ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

 In today’s digital world, data security is a top priority for businesses. Organizations must comply with security standards to protect customer data, prevent cyber threats, and build trust. Two of the most widely recognized security frameworks are ISO 27001 and SOC 2.

Both frameworks focus on information security, but they serve different purposes and industries. In this blog, we’ll compare ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2, their key differences, benefits, and which one is right for your business.

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1. What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management. It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company and customer data through an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

🔹 Developed by: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
🔹 Focus: Establishing, implementing, and maintaining an ISMS
🔹 Best For: Any organization handling sensitive data

Key Features of ISO 27001

✅ Comprehensive security framework covering people, processes, and technology
✅ Focus on risk management and continuous improvement
✅ Certification process includes independent audits
✅ Globally recognized across all industries

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2. What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a compliance framework developed by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). It focuses on how organizations manage customer data based on five Trust Service Criteria (TSC):

🔹 Developed by: AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)
🔹 Focus: Data security, privacy, and service provider trustworthiness
🔹 Best For: Cloud-based and SaaS companies

5 Trust Service Criteria of SOC 2

✅ Security – Protection against unauthorized access
✅ Availability – Ensuring system uptime and performance
✅ Processing Integrity – Ensuring accurate and timely data processing
✅ Confidentiality – Protection of sensitive business data
✅ Privacy – Handling of personal data in compliance with regulations

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3. Key Differences Between ISO 27001 and SOC 2

Feature	ISO 27001	SOC 2
Purpose	Establishing an ISMS	Assessing data security controls
Focus	Security risk management	Trust and compliance for service providers
Framework	Standardized ISMS framework	Based on 5 Trust Service Criteria
Industry	Global (IT, healthcare, finance, etc.)	Primarily SaaS, cloud, and tech companies
Regulation	International standard	US-based compliance framework
Certification	Requires third-party audit & certification	Attestation report (SOC 2 Type I & II)
Validity	3 years (with yearly audits)	1 year (renewed annually)

💡 Key Insight: ISO 27001 is a global security standard, while SOC 2 is more specific to cloud and SaaS companies.

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4. ISO 27001 Certification vs. SOC 2 Attestation

🔹 ISO 27001 Certification

• Requires a third-party audit
• Organizations receive an ISO 27001 certificate
• Certification is valid for three years (with annual audits)

Read More: ISO 27001 Certification vs SOC 2