Organizations that have completed a SOC 2 examination often want a way to publicly demonstrate their commitment to information security without sharing confidential details about their internal controls. A SOC 3 report provides independent assurance that your organization meets the applicable Trust Services Criteria while allowing you to share the report with customers, prospects, and the public.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen customer confidence, support your marketing efforts, or differentiate your organization in a competitive marketplace, Packer Thomas can help you obtain a SOC 3 report that reinforces your commitment to security and transparency.
Unlike SOC 2 reports, a SOC 3 report is designed for general distribution and can be freely shared with customers & stakeholders.
Unlike SOC 2 reports, a SOC 3 report is designed for general distribution and can be freely shared with customers and stakeholders.
Stand out in the marketplace by showing prospects, customers, and stakeholders that security is a priority.
Open doors to new opportunities and relationships by meeting security expectations and reducing risk.
A SOC 3 report is a public-facing report issued by an independent CPA firm that summarizes the results of a SOC 2 examination. Like a SOC 2 report, a SOC 3 report evaluates controls related to the Trust Services Criteria, including security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Unlike a SOC 2 report, however, a SOC 3 report does not include detailed descriptions of control testing or examination results.
SOC 3 reports are designed to help organizations publicly demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer information while providing stakeholders with confidence that an independent examination has been successfully completed. According to the AICPA’s guidance on SOC 3 reports, these reports are intended for general distribution and may be freely shared with customers, prospects, and the public.
Organizations that have successfully completed a SOC 2 examination often choose to obtain a SOC 3 report to publicly communicate their commitment to information security. Unlike a SOC 2 report, which is typically shared under a nondisclosure agreement, a SOC 3 report is intended for unrestricted distribution.
Organizations that commonly obtain SOC 3 reports include:
While technology companies are among the most common organizations pursuing a SOC 3 report, Packer Thomas also works with organizations in manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, construction, nonprofit, and other industries that want to publicly demonstrate their commitment to security.
A SOC 3 report can strengthen customer confidence, support sales and marketing initiatives, and provide public assurance that your organization has successfully completed an independent examination.
Both SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports evaluate controls using the Trust Services Criteria, but they are designed for different audiences and purposes.
| Report Type | What It Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
SOC 2 Report |
Detailed description of controls, testing procedures, and examination results. |
Organizations obtaining their first SOC report or needing assurance quickly. |
|
SOC 3 Report |
High-level summary of the examination without detailed testing or confidential information. |
Public distribution, marketing, prospective customers, and general stakeholder communication. |
Many organizations obtain both reports, using the SOC 2 report to satisfy customer due diligence requests while sharing the SOC 3 report publicly to demonstrate their commitment to security.
Not every organization needs the same SOC report. The right examination depends on the services you provide and what your customers need to verify.
| Report | Best For | Common Industries & Organizations | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SOC 1 |
Service organizations that affect their customers’ financial reporting |
Payroll providers, benefits administrators, fintech companies, investment administrators, claims processors, outsourced accounting providers |
Internal controls over financial reporting |
|
SOC 2 |
Organizations that store, process, or transmit customer data |
SaaS companies, cloud service providers, managed IT providers, data centers, healthcare technology, cybersecurity firms |
Security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy |
|
SOC 3
|
Organizations that want to publicly demonstrate their commitment to security |
Technology companies, SaaS providers, cloud platforms, managed service providers, and other businesses that have completed a SOC 2 examination |
Public-facing summary of a SOC 2 report without detailed testing results |
Not sure which report fits your organization? Our professionals can help determine whether a SOC 1 Report, SOC 2 Report, or SOC 3 Report best aligns with your customers’ expectations and compliance requirements.
A SOC 3 report provides a high-level summary of a completed SOC 2 examination without revealing detailed information about an organization’s internal controls or testing procedures. Because it is intended for public distribution, the report is designed to give customers and other stakeholders confidence in your organization’s security practices while protecting sensitive operational information.
| Report Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Auditor’s Opinion |
Provides independent assurance regarding the examination results. |
|
Management’s Assertion |
Confirms management’s responsibility for maintaining effective controls. |
|
Trust Services Criteria |
Identifies the criteria evaluated during the examination. |
|
System Overview |
Summarizes the services and systems included in the report. |
|
Public Assurance |
Demonstrates your organization’s commitment to protecting customer information without disclosing confidential details. |
A SOC 3 report offers organizations a practical way to publicly demonstrate their commitment to security without disclosing sensitive information about their internal controls. Because the report is intended for general distribution, it can be shared with prospective customers, business partners, investors, and other stakeholders to build confidence in your organization’s security practices.
Organizations that obtain a SOC 3 report often experience benefits such as:
For many organizations, a SOC 3 report complements a SOC 2 report by providing an easy-to-share summary of an independent examination while preserving the detailed information contained in the SOC 2 report.
Choosing the right CPA firm for your SOC examination is an important decision. At Packer Thomas, we understand that your SOC 3 report represents more than a compliance requirement. It demonstrates your organization’s commitment to protecting customer information and building long-term trust.
Our experienced professionals work closely with organizations throughout the examination process to help them understand requirements, prepare for the engagement, and successfully communicate their commitment to security. Whether your organization is obtaining its first SOC report or expanding an existing compliance program, we provide practical guidance tailored to your business and industry.
When you work with Packer Thomas, you benefit from:
Packer Thomas is a full-service CPA and business advisory firm serving businesses, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and individuals throughout Ohio and beyond. Since 1923, our professionals have provided practical guidance designed to help clients navigate complex financial, operational, technological, and regulatory challenges.
Our services include accounting and attest, tax consulting, client accounting services, business valuations, forensic accounting, IT consulting, and SOC examinations. By bringing together professionals from multiple disciplines, we provide coordinated solutions tailored to each client’s industry, goals, and risk environment.
With offices in Canfield and New Castle, Ohio, Packer Thomas combines the capabilities of an experienced advisory firm with responsive, personalized service. Contact us to learn how our team can help your organization strengthen internal controls, meet customer expectations, and prepare for a successful SOC 1 examination.
