If you’re pursuing SOC 2 compliance, you already know that security testing isn’t optional—it’s a core requirement that auditors scrutinize carefully. The challenge isn’t just conducting penetration tests; it’s producing the right evidence, tracking remediation effectively, and proving that identified vulnerabilities were actually fixed.

SOC 2 Type II audits specifically require organizations to demonstrate that security controls are not only in place but operating effectively over time. This includes regular security assessments, documented findings, clear remediation plans, and verification that fixes were properly implemented.

For many organizations, this creates a dilemma: traditional penetration tests are expensive, time-consuming, and produce reports that aren’t always aligned with what auditors need. The process often involves weeks of scheduling, back-and-forth communication, and waiting for final deliverables—all while your audit window is approaching.

What Auditors Actually Want to See

When reviewing your security testing controls, SOC 2 auditors are looking for specific evidence that demonstrates a mature, repeatable security assessment process. Here’s what they expect:

1. Clear Scope and Methodology

Auditors need to understand what was tested and how. This includes:

• Target systems and applications: What assets were included in the assessment?

• Testing approach: What methodologies were used (OWASP, NIST, etc.)?

• Timeframe: When was the testing conducted?

• Credentials and access levels: What level of access did testers have?

The scope should align with your Trust Services Criteria and demonstrate comprehensive coverage of systems that process, store, or transmit customer data.

2. Detailed Findings with Risk Context

Generic vulnerability scanners won’t cut it. Auditors expect:

• Specific vulnerabilities identified: What security issues were found?

• Risk ratings: Critical, High, Medium, Low classification with clear justification

• Business impact: How could each vulnerability affect your organization or customers?

• Reproduction steps: Detailed technical information proving the vulnerability exists

• Affected systems: Which specific assets are vulnerable?
  
  

3. Evidence of Remediation

Finding vulnerabilities is only the first step. Auditors need proof that you:

• Prioritized findings appropriately: Critical issues addressed first

• Developed remediation plans: Clear action items with owners and timelines

• Implemented fixes: Evidence of patches, configuration changes, or compensating controls

• Tracked progress: Documentation showing how remediation moved from identification to closure
  
  

4. Verification of Fixes (Retesting)

Perhaps most importantly, auditors want confirmation that remediation was effective:

• Retest results: Proof that previously identified vulnerabilities are now resolved

• Verification methodology: How were fixes validated?

• Timeline: When did retesting occur relative to initial findings?
  
  

5. Professional Attestation

Finally, auditors typically require:

• Penetration test certificate or letter: A formal document from the testing organization

• Firm qualifications: Evidence that testing was conducted by qualified security firms

• Independence: Demonstration that testing was performed objectively
  
  

The Traditional Approach: Why It Falls Short

Many organizations approach SOC 2 security testing by engaging a traditional penetration testing firm. Here’s what that process typically looks like:

1. Scoping calls (1-2 weeks): Multiple meetings to define scope, sign contracts, and schedule testing

2. Testing window (1-2 weeks): The actual assessment is conducted

3. Report generation (2-4 weeks): Waiting for findings to be formatted into a formal report

4. Remediation (your timeline): Your team works through issues with limited guidance

5. Retesting (1-2 weeks): Validation that fixes were effective

6. Final report (1-2 weeks): Updated documentation showing closure
   
   

Total timeline: 1-3 months, often costing $15,000-$50,000 or more.

The problems with this approach include:

• Slow turnaround times that may not align with your audit schedule

• Limited remediation support leaving developers to interpret findings alone

• Expensive retest cycles that discourage frequent verification

• Reports that require translation for auditor consumption

• Manual evidence collection across multiple documents and emails
  
  

How RedVeil Streamlines SOC 2 Security Testing

RedVeil was built specifically to address the compliance security testing challenge. Here’s how it transforms the traditional process:

1. On-Demand Testing When You Need It

Rather than scheduling testing months in advance, RedVeil lets you:

• Start testing immediately: No lengthy scoping calls or contracting delays

• Define your own scope: Select exactly which applications and APIs to test

• Run tests on your schedule: Align testing with your audit timeline, not vendor availability

• Test as often as needed: Subscription based pricing gives you the flexibility to test on your terms

This is particularly valuable when you discover your audit is approaching faster than expected, or when you make significant changes to your application that require new security validation.

2. Audit-Ready Evidence from Day One

Every RedVeil test automatically produces documentation aligned with auditor expectations:

• Comprehensive methodology documentation: Clear explanation of testing approach mapped to industry frameworks

• Detailed findings reports: Each vulnerability includes risk rating, technical details, business impact, and reproduction steps

• Remediation tracking: Built-in workflow to track issues from discovery to closure

• Retest verification: Automatic validation that fixes resolved the underlying vulnerability

• Penetration test certificate: Professional attestation suitable for auditor review

These artifacts are designed to be dropped directly into your audit evidence package without additional formatting or explanation.

