ISO 27001 vs SOC 2: Understanding the Differences

Many organizations ask: "Should we get ISO 27001 or SOC 2?" The answer often is: "It depends—and maybe both."

Quick Comparison

When to Choose ISO 27001

Best for:

• International business (especially Europe, Asia)
• Government contracts
• Highly regulated industries
• Organizations wanting prescriptive guidance
• Long-term security program development

Key advantages:

• Globally recognized
• Comprehensive ISMS framework
• Clear requirements
• Three-year certificate

When to Choose SOC 2

Best for:

• US-focused B2B SaaS companies
• Quick market access needs
• Customer-driven requirements
• Flexible control selection

Key advantages:

• Faster to achieve
• Flexibility in scope
• Detailed report useful for sales
• Type I available for initial proof

Control Overlap: 70-80%

Good news: There's significant overlap between the two frameworks.

Shared Control Areas

• Access control policies
• Risk assessment processes
• Incident response
• Change management
• Security awareness training
• Vendor management
• Encryption
• Logging and monitoring

ISO 27001 Unique Requirements

• Formal ISMS documentation
• Statement of Applicability
• Management review procedures
• Internal audit program
• Specific clause requirements

SOC 2 Unique Aspects

• Trust Service Criteria categories
• Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs)
• Service auditor report format
• Optional criteria (Privacy, Confidentiality, etc.)

SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria

1. Security (required) - System is protected against unauthorized access
2. Availability (optional) - System is available for operation
3. Processing Integrity (optional) - System processing is complete and accurate
4. Confidentiality (optional) - Information designated confidential is protected
5. Privacy (optional) - Personal information is handled appropriately

Type I vs Type II

SOC 2 Type I

• Point-in-time assessment
• Controls designed appropriately
• Faster to obtain
• Good for initial proof

SOC 2 Type II

• Period of time (typically 6-12 months)
• Controls operating effectively
• More valuable to customers
• Standard expectation

Mapping ISO 27001 to SOC 2

If you have ISO 27001, you're well-positioned for SOC 2:

Pursuing Both

Many organizations pursue both certifications. Strategy:

Option 1: ISO 27001 First

• Build comprehensive ISMS
• Map to SOC 2 criteria
• Efficient SOC 2 preparation

Option 2: SOC 2 First

• Faster initial certification
• Add ISO 27001 structure later
• May require rework

Option 3: Simultaneous

• Integrated implementation
• Combined audit preparation
• Efficient resource use
• Single evidence collection

Cost Comparison

Making the Decision

Choose ISO 27001 if:

• Global customer base
• Need prescriptive framework
• Want long-term certificate
• European/Asian markets

Choose SOC 2 if:

• US B2B SaaS
• Need quick compliance proof
• Customers specifically request it
• Want flexibility

Choose Both if:

• Diverse customer base
• Enterprise sales
• Maximum market access
• Building mature security program

Summary

ISO 27001 and SOC 2 are complementary, not competing. The 70-80% overlap means pursuing both is efficient. Start with whichever your market demands, then expand.

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