SOC 2 compliance for MSPs: how to deliver it as a managed service

SOC 2 is one of the most commonly requested compliance frameworks for technology companies selling to US enterprise customers. MSPs that can deliver SOC 2 as a managed service are winning high-value clients in the technology sector. Here is how to do it with 6clicks. 

Who this is for: MSPs targeting technology companies, SaaS vendors, and organizations selling to US enterprise clients.

 

TL;DR

 

• SOC 2 Type II attestation is increasingly required for technology vendors selling to US enterprise and government clients
• SOC 2 Type II preparation with traditional consultants can cost tens of thousands of dollars, often ranging from USD 30,000 to 80,000 depending on scope and readiness. MSPs using 6clicks can deliver the same outcome more efficiently and at a lower cost.
• 6clicks includes a pre-built SOC 2 control framework and assessment mapped to all five Trust Services Criteria
• MSPs can deliver SOC 2 readiness in 4–6 months using 6clicks and Hailey AI
• SOC 2 clients generate recurring maintenance revenue, with many engagements continuing for multiple years.

What SOC 2 compliance involves

SOC 2 is an attestation standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for evaluating controls at service organizations. It is based on five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):

1. Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access (required for all SOC 2 reports)
2. Availability: The system is available for operation as agreed
3. Processing integrity: The system processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized
4. Confidentiality: The information designated as confidential is protected
5. Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed appropriately

SOC 2 comes in two types:

• Type I: Evaluates whether controls are designed and implemented appropriately at a specific point in time
• Type II: Evaluates whether controls operated effectively over a period (typically 6–12 months) — this is generally considered the stronger level of assurance and is commonly expected by enterprise buyers

How MSPs deliver SOC 2 using 6clicks

Phase 1: Scoping and readiness assessment (weeks 1–4)

Using 6clicks, the MSP scopes the SOC 2 engagement by determining which Trust Service Criteria apply, then runs a readiness assessment against the relevant controls. Hailey AI maps the client's existing controls to SOC 2 requirements and generates a gap report.

Phase 2: Control implementation (months 2–4)

The MSP uses 6clicks to guide the client through implementing missing controls:

• Deploy a SOC 2-aligned control set from the Content Library
• Automate control testing and evidence collection
• Run assessments with a turnkey SOC 2 template mapped to the Trust Services Criteria
• Raise issues directly from control tests and assessments using Hailey AI
• Monitor remediation progress

Phase 3: Evidence collection period (months 4–10 for Type II)

For SOC 2 Type II, controls must be evidenced over a minimum 6-month period. 6clicks supports both manual and automated evidence collection, automatically maps evidence to controls and requirements, and maintains a centralized, auditable evidence trail.

Phase 4: Auditor support and ongoing maintenance

Once the client engages an accredited CPA firm for the SOC 2 audit, 6clicks generates the control evidence package and other necessary documentation. Post-attestation, the MSP manages ongoing compliance maintenance as a subscription service.

How 6clicks helps MSPs differentiate in the SOC 2 market

Traditional SOC 2 delivery is typically consultant-led, with Type II readiness engagements frequently running into tens of thousands of dollars—often in the USD 30,000–80,000 range depending on scope and complexity. MSPs using 6clicks can offer:

• Managed service delivery (ongoing subscription, not a one-off project)
• Faster time to readiness (4–6 months vs. 9–18 months)
• Lower total cost over a 3-year program
• Integrated compliance management alongside IT services

Frequently asked questions