SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: Which Security Standard is Right for You?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have been the most common contenders in the compliance landscape, and many companies ask us which one they need. Is one better than the other? The answer depends on several factors and can vary depending on what you’re looking for.

Read on to understand the differences and similarities between the two frameworks and which one to choose when.

What are SOC 2 and ISO 27001?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Control) is known as a voluntary standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that applies to service organizations handling sensitive customer data. The AICPA specifies that organizations must maintain control effectiveness to meet the 5 Trust Services Criteria—Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity and Privacy.

whereas,

ISO 27001, also known as ISO/IEC 27001, is an international standard that outlines the requirements for developing and maintaining an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS). The framework’s goal is to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, thereby minimizing information security risks.

The standard was developed in 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in partnership with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The current standard was updated in 2022 and you can learn more about ISO 27001 requirements here.

What is the difference between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?

SOC 2 is an information security framework popular in North America that assesses how a company manages data based on the Trust Service Criteria, while ISO 27001 is a global standard that certifies an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS).

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are trusted frameworks for safeguarding data. SOC 2 emphasizes cybersecurity controls for customer data, whereas ISO 27001 focuses on the overall effectiveness of an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Area of focus	SOC 2	ISO 27001
Focus	Evaluates the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls to protect customer data.	Assesses the overall effectiveness of an organization’s ISMS for managing information security.
Purpose	SOC 2 can be used as a customer trust tool and to win better deals in the US market.	ISO 27001 certification showcases that the business prioritizes information security and has a strong ISMS.
Timeline	SOC 2 Type 1 requires 4-8 weeks while SOC 2 Type 2 requires 3-12 months.	ISO 27001 implementation and audit process typically take around 3-10 months, with ongoing monitoring.
Type of framework	A compliance framework based on the AICPA Trust Service Criteria.	An international standard developed by ISO for managing information security systems.
Application	Tailored for service organizations, particularly those handling customer data.	Applicable to organizations of any size, across industries, seeking a structured ISMS.
Certification process	Results in an attestation report issued by an independent auditor (Type I or Type II).	Results in formal certification awarded by an accredited certification body.
Scope of coverage	Focuses on specific Trust Service Categories, such as Security, Availability, and Privacy.	Covers broader information security practices across the organization, including risk management.
Geography	More commonly used in the United States.	Recognized and valued globally as an international standard.
Audit type	Independent attestation engagement (Type I: point-in-time, Type II: operating effectiveness over a period).	Formal certification audit (Stage 1 + Stage 2) followed by periodic surveillance and recertification audits.
Auditor required	Licensed CPA firm (or equivalent) registered and qualified to perform SOC examinations.	Accredited certification body (CB) with ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation.
Pricing range	$5,000–$25,000 (Type I) | $7,000–$50,000 (Type II).	$30,000–$60,000 for certification audit.

Here are the detailed differences between SOC2 and ISO 27001:

1. Scope and Focus

SOC 2, scope can be limited to one Trust Service Criteria, ie. Security is the mandatory criterion. The applicability of other criteria depends on the type of services the organization provides. Therefore, SOC 2 is a flexible compliance framework that requires organizations to implement between 70 and 150SOC 2controls, depending on the Trust Service Categories selected.

ISO 27001 focuses on all aspects of information security and requires organizations to establish, maintain, and continuously improve an ISMS. In this case, the organization cannot choose controls as ISO 27001 requires organizations to implement all 93 controls in Annex A under ISO 27001.

2. Control Requirements

While both frameworks strengthen an organization’s security posture, they differ significantly in how controls are defined, selected, and evaluated. 

SOC 2 enables organizations to select controls based on relevant Trust Service Criteria, providing flexibility tailored to their business needs. 

ISO 27001, on the other hand, mandates a comprehensive set of Annex A controls as part of a formal ISMS, requiring systematic implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

3. Attestation Vs Certification

SOC 2 results in an attestation report issued by a CPA firm that evaluates how well an organization meets Trust Service Criteria. At the same time, ISO 27001 is a formal certification granted by an accredited body that verifies the effectiveness of an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS).

