SOC 2 Audits and Attestations
SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 Audits from Experienced SOC 2 Auditors
MHM is a licensed Canadian CPA firm specializing exclusively in independent compliance audits. As dedicated SOC 2 auditors, we provide independent SOC 2 attestation services designed to help organizations demonstrate the effectiveness of their security controls and meet the security expectations of enterprise customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Our experienced auditors perform SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 examinations using a practical, risk-based approach that aligns with your technology environment, business objectives, and compliance requirements. We work closely with your team to deliver a thorough, efficient audit process while maintaining the independence and rigor expected of a trusted SOC 2 auditor.
Whether you are pursuing your first SOC 2 report, responding to customer requirements, or expanding your compliance program alongside frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001, MHM provides the expertise needed to complete a rigorous, efficient independent examination.
Why Organizations Choose MHM as Their SOC 2 Auditor
The Specialist Advantage: As an independent Canadian CPA firm specializing exclusively in compliance audits, MHM delivers authoritative SOC 2 attestation reports backed by technical expertise, independence, and rigorous execution. You can verify our firm registration through CPA Alberta's public registry. → Verify MHM's CPA firm registration
Direct Access to Senior Experts: Work directly with senior SOC 2 auditors who understand complex technology environments and deliver technically rigorous examinations from planning through reporting.
Built for Modern Infrastructure: Designed around cloud-native environments, SaaS platforms, and modern development practices, our audit process integrates efficiently with how technology organizations operate.
Thorough, Pragmatic, and Transparent: A structured audit process with clear communication, predictable timelines, and practical guidance at every stage.
Tailored for Your Stage of Growth: Whether you’re pursuing a Type 1 report to meet customer requirements or a Type 2 report to demonstrate operating effectiveness over time, we tailor the engagement to your organization’s business objectives, timeline, and compliance roadmap.
For early-stage companies evaluating the ROI of compliance, see our comprehensive guide on whether SOC 2 for startups is worth the investment.
Learn what to consider when selecting a SOC 2 auditor in our guide: How to Choose the Right SOC 2 Audit Firm.
The Unified Edge: Combined Multi-Framework Audits
Simplifying complex compliance journeys through coordinated multi-framework audits.
Integrated Multi-Framework Audit Approach: We identify opportunities to leverage common controls and evidence across multiple frameworks, reducing unnecessary duplication while maintaining the specific requirements of each audit standard.
Single Point of Coordination: A coordinated engagement team, streamlined audit schedule, and unified evidence collection process make even the most complex compliance programs more efficient.
Efficient Reporting Without Compromising Quality: MHM is one of the few specialized audit firms able to deliver comprehensive SOC and ISO audit reports within weeks rather than months. Our experienced auditors apply a focused, pragmatic approach that keeps engagements efficient while maintaining the depth and rigor organizations expect.
Organizations pursuing both SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 can benefit from a coordinated audit approach that streamlines evidence collection and reduces unnecessary duplication. Learn more about the benefits of combining SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 audits with MHM.
What is a SOC 2 Report?
At its core, a SOC 2 report demonstrates that your organization has designed and implemented controls to securely manage and protect client data. A SOC 2 report evaluates your controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria, providing independent assurance over security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
For modern technology companies, a SOC 2 report is more than a compliance exercise. It is an important business credential that helps satisfy customer security due diligence, accelerate vendor reviews, and build trust with prospective clients.
Whether you are pursuing a point-in-time Type 1 report to demonstrate that controls have been appropriately designed or a Type 2 report to provide assurance that those controls have operated effectively over time, MHM delivers an efficient, well-managed audit process.
For more guidance, see our:
Understanding the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 examinations are based on the AICPA Trust Services Criteria, which provide the framework for evaluating an organization's controls over security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Organizations select the criteria most relevant to their services, customer commitments, and risk environment.
MHM helps organizations determine the appropriate scope using our framework for understanding the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, performing independent examinations designed to provide meaningful assurance to customers, partners, and stakeholders.
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Evaluates controls designed to protect systems and data from unauthorized access and security threats.
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Assesses whether systems and services are reliable, resilient, and available to meet business commitments.
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Evaluates whether systems process information accurately, completely, and as intended.
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Reviews controls protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
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Assesses how personal information is collected, used, retained, and protected.
SOC 2 Compliance Hub: Articles, Tips, and Resources
SOC 2 Audit Questions & Answers
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A SOC 2 audit is an independent assurance engagement that evaluates an organization’s controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. These criteria focus on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
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Organizations that store, process, or transmit customer data, especially technology and SaaS companies, often require an independent assurance report to meet customer, partner, or regulatory expectations. description
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A SOC 2 report is based on five trust services criteria:
Security
Availability
Confidentiality
Processing Integrity
Privacy
When selecting the criteria for your first audit, it's common for organizations to start with Security as their baseline. From there, additional criteria can be added based on the following factors:
Stakeholder requests: If specific stakeholders need to see coverage of certain criteria.
Existing commitments: If contracts or regulatory requirements mandate particular categories.
Unique organizational needs: If your business needs to showcase specific controls or systems that align with additional criteria.
By starting with Security it lays the groundwork for your organization's basic controls. Adding extra categories too early can add unnecessary complexity to your first audit. Additional categories can be incorporated over time as your organization matures.
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When deciding whether to pursue SOC 2 Type 1, Type 2, or both, it's essential to consider your organization's specific needs and goals. A Type 1 report assesses the design of your controls at a specific point in time and is suitable for organizations that:
Are new to SOC 2 and establishing a compliance baseline.
Need to demonstrate compliance for a particular event, such as a funding round.
Are in the early stages of their service offerings.
In contrast, a Type 2 report evaluates the operational effectiveness of your controls over a defined period (typically 6-12 months), making it ideal for organizations that:
Want to show ongoing compliance and effectiveness of controls.
Need to provide assurance to clients about the reliability of their systems.
Are aiming to strengthen their market position with clients requiring robust security standards.
Some organizations may choose to obtain both types of reports -beginning with a Type 1 to establish initial compliance and then following up with a Type 2 to demonstrate that their controls are functioning effectively over time. Ultimately, the choice between Type 1, Type 2, or both should align with your organization’s current status, client requirements, and long-term compliance goals, and consulting with a compliance expert can provide valuable guidance in making this decision.
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For most organizations, a Type 2 report covers a period of 12 months. A 6-month period is often ideal for a first Type 2 audit. This duration provides enough time to test the operational effectiveness of controls while allowing a buffer to address any issues.
A 6-month engagement also enables organizations to receive their first Type 2 attestation report in a timely manner, while still giving auditors sufficient evidence to evaluate control performance.
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Absolutely! SOC 2 attestation reports can provide significant advantages for businesses of all sizes. For small and medium-sized businesses, having one of these reports can level the playing field against larger competitors, demonstrating that they meet industry standards for security and compliance.
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Yes. MHM provides SOC 2 and ISO audit services in Canada and internationally, including SaaS and technology-driven companies.
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SOC 2+ refers to the practice of combining a SOC 2 examination with additional compliance frameworks. This approach allows organizations to demonstrate broader security and regulatory alignment within a single engagement.
Common frameworks added to scope include HIPAA, GDPR, NIST, and other industry standards. If you’re looking to showcase multiple compliance efforts efficiently, our team can help design the right approach.
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Look for an independent CPA firm with deep experience in cloud-native environments. A quality auditor won't just hand you a report; they will ensure your SOC 2 attestation process is streamlined, clear, and aligned with your modern engineering workflows.
Ready to start your SOC 2 audit? Speak with our senior auditors to discuss your compliance objectives, timeline, and the right approach for your organization.