When you’re evaluating different managed IT service providers, it’s natural to look for proof that they can do what they promise. This is especially important for cybersecurity because when you partner with an MSP, you’re essentially sharing the responsibility for keeping your data and IT systems safe. Fortunately, there’s a trust signal you can look for. It’s the SOC 2 Type 2 badge.

In this article:

• Definition of SOC
• The Difference Between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3
• The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2
• SOC 2 Type 2 Validates Security Effectiveness Over Time
• More Than an Audit—A Sign of Security Expertise
• The Question You Should Ask Your MSP
• Trust But Verify Cybersecurity Effectiveness

Definition of SOC

SOC stands for System and Organization Controls. It’s a framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to evaluate how an organization handles and protects data. The roots for this framework may have started in the accounting industry, but today SOC 2 is a recognized standard for IT security and data protection that signals that a company is effectively managing cyber risks.

SOC validation is voluntary and not driven by regulatory compliance, although some companies may demand it as a requirement for doing business together. For managed IT service providers, it’s become a standard for proving they have the right security measures in place.

The Difference Between SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3

There are three different SOC types, each serving a different purpose. SOC 1 focuses on financial reporting controls, while SOC 2 evaluates how a company protects data. SOC 3 is a simplified, public-facing version of SOC 2 but lacks the details contained in a SOC 2 security validation. If you’re evaluating an MSP, SOC 2 is the one that matters.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2

SOC 2 comes in two versions: Type 1 and Type 2. SOC 2 Type 1 evaluates security controls as a snapshot in time that looks at whether security controls are in place on a particular day.

SOC 2 Type 2, on the other hand, doesn’t just verify that controls are in place. It evaluates them over a time span of several months to see how effective they are.

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 is significant because cybersecurity isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing process that needs to be managed and evolved as conditions change.

SOC 2 Type 2 Validates Security Effectiveness Over Time

SOC 2 Type 2 validation means your MSP isn’t just claiming to follow security best practices—they’ve proven it through an independent audit. Anyone can say they take security seriously, but SOC 2 Type 2 forces them to back it up with real evidence.

If your MSP hasn’t had their security controls validated by an independent audit, how would you know they’re actually following best practices? Are they testing their security controls over time, or just assuming they work?

SOC 2 Type 2 validation provides assurance that an MSP has structured, tested, and verified security controls in place. SOC 2 Type 2 validates security, and it also shows your MSP has the expertise to help you strengthen your own security posture. For businesses evaluating IT providers, this means you’re not just taking an MSP’s word for it—you have proof they operate under strict security standards.

Related: Compliance and the Expanding Need for Security Accountability

More Than an Audit—A Sign of Security Expertise

SOC 2 Type 2 proves that an MSP has the expertise to help businesses strengthen their security posture.

Protecting customer data requires more than just securing internal systems. Businesses and their MSPs must work together to:

• Control who has access to sensitive data.
• Implement security measures that align with industry standards.
• Ensure employees and vendors follow security protocols.

An MSP that has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 audit has firsthand experience assessing risks, recommending solutions, and putting safeguards in place. But security is always a shared responsibility—businesses must also follow best practices to keep their data secure.

The Question You Should Ask Your MSP

If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be this:

When you’re evaluating managed IT and cybersecurity service providers, ask: “How do I know you have the expertise to help us protect the data we handle for our customers?”

Then, pay attention to how they answer. A strong response should include:

• SOC 2 Type 2 validation, or some other independent verification of their security practices.
• A clear explanation of how they help clients implement security best practices.
• An explanation of their approach to risk management and compliance.
• Description of a team that is 100% dedicated to cybersecurity.

If they can’t provide clear evidence of their security practices, it’s a red flag. A credible MSP should be able to explain their security approach with confidence.

Related: How to Choose a Cybersecurity Services Provider

Trust But Verify Cybersecurity Effectiveness

Cybersecurity is about safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring that unauthorized access, breaches, and disruptions are prevented. If you’re handling sensitive customer data, you need to know that your MSP isn’t just keeping their own house in order, but that they have the knowledge, experience, and third-party validation to help you do the same.

SOC 2 Type 2 isn’t the only factor to consider, but it’s a strong indicator that an MSP takes security seriously and follows industry best practices. Because when it comes to security, trust is good—but verification is better.

Bellwether is SOC 2 Type 2 Verified with a Dedicated Cybersecurity Team

Bellwether is SOC 2 Type 2 verified, which means our security controls have been independently audited and validated over time. We have an entire department dedicated to cybersecurity, and we work closely with clients to implement best practices, strengthen security posture, and manage evolving cyber threats.

If you’re not confident about your managed service provider’s cybersecurity expertise, we should talk.

Get in touch to schedule a free consultation.