Educational drafts — ProofWindow helps founders prepare a first SOC 2. Not legal or audit advice. Not a GRC product.

FAQ

SOC 2 FAQ

TL;DR. First SOC 2 success looks like scoped controls, named owners, weekly evidence, and a clear Type 1→Type 2 story for procurement—not a surprise PDF at quarter-end.

By ProofWindow Editorial Published Last reviewed REVIEW-20260905

Questions founders ask

What is an observation window?

The period a Type 2 examination covers to test whether controls operated effectively—not just whether they were designed.

Do we need SOC 2 to sell to enterprises?

Often yes for security review; sometimes questionnaires and Type 1 suffice temporarily. Ask your buyer.

Type 1 vs Type 2—which first?

Most seed teams: Type 1, then Type 2 window. Exceptions exist for hard Type 2 requirements.

How much does SOC 2 cost in 2026?

Plan for auditor fees plus tooling/consulting and heavy internal time. See our cost breakdown spoke.

Can we share CAIQ-Lite while in progress?

Yes—keep answers versioned and honest about status.

Is ProofWindow a GRC product?

No. Educational content only.

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