What is the purpose of a SOC 3 report?

A SOC 3 report is designed to provide a summary of the effectiveness of an organization's controls related to the security, availability, and confidentiality of its systems, particularly as it pertains to the trust services criteria. This type of report is intended for general use and can be freely distributed to stakeholders, customers, and the public. Its primary purpose is to instill confidence among clients and potential clients by transparently communicating how the organization handles data and protects user privacy.

In contrast to other types of system and organization control reports, such as SOC 1 and SOC 2, which are often more detailed and intended for specific audiences, the SOC 3 report is a more concise, general-purpose report. Organizations share SOC 3 reports to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards of security and data protection, thus enhancing trust and credibility in their operations. This is particularly significant in today's digital landscape, where customers are increasingly concerned about data security and privacy.