Businesses and organizations of all sizes handle vast amounts of sensitive information, making it paramount to safeguard this data against potential threats. One key framework that helps ensure the protection of customer data is System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)
SOC 2 compliance isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. It’s a standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to assess and validate the controls and safeguards in place to secure customer data.
By achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance, organizations demonstrate their dedication to data security and earn the trust of clients and partners. Beyond compliance, it fosters a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and resilience in the face of an ever-changing threat landscape. Training in SOC 2 equips employees with the tools to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively.
However, the journey toward SOC 2 compliance can be challenging. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the framework’s requirements and the implementation of robust policies and procedures within your organization. And that’s where the right training tools come into play.
Here is our list of the best SOC 2 training tools for employees:
- AICPA SOC 2 Training This online self-study guide to SOC 2 is produced by the people who created the definition of SOC and defined both SOC 1 and SOC 2. Learn at your own pace how to create a SOC 2(R) Report.
- SANS Institute A specialized organization for cybersecurity news, tips, and training with both free and paid sources of information.
- LinkedIn Learning This review focuses on one of the providers on the LinkedIn platform that provides SOC-specific training.
- Pluralsight A large library of more than 7,000 courses that individuals and teams can get access to by subscription.
- Cybrary An online library of more than 2,000 training courses that include IT, HR, and shop floor training programs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best SOC 2 training tools specifically designed for employees. Whether you’re an IT professional, a compliance officer, or a business owner seeking to fortify your organization’s data security practices, you’ll find valuable resources and insights here.
The Best SOC 2 Training Tools for Employees
Our methodology for selecting SOC 2 training tools for employees
We reviewed the market for SOC 2 training systems for employees and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- A course from a valuable brand that has credibility
- Options for training tailored for different business roles
- Guidance for accountants on how to create a SOC 2 report
- Details for IT departments to implement cybersecurity controls
- Advice on embedding best practices
- Certification and training documentation
- A library of guides and free resources or reasonably priced courses
By taking into account these criteria, we selected guides and information libraries for self-training as well as formalized
training courses.
1. AICPA SOC 2 Training
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the national professional organization of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. AICPA is known for its dedication to maintaining high standards in the accounting profession and plays a pivotal role in ensuring data security through its SOC 2 training programs.
Key Features:
- Library of guides
- SOC 2 (R) training
- Practice management
- Self-study
- Trust services criteria
Unique Feature
AICPA defined SOC, so it is the definitive authority on the strategy. The AICPA website has a large library of guides and tips on implementing SOC 2 that are free to access. There is also a self-study course available.
Why do we recommend it?
The AICPA provides plenty of free information for accountants who intend to implement and manage SOC 2. The free guides on the site include videos and downloadable PDFs as well as blog articles on different aspects of system management. There are also guides available for IT managers on cybersecurity requirements for privacy assurance.
The AICPA has a rich history of setting and upholding rigorous professional standards. Its SOC 2 framework and associated training are crafted with the same commitment to excellence that has defined the institution for over a century. AICPA’s SOC 2 training covers the framework comprehensively, including the Trust Services Criteria and related principles. This is a foundational resource for understanding SOC 2 requirements. Participants gain a deep understanding of the standards, criteria, and best practices required to achieve compliance.
The AICPA SOC 2 training program has a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry. By producing a pool of certified professionals who understand the intricacies of SOC 2 compliance, the program is enhancing the overall security posture of organizations in the following ways:
- Improved Data Security Trained professionals are better equipped to implement and maintain robust security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Enhanced Trust SOC 2 certification, backed by the AICPA training program, builds trust among clients, partners, and stakeholders. It serves as a competitive advantage for organizations striving to win business in today’s security-conscious marketplace.
- Compliance Excellence The program helps organizations streamline their compliance efforts, ensuring that they meet all the necessary criteria efficiently and effectively.
- Career Opportunities Professionals who complete the training program open doors to new career opportunities in cybersecurity, audit, compliance, and risk management, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
Who is it recommended for?
The information on the AICPA website is aimed at CPAs. However, there are also guides available for IT managers. The site has more advice than actual training courses, which means that cost-conscious businesses can get free advice on SOC 2. Advice extends to secure supply chain management.