There is no such thing as a SOC 2 certification; instead, the audit results in an attestation of a SOC 2 report. 

When comparing ISO 27001 certification to SOC 2 attestation, understanding the key differences in frameworks and results can help organizations determine which standard aligns better with their business goals and regulatory requirements.

💡 Quick Note

SOC 2 is an attestation, ISO 27001 is a certification.

SOC 2 checks whether your controls are adequate. ISO 27001 checks if your entire security system is built and managed correctly.

SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 Audit Process: Side-by-Side Comparison

4. Target Market

SOC 2 is in high demand in North America and is widely accepted by U.S. companies. However, digital businesses outside the USA are now demanding SOC 2 reports due to the rigor and reputation of the standard.

SOC 2 is widely adopted by service organizations that handle sensitive customer data, such as Cloud service providers, SaaS providers, and IT services. Vendors often request it as part of their due diligence to ensure data security.

Read how Kodif moved towards enterprise readiness with SOC 2 compliance

ISO 27001 compliance, on the other hand, is globally recognized and accepted by companies worldwide as a means of ensuring information security.
While vendors may not specially request ISO 27001, you can always capitalize on its credibility and win enterprise clients, as it is good to have. It is used in industries such as IT, Finance, telecommunications, and healthcare.

One of our clients, Giift, was dealing with enterprise customers and wanted to minimize the time taken to fill out security questionnaires. They opted for ISO 27001 with Sprinto and completed implementation in 8 weeks. Ever since they have achieved the certification, the time taken to respond to these questionnaires has been significantly reduced. Read the story here

5. Framework Structure and Audit

The SOC 2 framework structure is centered around the 5 Trust ServiceCriteria, with over 60 requirements under each. The organization is audited based on the chosen Trust principles and the security criteria are mandatory. SOC 2 audit results in a SOC 2 report, which can be either Type 1 or Type 2. 

A SOC 2 Type 1 evaluation assesses the design of controls at a specific point in time. A SOC 2 Type 2 assessment evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a period of 6-12 months.

ISO 27001 structure is organized into clauses and annexes. The ISO 27001 controls are high-level and are grouped under four themes: People, Organizational, Technological, and Physical. The latest version features 93 controls, and the ISMS is audited according to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.

ISO 27001 has a two-stage external audit process. Stage 1 audit involves a preliminary review of the ISMS, followed by a detailed Stage 2 audit that evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of the information security system.

The certification is issued after Stage 2 audit, and surveillance audits are annually conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.

6. Timelines

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 timelines can vary greatly. For instance, the SOC 2 compliance timeline changes based on the type of compliance you are opting for. 

For SOC 2 Type I, the process can typically take anywhere from 2-3 months, depending on factors such as:

• The maturity of your existing controls.
• The complexity of your organization.
• The availability of documentation and resources.

SOC 2 Type II compliance, on the other hand, involves demonstrating the operational effectiveness of your controls over a defined period—6 to 12 months, broken down into:

1. Preparation phase (1-3 months): Readying your controls, addressing gaps, and implementing necessary processes.
2. Observation period (3-12 months): Operating controls and collecting evidence during the defined observation period.
3. Audit phase (1-2 months): Completing the audit and receiving the final report.

ISO 27001, on the other hand, can take between 6 and 24 months due to the comprehensiveness involved.

Regarding renewals, SOC 2 compliance is valid for one year and requires an annual renewal audit. ISO 27001 is valid for 3 years, but requires annual surveillance audits.

7. Granularity of Report

The SOC 2 report is more granular, providing details on every aspect of the audit. It includes the external auditor’s opinion, management’s assertion, system description, list of adequate controls, and tests.

The ISO 27001 report is less granular, providing a bird’s-eye view of the audit findings. It does not highlight which parts of the systems have non-conformities.

Similarities between ISO 27001 and SOC 2

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are usually compared because they share certain similarities. Let’s have a look at these similarities:

1. Voluntary but internationally recognized

Both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 are voluntary standards and not mandatory regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. However, both are internationally recognized and in huge demand because of the focus on stringent information security requirements.

