If you run a WordPress-based SaaS platform, enterprise customers will ask about SOC 2 compliance. This certification demonstrates that you handle customer data securely. This guide covers what WordPress SaaS providers need to know.

What Is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is an auditing standard developed by AICPA. It evaluates how well a company protects customer data based on five Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.

Why SOC 2 Matters

Enterprise customers increasingly require SOC 2 reports from their vendors. Without it, you may lose deals to competitors who have certification.

SOC 2 Type I vs Type II

Type I: Point-in-time assessment. Are controls designed properly? Faster to achieve.

Type II: Assessment over time (usually 6-12 months). Are controls operating effectively? More valuable to customers.

WordPress-Specific Controls

Access Management

• Document user roles and permissions
• Implement least privilege access
• Regular access reviews
• Offboarding procedures

Change Management

• Code review before deployment
• Testing procedures
• Deployment documentation
• Rollback procedures

Security Controls

• Vulnerability scanning
• Penetration testing
• Security monitoring
• Incident response procedures

Availability

• Backup procedures
• Disaster recovery plan
• Uptime monitoring
• Capacity planning

Implementation Steps

1. Choose which Trust Service Criteria to include
2. Gap assessment – what controls exist vs needed
3. Implement missing controls
4. Document all policies and procedures
5. Operate controls for audit period (Type II)
6. Engage auditor for examination

Timeline and Cost

Expect 6-12 months for first SOC 2 Type II. Costs include internal effort, tooling, and auditor fees (typically $20K-50K for audit).

Preparing for SOC 2? Contact us for guidance.