When a business chooses a managed service provider, they are not just buying IT support. They are trusting an outside company with their data, their infrastructure, and in many cases, their ability to operate securely and without interruption. In today’s threat landscape, that trust must be earned.
One of the strongest indicators that an MSP takes security seriously is a SOC 2 Type 2 certification. But what does that really mean, and why should businesses care about choosing an MSP that is SOC 2 Type 2 certified?
What SOC 2 Type 2 Actually Is
SOC 2 is a rigorous auditing framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs. It focuses on five trust service principles:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
A SOC 2 Type 1 report evaluates whether the right controls exist.
A SOC 2 Type 2 report evaluates whether those controls actually work consistently over a defined audit period.
Type 2 is the gold standard because it proves that an organization does not just document good practices, it follows them every day.
Why SOC 2 Type 2 Matters
It Proves the MSP Protects Your Data at a Higher Standard-
Most MSPs claim they follow best practices, SOC 2 Type 2 proves it through third party validation. It shows that the MSP’s internal operations such as password handling, access control, data encryption, change management, vendor risk, backup operations, and ticketing processes are monitored and verified over time. Clients are not relying on promises, they are relying on a proven and enforced system.
It Reduces Business Risk for the Client-
Your MSP handles extremely sensitive information on a daily basis. This includes remote access credentials, backups, domain administration, endpoint management, cloud configuration, and everything else attackers frequently target.
Working with am MSP that is SOC 2 Type 2 certified reduces risks associated with human error, weak internal hygiene, inconsistent onboarding and offboarding, poor documentation, and unauthorized access. SOC 2 Type 2 ensures that every process has guardrails. It Supports Compliance Requirements such as HIPAA, CMMC, NIST, ISO, PCI, and Cyber Insurance.
Heavily regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, biotech, and manufacturing face strict compliance requirements. A SOC 2 Type 2 certified MSP gives these organizations documented controls, annual audits, established security policies, logging and monitoring, access controls, and evidence that their vendor follows secure practices. This eliminates compliance gaps that many businesses do not realize exist when using a non certified MSP.
It Ensures the MSP Has Mature Internal Processes-
SOC 2 Type 2 forces an MSP to adopt a high level of operational maturity that many smaller IT companies do not have. This includes structured onboarding, background checks, documented escalation paths, change management, asset tracking, vendor management, ticketing consistency, and standardized monitoring. Clients benefit from fewer mistakes, faster support, and predictable outcomes.
It Protects Against Supply Chain Attacks-
Attackers increasingly target MSPs first because compromising one provider can unlock access to dozens of client networks. SOC 2 Type 2 requires strict access controls, multi factor authentication on all administrative tools, continuous monitoring, incident response procedures, least privilege access, secure credential storage, and complete audit trails. This reduces the risk that a compromise at the MSP becomes a compromise for every client.
Why Cinch I.T.’s SOC 2 Type 2 Certification Sets us Apart
Cinch I.T. is one of the very few MSPs in the region that maintains full SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. This is not a one-time certification. It is an ongoing commitment to operating at the highest level of security, accountability, and maturity.
Many MSPs operate without any formal framework. They may follow general IT “best practices,” but without third party audits or control requirements, there is no way to confirm consistency or effectiveness. This often leads to gaps in password management, insufficient access control, unclear onboarding processes, inconsistent backup procedures, undocumented changes, and minimal internal oversight.
Cinch I.T.’s SOC 2 Type 2 certification means the following:
- Every internal process is monitored, tested, and audited annually
- Every employee, system, and tool follows strict policies and controls
- All access, changes, and privileged actions are logged and reviewed
- Security is not optional or assumed; it is embedded in our culture
- Clients benefit from a higher level of protection, stability, and professionalism
For organizations that handle sensitive information, operate in regulated industries, or simply want to reduce business risk, working with an MSP that is SOC 2 Type 2 certified provides an additional layer of assurance that their technology environment is being managed responsibly.
The Bottom Line of Choosing an MSP That is SOC 2 Type 2 Certified
If an MSP is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, it means they have proven through objective auditing that their operations meet one of the highest security standards in the industry. For clients, this reduces cyber risk, simplifies compliance, and provides peace of mind that their technology partner is following strict, verified processes.
In a world where MSPs are prime targets for ransomware and supply chain attacks, SOC 2 Type 2 is no longer a luxury. It is a requirement for any MSP responsible for managing critical business systems.
About Cinch I.T.
Looking to gain greater control over your technology and security? We specialize in helping businesses like yours take proactive steps with strategic services, including a comprehensive IT Control Checklist Assessment. Our team is committed to being more than just a service provider, we’re your dedicated partner in achieving operational efficiency and peace of mind. With our fast, friendly, and transparent approach, you’ll always know where you stand and how to move forward with Cinch I.T.
Steve Lettery | Managing Partner of Cinch I.T. Springfield and author of The Next-Gen SMB: Technology & “Why Choosing an MSP That is SOC 2 Type 2 Certified Matters”
Looking to partner with an MSP that is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, smarter, friendlier, and has more secure technology solutions? Contact us today!
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