Which type of SSAE audit report is a cloud customer most likely to receive?

The most relevant type of SSAE audit report for a cloud customer is SOC 2 Type 2. This report focuses on the effectiveness of a service organization's controls related to data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy over a specified period of time. Cloud providers often undergo SOC 2 Type 2 audits to demonstrate their commitment to security and compliance, making it critical for customers to understand the effectiveness and operational efficiency of the controls in place.

SOC 3 reports are generally less detailed than SOC 2 reports and primarily serve as a public-facing summary of the results of the SOC 2 audit. While they can provide valuable insight, they do not offer the same depth of information regarding the operational effectiveness of controls over time, which is crucial for making informed decisions about cloud service providers.

SOC 1 reports, both Type 1 and Type 2, are more focused on the internal controls over financial reporting and are not primarily concerned with the broader aspects of service organization controls that pertain to cloud security and compliance. These reports would be less relevant to a cloud customer's needs concerning data protection and operational security.

Thus, for a cloud customer seeking assurance regarding the security and effectiveness of a cloud provider's controls, a SOC 2 Type 2