2. Control overlap

ISO 27001 and SOC 2 have more than 90% control overlap as they aim to protect sensitive information. Some examples of common controls include incident management plans, access controls, physical security, change management, vendor management, and data backups.

Here’s AICPA’s downloadable ISO 27001 vs SOC 2 mapping in excel.

3. Focus on information security

The primary goal of both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks is to ensure that information is protected against unauthorized access and disclosure. SOC 2 aims to maintain customer data privacy and security, while ISO 27001 concerns ensuring a secure ISMS.

4. Key to building trust with clients

ISO 27001 and SOC 2 are widely accepted by customers and key market differentiators when you are looking for enterprise deals.

When our client Recruit CRM found their compliance confidence, they onboarded 2 enterprise clients within 30-45 days.

5. Third-party validation

Both security standards require external audits or assessments. In the case of SOC 2 the third-party validation results in an attestation while for ISO 27001 it results in certification.

6. Ongoing maintenance and improvement

None of the frameworks are a one-and-done process and require ongoing maintenance and improvement for period assessments. This requires a continuous monitoring mechanism for both to stay ever-compliant.

Which framework should you use? ISO 27001 vs SOC 2?

ISO 27001 vs SOC 2, the decision between this would rest on your organization’s target market, customer requirements, and your security posture and ambitions.

While many organizations eventually grow to get both frameworks, if you have to choose one over the other, here are some factors worth considering.

The two compliances aren’t mutually exclusive. For that matter, they overlap roughly 80% depending on the size of the organization and the scope of the audit. So, you could also consider pairing the two.

From an audit standpoint, the overlap of requirements and controls makes the compliance journey relatively easier. Besides, in our experience, most organizations typically go on to add both frameworks as they grow and expand in new geographies.

Take the guesswork out of SOC 2 compliance! Download our free SOC 2 Self-Assessment to assess your current setup, identify gaps, and plan your next steps with ease. Get your copy today and set yourself up for smooth, confident compliance.

Do you need both ISO 27001 and SOC 2?

No, you don’t essentially need both ISO 27001 and SOC 2, but having both can strengthen your security posture and build broader trust. Having said that, SOC 2 is often preferred in the US (especially for SaaS companies), while ISO 27001 carries more weight internationally and demonstrates a formalized, long-term commitment to information security.

Use Cases of ISO 27001 & SOC 2

Here’s a typical use-case comparison between ISO 27001 and SOC 2:

Use Case/Industry	ISO 27001	SOC 2
Global Enterprises	✔ (widely recognized internationally)	✔ (less common outside the US)
SaaS & Cloud Providers	✔	✔
Healthcare	✔	✔
Financial Services	✔	✔
Regulatory Compliance	✔ (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)	✔ (mainly US-based clients)
Customer Trust/Procurement	✔	✔
Annual Attestation	Optional (certification valid 3 yrs)	Required (annual SOC 2 report)

Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 can be complementary to each other, and many organizations pursue both certifications to meet the diverse needs of their clients and regulatory requirements.

The smarter way to get compliant

If you have international clients with a strong presence in the US, you’ll mostly need both frameworks. However, since the standards overlap by about 90%, you can simultaneously prepare for both without duplicating efforts. This is where compliance automation platforms like Sprinto precisely play their part.

Sprinto helps you easily map standard controls, minimizing the effort required to gather evidence repeatedly. So, for example, if access controls are a requirement under both frameworks, you’ll implement them once with the platform, and Sprinto will automatically collect evidence for both regulatory requirements to expedite the certification process.

You can also use our tool Cross Sprint to easily check the effort required to become compliant with multiple frameworks.

Read how DNIF achieved SOC 2 and ISO 27001 readiness in 14 days! The company leveraged Sprinto’s documentation templates, integrated various applications with Sprinto for automated evidence collection, and streamlined compliance with automated workflows.

Want to see Sprinto in action? Talk to us today and get SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance with ease.

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