#013 SOC 2 vs ISO 27001

Two of the most common security frameworks. What's the difference?

Security frameworks like SOC 2 and certifications like ISO 27001 are becoming increasingly vital for companies that handle customer data. Over the past decade, ISO 27001 certifications have grown by over 450%. If you're working with enterprise customers, chances are you've been asked to provide a SOC 2 report or ISO 27001 certification. While both can be beneficial to land more customers, its important to know which one suits you best.

What is SOC 2?

• SOC 2 is a set of criteria that organizations must meet to adhere to industry security standards. It encompasses five categories: security, privacy, availability, confidentiality, and processing integrity. However, security is the most common.
• It is primarily used in the US and is a framework, not a certification. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) accredits the SOC 2 framework.

What is ISO 27001?

• ISO 27001 is a formal security certification with seven core requirements focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It's a top international security standard, making it valuable for businesses aiming to grow in markets like the EU and Japan.
• ISO 27001 certification can cover the entire company's Information Security Management System (ISMS) or be limited to specific product service offerings.

Which suits my business best?

• There's significant overlap between SOC 2 and ISO 27001, ranging from 53% to 90%. If a company is working towards SOC 2 compliance, they are likely also becoming more ISO 27001 compliant.
• Get to know both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 and where your customers are geographically located, SOC 2 is suited more for US companies while ISO 27001 is more on an international scale.

Key Differences Between SOC 2 and ISO 27001:

• Structure: SOC 2 is an attestation standard, while ISO 27001 is an international standard.
• Geography: SOC 2 is US-based, whereas ISO 27001 is global.
• Audit Result: SOC 2 results in an attestation report, while ISO 27001 results in a certification.
• Timing: ISO 27001 typically takes longer to achieve than SOC 2 due to the setup and build time on the ISMS.

Have a great week,

The Cycore Secure Team

Cycore Secure partners with organizations to build cyber resilience and ensure compliance. Founded in 2022 and based in Miami, we are a security and compliance firm serving clients globally. Our founding team has extensive experience as security leaders, and compliance experts across highly regulated industries. Cycore Secure offers virtual CISO services , cyber risk assessments, compliance auditing and management for HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and third party risk management. Learn more at cycoresecure.com or in our weekly newsletter.