Until their auditor requests proof, many businesses think SOC 2 doesn’t call for penetration testing. Knowing what to expect and how to prevent expensive delays is essential if you’re getting ready for SOC 2 compliance.
This guide breaks down exactly what auditors look for in 2025 and how to prepare.
Is Penetration Testing Required for SOC 2?
SOC 2 does not, in theory, specifically require penetration testing. Nonetheless, it is highly advised due to two Trust Services Criteria:
- CC6.1: Identifying and managing vulnerabilities.
- CC7.1: Monitoring system components and detecting security events.
In practice, most auditors expect you to conduct penetration testing as proof that your controls work in the real world.
A documented pen test shows proactive risk management, particularly for SOC 2 Type II, which evaluates control effectiveness over time.
The Role of Pen Testing in SOC 2
Penetration testing supports SOC 2 compliance by:
- Validating that your security controls aren’t just policies but are working effectively.
- Showing you’re actively identifying and mitigating risks.
- Providing evidence to customers and regulators that you take security seriously.
It’s challenging to demonstrate that your environment is secure beyond theoretical controls without a reliable pen test.
What Auditors Look For
If your auditor asks for penetration testing evidence, here’s what they typically expect:
- Scope: All in-scope systems, applications, APIs, and cloud environments.
- Methodology: Manual testing—not just automated vulnerability scans.
- Timing: A recent assessment, ideally within the last 12 months.
- Evidence: Proof of exploitation, not just detection.
- Reporting: A clear report showing findings, risk ratings, and remediation steps.
- Retesting: Evidence that critical vulnerabilities were fixed and verified.
What Should Be in Your Pen Test Report
Your penetration test report should include:
- Executive Summary: High-level overview of findings and business impact.
- Scope & Approach: Details of assets tested, tools used, and testing methods.
- Detailed Findings: Clear descriptions, severity ratings, and screenshots or logs.
- Recommendations: Actionable remediation steps prioritized by risk.
- Retest Results: Confirmation that fixes were applied effectively.
This level of detail helps auditors understand your security posture without further clarification.
Common Mistakes Companies Make
Even well-intentioned teams get tripped up by these mistakes:
- Submitting only automated vulnerability scans rather than pen tests by hand.
- Not testing every system within the scope.
- Testing too soon or too late.
- Delivering ambiguous reports devoid of any indications of exploitation.
- Avoiding retests following remediation.
Any of these can delay your audit or lead to findings you’ll need to resolve.
How Bluefire Redteam Helps You Meet Auditor Expectations
At Bluefire Redteam, we make sure your penetration testing meets SOC 2 standards without compromise:
- Human-led, manual testing: Simulating real attackers, not just running tools.
- Audit-ready reports: Structured and mapped to SOC 2 criteria.
- Full-scope coverage: Web apps, APIs, cloud, and internal systems.
- Remediation guidance: Clear steps to fix issues.
- Retesting support: Validation that fixes the work.
When you work with Bluefire, you’re not just checking a box—you’re demonstrating security maturity.
Ready to Make SOC 2 Penetration Testing Simple?
Book a free SOC 2 readiness consultation to see how we can help you prepare confidently.