In today’s digital-first business environment, SOC 2 compliance has become a critical trust signal for organizations that handle customer data. As we move through 2025, many companies are exploring whether they can streamline their compliance journey by focusing on just one Trust Service Criteria (TSC)—such as Availability—rather than pursuing all five.
But is this strategy effective? Let’s break it down.
What Is SOC 2 Compliance?
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a framework developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). It’s designed to evaluate how service providers manage and safeguard customer data.
SOC 2 is based on five Trust Service Criteria:
- Security – Protection against unauthorized access and system misuse
- Availability – Ensuring systems are available for operation as committed
- Processing Integrity – Accurate, complete, and timely processing of data
- Confidentiality – Protection of sensitive and confidential information
- Privacy – Proper handling of personal data throughout its lifecycle
Can You Achieve SOC 2 Compliance with Only the Availability Criteria?
Yes, organizations can pursue SOC 2 compliance by focusing solely on the Availability criteria. The framework is intentionally flexible, allowing companies to select the criteria that are most relevant to their services and customer commitments.
This tailored approach helps businesses align compliance with their operational goals.
SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: What’s the Difference?
Whether you’re focusing on Availability alone or multiple criteria, you’ll need to choose between:
- SOC 2 Type I – Evaluates the design of controls at a single point in time
- SOC 2 Type II – Assesses the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a defined period (typically 6–12 months)
Benefits of Focusing Solely on Availability
Choosing an Availability-only SOC 2 audit offers several potential advantages:
- Reduced Complexity – Fewer controls and processes to implement
- Lower Cost – A narrower scope often results in reduced audit expenses
- Faster Time to Compliance – Get certified more quickly
- Focused Resources – Concentrate efforts on availability and uptime infrastructure
Limitations of an Availability-Only Approach
While this approach can be practical, it’s important to consider the downsides:
- Incomplete Security Coverage – Doesn’t address critical areas like data protection or access control
- Client Expectations – Customers may expect broader SOC 2 coverage
- Competitive Pressure – Rivals with full SOC 2 certification may hold a market edge
- Future Revisions Needed – As your business grows, you may need to expand your SOC 2 scope
Is Availability-Focused SOC 2 Right for You?
This limited-scope approach may be ideal if:
- Your core service offering depends on uptime and reliability
- Clients primarily care about system availability
- You’re working with limited security or compliance resources
- You plan to gradually add more criteria over time
However, if you handle sensitive data or operate in a regulated industry (like healthcare or finance), a broader compliance scope including Security and Confidentiality may be more appropriate.
Key Controls for Availability-Focused SOC 2
To achieve SOC 2 compliance based on the Availability criteria, consider implementing the following:
- System Redundancy – Failover systems and high availability architecture
- Disaster Recovery – Documented and tested DR plans
- Performance Monitoring – Tools to track uptime and system performance
- Incident Response – Well-defined processes to respond to outages
- Change Management – Controls to ensure system changes don’t disrupt availability
Start Small, Scale Smart
Many organizations begin their SOC 2 journey with one or two Trust Service Criteria—like Availability—and expand over time. This phased approach enables you to:
- Build a strong compliance foundation
- Gain experience with SOC 2 audits
- Show a proactive commitment to data security
- Gradually scale your compliance efforts
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can achieve SOC 2 compliance in 2025 by focusing only on the Availability criteria. This can be a smart first step—especially for startups or SaaS companies emphasizing uptime.
However, make sure this limited scope aligns with both your business objectives and client expectations. Many organizations find that starting with a focused audit and gradually expanding to cover additional Trust Service Criteria provides the best balance between short-term results and long-term security.
Need Help Navigating SOC 2 in 2025?
Speak with a certified SOC 2 auditor or compliance expert to determine the best approach for your business and create a tailored roadmap for your success.