3. Guided Remediation for Faster Resolution

One of the biggest challenges with traditional pentests is interpreting findings and determining the right fix. RedVeil provides:

• Specific remediation guidance for each vulnerability class

• AI-powered remediation chat: Ask Rune, our AI chatbot, questions about findings and get tailored guidance for your specific environment

• One-click remediation testing: Instantly verify fixes with automated retesting
  
  

This means your team can move from findings to fixes faster, without getting stuck on ambiguous recommendations or waiting for clarification from the testing team.

For SOC 2 Type II audits, this ongoing testing history is particularly valuable in demonstrating that controls operate effectively over the audit period.

Common SOC 2 Security Testing Questions

”How often should we conduct penetration testing?”

Most organizations test annually at minimum, with quarterly testing becoming the standard for mature security programs. RedVeil’s on-demand model makes quarterly or even monthly testing practical without budget constraints.

”What if we can’t fix everything before the audit?”

Auditors understand that some vulnerabilities may take time to remediate, especially in complex systems. The key is demonstrating:

• You identified and documented the issues

• You have a prioritized remediation plan

• You’re actively working toward resolution

• You’ve implemented compensating controls where necessary

RedVeil’s tracking system helps document this entire process.

”Do auditors accept automated penetration testing?”

Modern auditors understand that quality AI-powered testing can provide more comprehensive and consistent results than traditional manual testing. RedVeil uses advanced AI agents to conduct thorough security assessments. For organizations that require human attestation for compliance purposes, we offer an optional attestation service where security professionals review and validate the AI-generated findings.

”What if we make changes after testing?”

This is exactly why RedVeil’s on-demand model shines. Rather than treating security testing as an annual checkbox, you can retest after each significant change to maintain continuous validation of your security posture.

Real-World Benefits: RedVeil vs. Traditional Pentesting for SOC 2

Time to Evidence

• Traditional: 1-3 months from initial scoping to final retest report

• RedVeil: Days from first test to complete audit evidence package

Cost

• Traditional: $15,000-$50,000+ per engagement, additional fees for retesting

• RedVeil: Fixed annual subscription covering flexible testing and retesting

Flexibility

• Traditional: Fixed scope, difficult to adjust, lengthy change orders

• RedVeil: Adjust scope instantly, test on your schedule, iterate freely

Remediation Support

• Traditional: Limited follow-up, additional consulting fees for guidance

• RedVeil: Built-in remediation guidance, instant verification of fixes

Audit Alignment

• Traditional: Generic reports that may require interpretation for auditors

• RedVeil: Purpose-built artifacts designed for compliance requirements

Getting Started: Your 30-Day SOC 2 Prep Plan

If your SOC 2 audit is approaching and you haven’t conducted penetration testing yet, here’s a getting started timeline:

Week 1:

• Sign up for RedVeil

• Scope your initial test

• Launch comprehensive testing against your environment

Week 2:

• Review findings with your team

• Prioritize remediation work

• Begin addressing critical/high findings

Week 3:

• Continue remediation work

• Deploy fixes to production

• Run initial retests to verify

Week 4:

• Complete remaining fixes or document risk acceptance

• Final retesting and verification

• Export complete evidence package for auditors

This compressed timeline is only possible because RedVeil eliminates the scheduling, contracting, and coordination overhead that typically consumes months of the traditional pentesting process.

Conclusion: Security Testing That Works for Compliance

SOC 2 security testing requirements don’t have to be painful, expensive, or time-consuming. With the right approach and tooling, you can:

• Conduct thorough, professional penetration testing on your schedule

• Generate audit-ready evidence without manual compilation

• Remediate vulnerabilities faster with clear, actionable guidance

• Verify fixes instantly without expensive retest engagements

• Build a sustainable, repeatable security assessment process

RedVeil transforms security testing from a compliance burden into a streamlined workflow that actually improves your security posture while satisfying auditor requirements.

Start Your SOC 2 Testing in Minutes

RedVeil’s AI-powered security agents autonomously test your web applications, APIs, networks, and cloud infrastructure—just like a human pentester would, but faster and more affordably. Get started with:

• On-demand testing that starts in minutes, not weeks

• AI agents that discover multi-step attack paths and real exploitable vulnerabilities

• Comprehensive coverage across web apps, APIs, network, and cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure)

• Guided remediation with step-by-step fixes and code-level recommendations

• One-click retests to instantly verify your fixes work

• SOC 2-ready reports and penetration test certificates accepted by auditors

• Unlimited testing with flat annual pricing—test as often as you need

• Expert AI consultant (Rune) available whenever you need guidance

No scheduling. No waiting weeks for reports. No $20,000+ invoices for each engagement.

Get started with RedVeil and run your first comprehensive security assessment in under 5 minutes. Transform your SOC 2 compliance from a stressful scramble into a confident, continuous security validation program.