SOC 2 Policy Templates: Policies Auditors Often Expect

Auditors and enterprise buyers expect written policies that match how you actually operate. Below is a common policy set many SOC 2 programmes maintain — not an official AICPA rule that every company must have exactly twenty documents.

Related: Controls list · Checklist · CSA.

Policies “20+”: Treat the list below as a common policy set auditors often expect, not a fixed AICPA mandate of exactly 20 policies. Tailor names and scope to your organisation; keep versions approved and evidence of acknowledgement where claimed.

Common Policy Set (Illustrative)

Information security policy
Acceptable use
Access control / identity
Password / authenticator standards
Change management
Secure SDLC / application security
Vulnerability management
Incident response
Business continuity / disaster recovery
Backup and recovery
Logging and monitoring
Encryption / cryptography
Data classification / handling
Asset management
Vendor / third-party risk
Physical security (if applicable)
HR security / background checks (as applicable)
Privacy / data protection (if Privacy in scope)
Risk management
Security awareness training

Outline headings and ownership matrices are available on request via contact — no fake public Excel pack.

What Auditors Notice

Policies newer than practice (or vice versa)
Missing approval / version history
No link from policy to operating control evidence

How CyberSilo Helps

CSA stores policy versions next to mapped controls so Type I design narratives and Type II samples stay aligned.

Align Policies With Operating Evidence

Request policy outlines and map them into CSA before fieldwork.

Talk to CyberSilo SOC 2 Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AICPA require exactly 20 policies?

No. The common “20+” framing reflects market practice, not a fixed AICPA headcount.

Are templates enough to pass?

Templates help design. Operating effectiveness still needs evidence over the Type II period.

Should privacy policies always be included?

Include Privacy-related policies when Privacy criteria or personal-data commitments are in scope.

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SOC 2 Policy Templates: Policies Auditors Often Expect

Common Policy Set (Illustrative)

What Auditors Notice