Why SOC 2 Isn’t Just for Tech Companies Anymore

SOC 2 compliance has long been associated with SaaS and technology companies, but in 2025, that perception is outdated. Any organization handling sensitive data or delivering services to enterprise clients faces scrutiny from customers, regulators, and partners. SOC 2 is increasingly a universal requirement across industries.

Table of Contents

1. Why Non-Tech Companies Need SOC 2
2. Examples of Non-Tech Industries Adopting SOC 2
3. The Benefits of SOC 2 Beyond Tech
4. How ESM Global Consulting Helps Non-Tech Organizations Achieve SOC 2
5. Final Thoughts

Why Non-Tech Companies Need SOC 2

1. Data Security Is Universal

From patient records in healthcare to payment data in retail, sensitive information is everywhere. SOC 2 provides a standardized framework to demonstrate that controls are in place to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Customer Expectations Have Evolved

Enterprise clients and regulated organizations expect vendors, regardless of industry, to provide evidence of robust security practices. SOC 2 compliance shows that your business takes security seriously and meets modern risk management expectations.

3. Vendor and Partner Pressure

Non-tech businesses increasingly rely on third-party cloud services and software platforms. Many partners now require SOC 2 compliance before signing contracts or onboarding services.

4. Regulatory Compliance Overlap

Industries like healthcare, finance, and education often have overlapping regulatory requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR). SOC 2 can streamline compliance across multiple frameworks, reducing audit complexity and duplicative controls.

Examples of Non-Tech Industries Adopting SOC 2

• Healthcare: Clinics, labs, and telehealth services use SOC 2 to secure patient data and meet HIPAA requirements.

• Finance & Payments: Banks, lenders, and payment processors rely on SOC 2 for operational and client assurance.

• Manufacturing: Supply chain and IoT data need protection, especially when dealing with large enterprise partners.

• Education: Institutions managing student records and research data implement SOC 2 to secure sensitive information.

• Legal & Professional Services: Firms safeguarding confidential client information use SOC 2 to demonstrate operational rigor.

The Benefits of SOC 2 Beyond Tech

1. Builds Trust: Clients and partners gain confidence in your ability to handle sensitive data.

2. Competitive Advantage: Non-tech companies with SOC 2 reports stand out in RFPs and vendor evaluations.

3. Operational Excellence: The process of achieving SOC 2 drives better policies, monitoring, and internal controls.

4. Risk Reduction: SOC 2 helps prevent data breaches and operational failures, protecting your reputation.

How ESM Global Consulting Helps Non-Tech Organizations Achieve SOC 2

ESM specializes in guiding organizations across industries through SOC 2 readiness and audits. We:

• Assess and design controls tailored to your business operations

• Align SOC 2 efforts with other compliance frameworks (HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS)

• Streamline evidence collection and audit preparation

• Provide coaching for executives and operational teams to confidently demonstrate compliance

Our goal is to make SOC 2 a business advantage, not a burden.

Final Thoughts

SOC 2 is no longer exclusive to tech companies. Any organization that handles sensitive data, works with enterprise clients, or seeks to differentiate itself in the market can benefit. Beyond compliance, SOC 2 is a trust-building, risk-reducing, and growth-enabling tool.

Ready to make SOC 2 work for your industry? ESM Global Consulting can guide you through every step, from readiness to audit success.