SOC 2 Change Management & Software Development Engagement Letter Template

Last updated: July 2025

SOC 2 Compliance: Change & Software Development Workflow 

Purpose: To ensure robust SOC 2 compliance by providing a structured, repeatable workflow for managing changes, software development, testing, and implementation. 

Initiating Change 

☐ Clearly identify the need for the change (e.g., new feature, bug fix, security patch). 

☐ Document a formal change request, detailing its purpose, scope, impact, and timeline. 

☐ Assess potential risks and impacts of the change on system security, availability, integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. 

Planning & Design 

☐ Develop a detailed solution design, including architectural diagrams and functional specifications. 

☐ Define a comprehensive testing strategy (unit, integration, user acceptance, security testing). 

☐ Create a clear rollback strategy to revert the system if deployment issues arise. 

☐ Obtain all necessary approvals from relevant stakeholders (management, security, compliance). 

Development & Testing 

☐ Develop or modify code according to the approved design specifications. 

☐ Perform unit testing to verify individual components. 

☐ Conduct integration testing to ensure different system components interact correctly. 

☐ Execute security testing (e.g., vulnerability scans, penetration tests, code reviews). 

☐ Facilitate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with end-users. 

☐ Document all test results, including identified defects and their resolutions. 

☐ Address and thoroughly re-test any identified defects. 

Deployment 

☐ Finalize deployment scripts, configurations, and communication plans. 

☐ Perform the deployment in a controlled environment. 

☐ Verify successful deployment through post-deployment checks and monitoring. 

☐ Communicate the deployment status to all relevant stakeholders. 

Post-Implementation & Review 

☐ Continuously monitor system performance and stability after deployment. 

☐ Conduct a post-implementation review to evaluate the change’s success and control effectiveness. 

☐ Update all relevant documentation (e.g., system manuals, user guides, training materials). 

☐ Formally close the change request once all activities are complete.