How much does SOC 2 cost for a startup?

Typically $20-40K all-in for Type I, including penetration test and audit. The enterprise deal it unblocks is usually $100K or more.

How long does SOC 2 take?

Type I takes 6-12 weeks. Type II requires a 6-12 month observation period. Most initial enterprise buyer requirements are satisfied by Type I.

What's the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?

Type I is a point-in-time snapshot that proves your controls exist. Type II covers a period (usually 6-12 months) and proves your controls work over time. More sophisticated enterprise buyers require Type II.

Can I pass enterprise security review without SOC 2?

Sometimes, depending on the buyer. Some enterprise customers accept detailed security questionnaire responses and penetration test reports. Others require SOC 2 as a hard prerequisite.

Do I need a full-time security hire?

Probably not until $50M+ ARR or 200+ employees. Until then, fractional security leadership (virtual CISO) plus project-based work like penetration testing and compliance support covers most needs.

How do I respond to a security questionnaire?

Security questionnaires like SIG, CAIQ, and VSAQ follow common patterns. Building a reusable answer library and having someone experienced review responses significantly reduces turnaround time and improves pass rates.

FinTech Startup Builds Regulatory-Ready Security Program from the Ground Up

Sokn Engineering partnered with Adversis to protect intellectual property, secure applications and infrastructure, and establish compliance with SEC, FTC, and CFTC cybersecurity requirements—gaining both regulatory confidence and a clear framework for ongoing security decisions.

Welcome to Strategis

Regulatory frameworks addressed (SEC, FTC, CFTC), with validated controls, tailored policy guidance, and a response plan the team can execute with confidence.

Challenge

As a growing FinTech company, Sokn Engineering needed to protect its intellectual property and business interests while meeting cybersecurity regulations from multiple federal agencies. The team wanted more than a compliance checklist—they needed to understand their actual risk posture and build security practices that would scale with the business.

Solution

Adversis began with a realistic threat model tailored to Sokn's business environment, examining critical operations, technical architecture, likely threats, and potential impacts. The engagement combined technical assessment—workstations, network configurations, cloud infrastructure, and public-facing services—with policy development and process review. Throughout, the team translated technical findings into plain language, ensuring leadership and staff understood both the risks and the rationale behind each recommendation.

Company

Sokn Engineering

Industry

Financial Technology

Services

Security Advisory, Infrastructure Security Assessment, Policy Development

Sokn Engineering had built something worth protecting. As a FinTech startup navigating SEC, FTC, and CFTC cybersecurity requirements, the team needed to secure their intellectual property and infrastructure while establishing a compliance foundation that wouldn't slow them down.

Adversis started where effective security programs begin: understanding the business. Through initial consultation, the team developed a realistic threat model that considered Sokn's critical operations, technical architecture, and the specific risks facing a company in their space. This assessment went beyond regulatory checkboxes to examine business, technical, and procedural exposures.

The technical review covered the full environment—workstations, network and WiFi configurations, cloud infrastructure, publicly accessible services, and potential credential exposures. Adversis also reviewed business processes to ensure appropriate controls were in place and evaluated offline procedures for potential disruptions.

What made the engagement effective wasn't just the assessment—it was the translation. Through multiple conversations, Adversis converted technical findings into guidance the team could actually use. Sokn Engineering received tailored cyber policy documentation, clear direction on technology usage, and a framework for evaluating risk questions as they arise.

The outcome: Sokn's leadership and staff now operate with confidence in their security posture and compliance standing. They have validated controls, clear response plans, and substantially reduced liability exposure.

"Adversis took the time to get to know our needs and went above and beyond when they assisted us with a complex problem. The reports that were provided to us are very easy to understand and thorough."— Cassie Monaco, CEO