Is SOC 2 ISO? Understanding the Key Differences

Few things are more important in today’s increasingly digital landscape than data security, especially for Software as a Service (SaaS) providers and the companies that make use of their products. Among the key challenges they face is maintaining their adherence to stringent compliance standards.

Among the myriad of frameworks available, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 stand out as essential benchmarks for ensuring the security and integrity of systems and data. When it comes to compliance for SaaS, understanding the nuances of SOC 2 and ISO 27001 is crucial for businesses seeking to maintain trust and credibility in the industry. This is especially imperative when you consider that modern customers are quick to abandon even years-long relationships with companies if they suspect their data isn’t being kept entirely secure.

This article will delve deeper into the relationship between SOC 2 and ISO 27001 frameworks, their similarities and differences, and how you can achieve compliance efficiently and effectively.

Is SOC the Same as ISO?

While SOC (System and Organization Controls) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) both focus on enhancing security and compliance, they do serve different purposes.

• SOC 2 reports, developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), primarily assess the controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy within an organization.

• ISO 27001, by contrast, is a globally recognized standard that provides a systematic approach to managing information security risks across various industries and sectors.

Depending on the organization and industry, you may be required to comply with either (or both) of these frameworks, so they’re certainly worth understanding.

Is SOC 2 the Same as ISO 27001?

While the most common SOC and ISO frameworks—SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001, respectively—are often mentioned together, they have distinct scopes and considerations.

ISO 27001 vs SOC 2 Type 2: At a Glance

• SOC 2 is specifically designed for service providers, evaluating their systems and controls relevant to the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.

• On the other hand, ISO 27001 applies to organizations of all sizes and types, offering a comprehensive framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS).

Is SOC 2 Equivalent to ISO 27001?

The SOC 2 and ISO 27001 frameworks are only “equivalent” to each other in that they both relate to SaaS cybersecurity and have similar overarching objectives. Each provides a set of guidelines and best practices adaptable to a wide range of industries and use cases, serving as a sort of cybersecurity checklist for SaaS companies. Achieving compliance with either (or both) of these frameworks is an important step to take when looking to improve security measures and earn customers’ trust.

What Is SOC 2? The Standards, Explained

SOC 2 focuses on specific controls relevant to SaaS providers (whereas ISO 27001 encompasses a broader range of security practices applicable to organizations across various industries). So, while SOC 2 and ISO standards aren’t exactly the same or necessarily connected to each other, for many organizations achieving SOC 2 compliance is a stepping stone towards ISO 27001 certification, as many of the controls and practices overlap between the two frameworks.

What Is the Difference Between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Control Mapping?

Mapping controls between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 is essential for organizations aiming to comply with both standards simultaneously, which can be tricky without an effective compliance framework in place.

While there may be similarities in certain control objectives, each framework has its own set of requirements and assessment criteria. Understanding the nuances of control mapping (like SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 mapping 2021) ensures comprehensive coverage of security controls and minimizes redundancy in compliance efforts.

How Much Does SOC 2 Cost?

The cost of SOC 2 compliance varies depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the scope of services offered, and the level of readiness. Costs may include initial assessments, audits, remediation efforts, and ongoing maintenance.

There are many things a company can do to make maintaining ongoing compliance easier—for example, allocating appropriate resources for employee training, software tools, and third-party services to support their compliance initiatives. They can also subscribe to industry publications or other information sources to keep aware of the latest threats—and the latest developments in cybersecurity and compliance.

By prioritizing compliance efforts and leveraging the expertise of compliance professionals, SaaS providers can navigate the complexities of SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other relevant standards effectively. And not only does Investing in robust compliance programs enhance data security, it also strengthens the reputation and credibility of SaaS businesses in the competitive marketplace.

Elevate Your Company’s Compliance Practices with Trava Security

If you’re ready to take SaaS compliance to the next level, contact us today to explore our comprehensive compliance solutions tailored to your specific needs. Let our team of experts guide you through the intricacies of SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other common compliance frameworks, ensuring the highest standards of security and trustworthiness for your organization.