CISOnow

SOC 2 Readiness Partner

Location: Ashburn, VA, US

Works with Thoropass

Key Facts

Pricing:
Custom quote
Platforms:
Thoropass
Best For:
SMB, Mid-Market
Industries:
SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, +1 more

CISOnow is based in Ashburn, VA. They work with SMBs and mid-market companies. They primarily serve clients in SaaS, Technology, and Financial Services.

CISOnow is a leading provider of virtual CISO advisory services and managed security services, offering gap assessments, compliance support for SOC 1, SOC 2, PCI, HITRUST, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA, and a proprietary C3 Cybersecurity Assessment.

Service Type

SOC 2 Readiness and Gap Analysis

Company Size Focus

Pricing

Custom quote

Compliance Platforms

CISOnow commonly works with clients using Thoropass.

Trust Signals

  • Thoropass partner
  • US-based

Who CISOnow May Be a Fit For

Based on CISOnow's experience and focus areas, these buyer profiles are likely a strong fit. Confirm details directly with the firm before making a decision.

  • Companies in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare looking for a firm with sector-specific experience.
  • SMB and Mid-Market organizations that want a firm experienced with companies at their stage and budget level.
  • Teams using Thoropass who want a firm already familiar with their compliance tooling.

What to Evaluate Before Engaging This Readiness Partner

Before engaging a SOC 2 readiness partner, evaluate the following to make sure the firm is the right fit. A strong readiness engagement sets the foundation for a smoother formal audit.

Credentials and Standing

Verify the firm's SOC 2 experience, relevant certifications, and client references. Readiness partners do not need a CPA license, but deep SOC 2 expertise is essential.

Scope and Deliverables

Clarify what the engagement includes: gap analysis, control design guidance, remediation support, and documentation templates. Understand where the readiness engagement ends and the formal audit begins.

Timeline and Availability

Ask for a written timeline from kickoff through audit readiness. Understand how the readiness timeline coordinates with your planned audit start date.

Pricing Transparency

Ask whether fees are fixed or billed hourly, what triggers additional charges, and whether the quote includes all phases of the engagement.

Read more: How to choose the right SOC 2 firm · SOC 2 audit cost guide

Questions to Ask CISOnow

Use these practical questions during an introductory call to evaluate fit, scope, and working style.

  • How many SOC 2 readiness engagements does your team complete per year?
  • What is your experience preparing SaaS companies for SOC 2?
  • How do you work with clients using Thoropass?
  • Is pricing fixed-fee or time-and-materials?
  • What is the expected timeline from kickoff to audit readiness?
  • Do you have audit firm partners you recommend once we are ready?
  • Who will be my day-to-day point of contact?
  • Can you share a sample engagement letter or deliverable?

See all recommended questions: Questions to ask your SOC 2 partner

About CISOnow and SOC 2 Readiness

What industries does CISOnow have SOC 2 experience in?
CISOnow serves clients in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, and Healthcare. Working with a readiness partner that understands your industry helps ensure the right controls are in place before your formal audit begins.
What size companies does CISOnow work with?
CISOnow works with SMB and mid-market companies. A readiness partner matched to your company stage will better understand your control environment and offer pricing that fits your budget.
Does CISOnow work with compliance platforms like Thoropass?
Yes. CISOnow has experience with clients using Thoropass. A readiness partner familiar with your platform can help you map controls to evidence more efficiently and reduce friction when the formal audit begins.
Where is CISOnow located?
CISOnow is headquartered in Ashburn, VA. SOC 2 engagements are typically conducted remotely, so industry experience and platform familiarity matter more than physical location, though overlapping time zones can make coordination easier.
How do I know if CISOnow is the right SOC 2 readiness partner for my company?
Start by comparing CISOnow's industry experience, platform support, and pricing against at least three other readiness partners. Ask each firm for references from companies similar to yours in size and sector. Review their track record of helping companies achieve clean SOC 2 reports. Finally, verify that their proposed timeline aligns with your compliance deadline.
What makes CISOnow different from other SOC 2 readiness firms?
CISOnow specializes in SaaS and Technology companies and integrates with Thoropass, giving them a narrower focus than most general-practice readiness consultants. That specialization typically translates to more relevant control recommendations and faster preparation.
Is CISOnow a good fit for first-time SOC 2 preparation?
CISOnow works with SMB, Mid-market companies, which suggests familiarity with organizations at various stages of SOC 2 maturity. If this is your first time, ask about their gap analysis process, how they help design controls, and what deliverables you will receive at the end of the engagement.
How does CISOnow's pricing compare to other SOC 2 readiness firms?
CISOnow's listed pricing is Custom quote. SOC 2 readiness costs vary based on scope, company size, and how much hands-on help you need fixing gaps. Request line-item proposals from multiple firms to make an informed comparison.

CISOnow vs Other SOC 2 Readiness Firms

This table shows how CISOnow stacks up against other SOC 2 auditors across pricing, audit timeline, industry specialization, and platform compatibility.

CISOnow compared with other SOC 2 audit firms
FirmIndustriesCompany SizesPlatformsPricingTimeline
ThoropassSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSeed, SMB, Mid-marketThoropassCustom quoteVaries
A-LIGNSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseDrata, Hyperproof, Secureframe, VantaCustom quote6-8 weeks
Compass IT ComplianceSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-marketNot listedCustom quoteVaries
Lazarus AllianceSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSeed, SMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries
Smith + HowardSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries

Best SOC 2 Readiness Partner for SaaS

How Much Does CISOnow Charge for SOC 2 Readiness?

SOC 2 audit pricing depends on engagement scope, audit type, and firm. Here is what we know about CISOnow's pricing and the factors that affect cost.

Factors that affect SOC 2 audit cost

Audit type

Type I audits (point-in-time) are generally less expensive than Type II audits (operating effectiveness over 3 to 12 months).

Company size and complexity

Larger companies with more systems, employees, and data flows require broader audit scope and more evidence collection.

Industry and regulatory overlaps

Industries with additional frameworks (HIPAA, PCI DSS, FedRAMP) often require expanded scoping and cross-mapping.

Readiness assessment

Some firms bundle a readiness gap analysis; others charge separately. A readiness phase can reduce surprises during fieldwork.

Compliance platform usage

Using platforms like Drata, Vanta, or Secureframe can reduce evidence collection time, which may lower auditor fees.

Timeline urgency

Fast-track or expedited audits often carry premium pricing due to scheduling and resource allocation constraints.

For a detailed breakdown: How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?

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