Finding an Infosec auditor: What to look for

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Information security (Infosec) compliance is essential for organizations that handle sensitive data. Whether you're providing cloud services, processing payment information, or managing healthcare records, your customers and partners expect proof that your systems are secure. An Infosec audit provides that assurance—by evaluating how well your security controls meet the requirements of a trusted framework like ISO 27001, SOC 2, or PCI DSS.

But not all auditors deliver the same value. Choosing the right Infosec auditor directly affects the accuracy of your report, the efficiency of your audit process, and how stakeholders perceive your organization’s security posture. In this guide, we’ll break down how Infosec frameworks work, what to look for in an auditor, and how to avoid common mistakes—so you can navigate your next audit with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the Infosec landscape

At its core, Infosec protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information systems. Frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 translate these principles into a structured set of standards, controls, and expectations. They guide organizations in securing data and demonstrating accountability.

Service providers often seek a SOC 2 report to satisfy customer due diligence. Technology firms aiming to serve U.S. federal agencies pursue FedRAMP. Payment processors must comply with PCI DSS. Each framework serves a different trust requirement—but all involve a formal assessment conducted by a qualified third party.

The audit process typically includes several steps:

1. Defining the audit scope
2. Gathering and reviewing evidence of control implementation
3. Conducting interviews and technical testing
4. Delivering findings through an audit report (or certification, where applicable)

For example, ISO 27001 certification involves a two-stage audit, while SOC 2 includes either a Type 1 (design) or Type 2 (operating effectiveness) attestation issued by a licensed CPA. Your organization’s responsibilities continue after the audit—keeping controls effective and up to date is essential.

Qualities to look for in an auditor

A successful audit starts with choosing the right assessor. Look for these key attributes when making your selection.

Proven experience and proper accreditation. Your auditor must be accredited to issue the type of attestation or certification you need. For SOC 2, only licensed CPA firms may issue valid reports. ISO 27001 certification requires an accredited body certified to ISO/IEC 17021-1 and 27006-1. For PCI DSS, only Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) companies listed by the PCI Security Standards Council are authorized. Confirm that the auditing firm specializes in your framework and has experience in your industry.

Technical understanding that goes beyond checklists. Strong auditors interpret control requirements within the context of your actual systems. They can identify gaps, make risk-based observations, and offer defensible, corrective guidance. Look for individuals with credentials like CISSP, CISA, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor to ensure they understand both security principles and auditing standards.

Clear communication and collaborative mindset. Infosec audits require coordination across departments—from IT to legal to operations. The right auditor will engage your team with clarity, set realistic expectations, and avoid surprises. You want a partner who is helpful without compromising independence.

Use of modern audit tools. Evidence collection, control testing, and documentation can be time-consuming. Auditors that support automated evidence collection, secure file sharing, and workflow management reduce the burden on your team. Platforms that integrate directly into your systems make it easier to demonstrate control effectiveness and meet continuous monitoring requirements.

Credibility through references and proven results. Ask for examples of similar audits and references from organizations like yours. A reputable auditor should be transparent about their process, peer review standards, and independence.

Evaluating fit for your organization

Even the most experienced auditor may not be the right one for you if the scope or goals aren’t aligned.

Match the complexity of the audit to your readiness. A company doing its first SOC 2 Type 1 should work with an auditor accustomed to helping startups. An enterprise undergoing an ISO 27001 recertification may need deeper rigor. Consider whether the firm has worked with companies of similar size, tech stack, and compliance maturity.

Establish timelines, costs, and audit plans up front. Clarity avoids surprises. Understand your responsibilities during pre-audit, audit, and post-audit stages. A good auditor will offer a formal engagement letter, a realistic project timeline, and a plan for resolving any issues discovered along the way.

Coordinate with other compliance efforts. If your organization is working toward multiple frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001 and SOC 2), look for providers who understand cross-framework mapping. This can reduce duplicated effort and streamline evidence collection.

Common mistakes when choosing an auditor

Audit outcomes are only as strong as the auditor behind them. These missteps are more common than you’d think—and costly to address later.

Choosing based on price or speed alone. A low-cost provider may skip essential procedures, issue invalid reports, or leave you with more remediation work. Audits that look fast early on often encounter delays when gaps surface later.

Overlooking industry or systems experience. Make sure the auditor understands your environment. Cloud providers, SaaS platforms, and data processors each face different control challenges—especially in shared responsibility models. Misalignment here leads to inaccurate findings or missing controls.

Ignoring support after the audit. Your program doesn’t end with the report. Whether you need remediation help, continuous monitoring, or readiness for your next audit cycle, a partner who provides long-term guidance is far more valuable than a one-time checklist.

How Thoropass helps

Thoropass simplifies what can be a complex and resource-intensive process. We help you get certified or attested under the right framework, with qualified auditors who understand the landscape—SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FedRAMP.

Our platform combines automated evidence collection, real-time readiness dashboards, and integrated task management to keep audits on track. You connect your systems once, and Thoropass continuously monitors control effectiveness—giving you early warnings and smoother assessments.

We don’t just prepare you for audit, we manage it alongside you. Our independence is rigorously maintained, and our auditors never grade their own work. Whether you're pursuing your first report or maintaining a mature program, we simplify compliance without sacrificing rigor.

Schedule a discovery session today and see how we can help scale your security and compliance program with confidence.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Infosec auditor is more than a checkbox—it’s a strategic decision that impacts your risk posture, customer relationships, and operational burden. A strong auditor brings relevant credentials, technical acumen, collaborative practices, and secure tooling to the engagement.

Start early, think beyond the audit itself, and align on a partner who supports both your current goals and long-term roadmap. With the right approach and the right support, information security compliance becomes a business enabler, not a bottleneck.

FAQs about choosing an Infosec auditor

What’s the difference between an accredited auditor and a consultant?

Accredited auditors are authorized by national or governing bodies to issue certifications or attestations, such as ISO 27001 certificates or SOC 2 reports. Consultants can help you prepare but can’t conduct the official assessment. Always verify the auditor’s credentials for the applicable framework.

Can the same firm help me prepare and audit?

Yes, but they must maintain independence. For SOC 2, CPA firms must avoid reviewing their own advisory work. Some firms bifurcate services (e.g., readiness vs. audit teams) to preserve independence. Thoropass ensures independence between our ongoing compliance support and formal audit services.

How long does an Infosec audit typically take?

Timelines vary by framework and audit type. A SOC 2 Type 1 audit may take a few weeks, while a Type 2 typically spans months (to assess control operation over time). ISO 27001 Stage 1 and Stage 2 together can take several months. Starting with audit readiness helps reduce delays and surprises.