SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: the main differences

Learn all about the differences between two major information security norms: SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

We’ll discuss:

• What both of these norms aim to accomplish
• Which organizations can comply
• If compliance is mandatory
• The main differences between the two

Ready? Let’s dive right in.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the most well-known information security standard out there, worldwide. It’s consider the international standard for managing information security. It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system.

Key points of ISO 27001:

• Scope: International.
• Applicability: Any organization, regardless of size or industry.
• Focus: Information security management.
• Certification: Organizations can get certified by an accredited body to demonstrate compliance.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 is another well-known norm that focuses on customer data protection. The abbreviation standards for Service Organization Control 2. It’s based on five trust service criteria – security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It’s primarily designed for service providers storing customer data in the cloud.

Key points of SOC 2:

• Scope: Primarily U.S. but recognized globally.
• Applicability: Service organizations, especially those in technology and cloud services.
• Focus: Customer data protection.
• Attestation: An audit is performed by a certified public accountant (CPA), who provides an attestation report.

Key differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001

While both standards aim to protect data, they do so in different ways and for different audiences. Here are the main differences:

1. Scope and focus

• ISO 27001:
  • Scope: Broad, international focus on information security management for any organization.
  • Focus: Comprehensive ISMS (this is short for information security management system) covering all aspects of information security.
• SOC 2:
  • Scope: Focused on U.S. service organizations, particularly those handling customer data in the cloud. Even though the focus is on U.S. organizations, it’s internationally accepted.
  • Focus: Trust service criteria (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy).

2. Certification vs. attestation

• ISO 27001:
  • Certification: Organizations can achieve certification by undergoing an audit from an accredited certification body. Certification demonstrates compliance with the standard.
• SOC 2:
  • Attestation: Service organizations receive an attestation report from a CPA after an audit. This report assesses the organization’s controls based on the trust service criteria.

Before we continue, let’s first break down the differences between a certification and an attestation:

An attestation is performed by a CPA or an audit firm. The attestation aims to provide an opinion on how effective an organization’s security controls are.

A certification is conducted by an accredited certification body. When you’re certified, your organization has proven to meet requirements of a specific standard — in this case the ISO 27001 standard.

Now that we have that cleared up, let’s get back to our program:

3. Implementation

• ISO 27001: Organizations implement a structured ISMS, including risk assessment, treatment plans, and continuous improvement processes.
• SOC 2: Focuses on establishing controls related to the five trust service criteria. The organization must document and demonstrate these controls during an audit.

4. Audience and Market

• ISO 27001:
  • Audience: Any organization looking to enhance its information security posture.
  • Market: Widely recognized and applicable across various industries and countries.
• SOC 2:
  • Audience: Primarily service organizations, especially those providing technology and cloud services.
  • Market: Highly relevant in the U.S. but recognized by clients globally.

5. Regulatory and Client Requirements

• ISO 27001:
  • Regulatory requirements: Helps meet various regulatory requirements related to information security.
  • Client requirements: Often required by clients and partners to ensure robust information security practices.
• SOC 2:
  • Regulatory requirements: Addresses specific client and industry requirements for data protection, particularly in the tech and cloud sectors.
  • Client requirements: Commonly required by clients who need assurance about the security and privacy of their data.

Conclusion (TL;DR)

So there you have it.

The ISO 27001 and SOC 2 norms both have similar goals: protecting information. The main difference lies with who they cater to.

→ ISO 27001 provides a broad framework for information security across any organization in the world.

→ SOC 2 focuses specifically on U.S. service organizations — especially the ones that handle customer data in the cloud.

Complying with either of these standards can be a heavy task. Find a consultant in your area that can help you get certified/attested.