Pros:
- A website full of guides and news
- Updates on new techniques and practices
- News on regulation changes and industry activity
- Best practices in accounting for system management
- Cybersecurity guidance
Cons:
- There aren’t many formal training courses available
2. SANS Institute
The SANS Institute, a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity training and certification, has earned a stellar reputation for its courses. The SANS Institute’s SOC 2 training programs provide a trusted and effective path to mastering this complex framework. SANS Institute offers a range of courses tailored to different aspects of SOC 2 compliance, from foundational concepts to advanced topics. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, there’s a course for you.
Key Features:
- Free advice
- Security updates
- Cybersecurity training
- Threat notifications
Unique Feature
The SANS Institute is a provider of cybersecurity news and also provides training courses. The Institute has a range of IT management courses for improved security but doesn’t directly address SOC 2.
Why do we recommend it?
The SANS Institute provides warnings on hacker campaigns and new attack strategies with regular updates on its site and email notifications for those who sign up. The SANS Institute produces guidance on cybersecurity issues but it also explains the SOC 2 framework and has videos and blog posts with information on how it can be implemented.
SANS’ approach emphasizes hands-on learning. Students gain practical experience through labs, exercises, and simulations that mirror real-world scenarios. This practical knowledge is invaluable when implementing SOC 2 controls within an organization. There’s an opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as the GIAC Security Expert (GSE) certification, which can further enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your expertise in SOC 2 compliance.
SANS Institute courses are led by seasoned industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Their insights, combined with SANS’ cutting-edge curriculum, ensure that students receive up-to-date and practical knowledge. They offer various learning formats, including live in-person training, virtual classrooms, and self-paced online courses. This flexibility allows individuals and organizations to choose the format that suits their needs and schedules.
Who is it recommended for?
The site is aimed at IT professionals and particularly cybersecurity consultants. CPAs wishing to implement and manage SOC 2 should liaise with the IT manager to implement security controls. Most of the resources on the SANS Institute site are free and will be of interest to businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- A site full of cybersecurity advice
- Warnings of new threats and industry updates
- Security training and certification
- GIAC certifications
Cons:
- Not specifically geared to SOC 2
AICPA SOC 2 Guide: The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offers a comprehensive guide on SOC 2 compliance, including the Trust Services Criteria and related principles. This is a foundational resource for understanding SOC 2 requirements.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform owned by LinkedIn, a professional networking platform. Formerly known as Lynda.com before its acquisition by LinkedIn in 2015, LinkedIn Learning provides a wide range of online courses and video tutorials to help individuals acquire new skills, advance their careers, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Key Features:
- Third-party trainers
- Live lectures
- Completion quizzes
Unique Feature
This SOC 2 course is provided by a certified trainer and there are other courses available from a list of registered trainers on the LinkedIn platform.
Why do we recommend it?
This SOC 2 training course on the LinkedIn Learning platform is a seminar with live lectures given over a video conferencing service. The course also includes prepared materials, downloadable slides and guides, and stage completion quizzes. The full course is divided into five sections.
To help professionals and businesses understand and navigate SOC 2 effectively, LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive SOC 2 training program to help employees and organizations understand and implement SOC 2 compliance. LinkedIn Learning’s SOC 2 training program offers a valuable resource for professionals and organizations seeking to master and implement SOC 2 compliance. The courses are led by industry experts and experienced professionals who have practical knowledge of SOC 2 compliance.
Who is it recommended for?
The course description for the SOC 2 Compliance Essential Training course refers to the suitability of this training for software houses that need to implement a SOC framework in order to win clients. Those who complete the course get a downloadable certificate in PDF format.
Pros:
- Aimed at IT professionals
- Provides a completion certificate in PDF format
- A short course divided into sections of a few minutes each
Cons:
- Not an industry-recognized certificate
Upon completing the course, learners receive a certificate of completion, which can be added to their LinkedIn profiles or shared with potential employers and professional networks. LinkedIn Learning is integrated with LinkedIn, allowing users to easily share their course accomplishments on their LinkedIn profiles and connect their learning experiences with their professional profiles. LinkedIn Learning is available to users around the world, making it a valuable resource for individuals and organizations in diverse geographic locations.
