they form the foundation of the SOC 2 framework.
There are two main types of SOC 2 reports:
- SOC 2 Type I assesses the design of controls at a specific point in time.
- SOC 2 Type II evaluates the effectiveness of those controls over a defined period (typically 6-12 months).
You may also come across terms like SOC 2 Type 3, though this is less common. It generally refers to a summary-level report meant for public distribution.
For comparison, SOC 1 reports focus on financial reporting systems. If you've seen "SOC 1 report meaning" pop up in your research, know that it's not a cybersecurity standard—it's financial.
Why SOC 2 Certification Matters
Only about 10% of MSPs nationwide are SOC 2 certified. Achieving it requires time, investment, and operational discipline. However, it signals that you're working with a managed IT partner who values security, transparency, and accountability.
SOC 2 compliance isn't just a checkbox for Veracity—it's the core of how we serve Twin Cities businesses. Here's why that matters:
Trust Through Transparency
SOC 2 certification means our processes have been audited by an independent third party. This adds a layer of credibility and trust you can take straight to your board or your clients.
Security Built-In
At Veracity, security isn't added on at the end—it's baked into every service we offer. From proactive monitoring to vendor management, our SOC 2-aligned controls protect your systems against evolving threats.
Audit-Ready IT
Need to prepare for your own compliance audit? Working with a SOC 2 MSP means we've been through it—and can help you pass with confidence. In fact, a recent Veracity client passed their audit with zero deficiencies thanks to our documentation and guidance.
Breaking Down the Five Trust Principles of SOC 2
Let's take a closer look at what each of the five trust principles means for your business:
1. Security
Controls protect against unauthorized access and attacks. Implementing multi-layered defenses like MDR, firewalls, endpoint protection, and employee training.
2. Availability
Systems are available and functional when needed thanks to 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance ensure uptime.
3. Processing Integrity
Systems process data accurately, completely, and timely through automation, checks, and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure performance.
4. Confidentiality
Sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access with encrypted backups, access control, and regular audits enforce strict handling.
5. Privacy
Personal information is collected, used, and disposed of responsibly. Practices need to align with GDPR and other data privacy frameworks where applicable.
How SOC 2 Certification Helps You Prepare for Compliance
If your industry is regulated (finance, manufacturing, commercial construction, etc.), compliance is not optional, it's expected.
SOC 2 expertise gives you an edge in meeting:
- Financial audit requirements
- Cyber liability insurance criteria
- Client vendor due diligence
- State and federal data protection laws
This makes a certified MSP the ideal partner to guide your organization through SOC 2 preparation, evidence collection, and policy documentation.
How Veracity Builds SOC 2 into Your Business
When you work with Veracity, SOC 2 isn't just our certification—it becomes your advantage. Here's how we deliver:
Security Tool Deployment
From day one, we install and configure SOC 2-aligned tools to protect your endpoints, emails, backups, and networks.
Documentation & Policies
We provide the templates and support you need to build out internal IT policies and compliance documentation.
Strategic vCIO Services
Our virtual CIOs give you quarterly insights, planning, and risk assessments—ensuring you're always moving toward audit readiness.
Unlimited Support
Whether it's a question about MFA or a full security incident response, our team is available for unlimited onsite and remote support.
Case Study: From Risk to Resilience
One of our Minneapolis-based construction clients experienced a $50,000 loss from a Business Email Compromise (BEC) incident. They were referred to Veracity after realizing their MSP had no formal security framework.
Within weeks, we:
- Deployed MDR and email threat detection
- Implemented backup and recovery systems
- Upgraded their IT environment to SOC 2 standards
The result? Zero security incidents since onboarding—and a streamlined audit process that saves time, stress, and potential fines.
Ready to Eliminate IT Uncertainty?
If you're still relying on an MSP that can't prove their security practices, it's time for a change.
Veracity Technologies is the SOC 2-certified IT partner trusted by Minneapolis-St. Paul businesses in high-compliance industries.
Click Here or give us a call at 952-941-7333 to Book a FREE Consult
Key Takeaways
- SOC 2 compliance is a cybersecurity and risk management framework essential for modern MSPs.
- Veracity Technologies is one of the few Twin Cities MSPs with full SOC 2 certification—and we integrate it into everything we do.
- Partnering with a SOC 2-certified MSP reduces risk, increases audit readiness, and builds trust with your own clients.
- Working with a non-certified provider could expose your business to outdated processes, greater cybersecurity risk, and failed audits.
