SOC 2 Policy Templates: Policies Auditors Often Expect

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.

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.

Related SOC 2 Resources

SOC 2 hub · Readiness · Read a report