4. Pluralsight
Pluralsight’s SOC 2 training program provides an in-depth exploration of the SOC 2 framework. This includes detailed coverage of the five Trust Services Criteria (TSC) that serve as the foundation for SOC 2 compliance: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Key Features:
- A training platform
- A library of courses
- Describes SOC 2
Unique Feature
Pluralsight is a platform for training courses that has built up a large library over the years. The Pluralsight service offers access to thousands of courses for a monthly fee.
Why do we recommend it?
The Pluralsight system is an affordable solution with many training courses on offer for one monthly fee. The SOC 2 course provides guidance that can be retaught. However, there is a Team rate available that would let all of your employees get access to up to 7,000 courses.
The courses are thoughtfully designed to ensure that learners gain a comprehensive understanding of SOC 2 requirements, with a strong emphasis on practical implementation. One of the hallmarks of Pluralsight’s training offerings is its commitment to delivering high-quality content through expert instructors. The SOC 2 courses are led by professionals with substantial expertise in SOC 2 compliance and related domains. Learners can benefit from their real-world insights and practical guidance, ensuring that they are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of SOC 2 compliance.
Pluralsight recognizes that effective learning extends beyond the passive consumption of content. As such, their SOC 2 training program includes interactive elements like hands-on exercises, case studies, quizzes, and practical demonstrations. These interactive components help reinforce key concepts, engage learners, and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
Who is it recommended for?
The SOC 2 course is part of a large library of courses with up to 7,000 available in the top plan. Pluralsight offers an Individual plan, which offers a good way for small businesses to get skills training for a small fee – one manager can learn about a specific topic and then use that knowledge to train other staff.
Pros:
- Explains the three versions of SOC
- A five-section course
- Downloadable notes
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide professional certification
Pluralsight’s online platform offers learners the flexibility to access SOC 2 training materials from anywhere at any time. This accessibility is invaluable for professionals with busy schedules or those looking to train geographically dispersed teams. The platform also provides progress-tracking features to help learners monitor their advancement through the course material.
5. Cybrary
Cybrary stands as a prominent online cybersecurity training platform, fostering a growing community where individuals, businesses, and training resources converge to facilitate collaborative learning in an open-source manner. Since its inception in 2015, Cybrary has garnered industry acclaim, amassing a user base exceeding 2 million individuals, with 96% of Fortune 1000 companies utilizing its platform for learning.
Key Features:
- A library of courses
- Suitable for individuals or companies
- Practical labs
Unique Feature
Cybrary is similar to the Pluralsight platform because one subscription gives access to a library of training courses. However, this service provides online labs so trainees can try out the new skills that they acquire on each course to confirm that they understand how the systems that they are learning work.
Why do we recommend it?
Cybrary offers good value for money and there is a Basic level plan that is free to use. This platform has fewer courses than the Pluralsight platform. However, there are still 2,000 training courses available that include cybersecurity topics for IT staff and security awareness training for clerks.
The overarching mission of Cybrary revolves around providing its users with top-tier training materials and career development resources while fostering connections among users, instructors, and mentors. Cybrary specializes in offering training for Security Operations Center Analysts (SOC Analysts), equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge required to navigate the intricate landscape of compliance and security. This presents a valuable opportunity for both individuals and organizations to bolster their understanding of security and compliance matters.
Who is it recommended for?
This system provides certification, which is great for companies that can tie employee promotions to achievements on training courses. All of the courses are delivered online and can be completed at the user’s pace. There is also a plan for individuals who want to improve their career prospects.
Pros:
- A subscription rate for individuals
- Corporate plans for career progression
- Cybersecurity courses
Cons:
- No specific SOC 2 courses
In the role of a SOC Analyst, your primary responsibility centers on safeguarding your organization’s digital assets, ensuring they remain impervious to unauthorized access. This entails the protection of both online and on-premise infrastructures, continuous monitoring of data to detect any suspicious activities, and the proactive identification and mitigation of potential risks to preempt security breaches.