SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an independent audit and reporting framework used to evaluate how well a service organization protects customer data and operates secure, reliable systems. SOC 2 reports are based on the AICPA Trust Services Criteria and are widely requested in B2B procurement for cloud platforms and connected infrastructure services.
SOC 2 is not a “certification” in the same way as ISO standards—it is an assurance report produced by an independent auditor.
Why SOC 2 Matters in EV Charging Infrastructure
EV charging ecosystems rely on connected systems (CSMS, billing, roaming, remote updates) that handle sensitive operational and user data.
– Demonstrates security and operational maturity of charger backends and cloud services
– Reduces procurement friction for enterprise customers, fleets, and public-sector tenders
– Supports trust for integrations involving OCPP, OCPI, payment processing, and identity
– Provides evidence for vendor risk management and third-party due diligence
– Helps structure controls around monitoring, incident response, and change management
SOC 2 is especially relevant for operators and software providers that manage chargers, sessions, user accounts, or remote configuration at scale.
The SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 reports assess controls against one or more criteria:
– Security (common baseline in most SOC 2 audits)
– Availability (system uptime and resilience commitments)
– Confidentiality (protecting sensitive business information)
– Processing integrity (system processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely)
– Privacy (handling personal information according to disclosed commitments)
Many organizations start with Security and add other criteria based on customer requirements.
SOC 2 Type I vs Type II
SOC 2 reports come in two common forms:
– Type I: evaluates whether controls are designed appropriately as of a specific point in time
– Type II: evaluates control design and operating effectiveness over a period (commonly several months)
Type II is typically more valuable for customers because it demonstrates controls working consistently over time.
What SOC 2 Typically Covers in Practice
SOC 2 programs usually involve controls across people, processes, and technology.
– Access control and identity management (least privilege, MFA, joiner/mover/leaver)
– Logging, monitoring, and alerting (including escalation workflows)
– Vulnerability management and patching (secure OTA updates where relevant)
– Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC), change management, approvals
– Incident response procedures and evidence of execution
– Backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity (availability focus)
– Data encryption in transit and at rest, key management, secrets handling
– Vendor management and third-party risk controls
How SOC 2 Connects to EV Charging Operations
SOC 2 is often requested for systems that influence charging availability or handle charging data.
– CSMS platforms controlling charger configuration, authorization, and session data
– Roaming and billing systems that exchange tariffs and transaction records
– Remote support tools and device management used by operations teams
– Cloud services storing charger telemetry, fault logs, and customer reporting data
– Integrations with payment platforms, CRM, or fleet management systems
SOC 2 can also support strong internal governance for cybersecurity, uptime processes, and service delivery.
Key Benefits of SOC 2
– Builds customer trust and accelerates vendor qualification
– Improves internal security discipline through formalized controls and evidence
– Strengthens operational reliability and change management
– Creates clearer accountability across engineering, operations, and support teams
– Provides a recognized report format for security questionnaires and audits
Limitations to Consider
– SOC 2 is scoped to specific systems and services; it does not automatically cover everything a company does
– A SOC 2 report does not guarantee a system is “secure,” only that controls were assessed against defined criteria
– Implementation can be time- and resource-intensive, especially for Type II evidence collection
– Customers may still require additional requirements (data residency, penetration testing, ISO 27001 alignment)
Related Glossary Terms
Cybersecurity
ISO 27001 compliance
Incident response plan
Security monitoring center (SOC)
Secure boot
Secure firmware
Secure OTA updates
Patch management
Access control
Data privacy