SOC 2 is an auditing procedure created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). Unlike a Security Operations Center, SOC 2 is not an operational security function—it’s a compliance framework that documents your security controls. For a detailed explanation of the certification process, read our guide on what is SOC 2 certification and why it matters.

A SOC 2 audit evaluates your organization against five trust principles: Security (protection against unauthorized access), Availability (system uptime and reliability), Processing Integrity (complete, accurate, and timely data processing), Confidentiality (protection of sensitive information), and Privacy (proper handling of personal data).

Organizations that pass a SOC 2 audit receive a report showing they had appropriate security processes in place at the time of the audit. It’s essentially a snapshot of your security controls on a specific date.

Here’s what makes this difference crucial: SOC 2 verifies you established security controls—but doesn’t ensure those controls are being monitored, maintained, and used to defend against attacks.

A manufacturer approached Network Doctor for help after a ransomware attack, despite having SOC 2 certification. Their investigation revealed attackers had accessed their network for 94 days before encrypting systems. Their security tools generated alerts, but with no SOC monitoring them, no one responded until it was too late.

Even the best security controls provide limited protection without security professionals who can understand alerts in the context of your specific business, separate false positives from genuine threats, respond immediately when attacks are detected, and adapt to new attack techniques.

This is why Network Doctor combines our 24/7 SOC with virtual CISO leadership. Our security analysts provide the day-to-day monitoring and response, while our vCISO services provide the strategic guidance to continuously strengthen your security posture over time. Few MSPs offer either service—and even fewer offer both under one roof.

SOC 2 compliance proves you’re committed to security best practices and can satisfy vendor requirements. However, it’s a point-in-time assessment that doesn’t address the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Network Doctor’s Security Operations Center and vCISO services provide the constant vigilance and strategic guidance needed to protect your business.

Next, we’ll explore a troubling industry trend, how many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) prominently advertise SOC 2 compliance while lacking actual Security Operations Center capabilities.

For most businesses working with typical MSPs, this lack of genuine security operations creates dangerous exposure. Without 24/7 monitoring, attackers remain undetected for months. IBM’s research shows the average breach goes undetected for 258 days without SOC monitoring, versus just under 100 days with proper security operations. Automated tools generate numerous alerts that overwhelm non-specialized staff, causing critical warnings to go unnoticed.

When incidents are finally detected, MSPs without SOC expertise typically struggle with proper investigation and containment. Many businesses believe they’re protected when they’re not, leading to inadequate security investment. This creates a dangerous false sense of security.

Example: We recently helped a healthcare client recover from ransomware after their SOC 2 certified MSP missed clear warning signs. Our Network Doctor SOC team and vCISO performed forensic investigation and found attackers had access for over six months before encrypting systems. Their previous MSP had received—but never investigated—dozens of security alerts indicating compromise. Not only did we help them recover, but our vCISO developed a strategic remediation plan to prevent future incidents through proper business continuity planning.

To determine if your MSP has genuine security operations capabilities, ask directly: “Do you maintain a 24/7 SOC with dedicated security analysts?” Request specific analyst counts per shift. Ask what security certifications their analysts hold and look for CISSP, SANS GIAC, or Security+ at minimum. Inquire about their average time to detect and respond to incidents (Network Doctor’s SOC averages under 10 minutes for critical alerts).

Also ask if they provide virtual CISO services and how they integrate strategic security guidance with day-to-day monitoring. Request examples of how their SOC and vCISO have worked together to improve client security. Their answers will quickly reveal whether an MSP has true cybersecurity for small business protection or just security marketing.

In the next section, we’ll explain why having a genuine Security Operations Center matters for effective cybersecurity—and how Network Doctor’s combined SOC and vCISO approach provides comprehensive protection that compliance alone can’t deliver.