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Making an informed decision about which information security framework to adopt for your organization, it’s essential to understand the key differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001. SOC 2 is a compliance framework that focuses on your organization’s systems and data security. It’s based on the Trust Services Principles (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy) and is designed to help organizations meet the requirements of their customers and other stakeholders. ISO 27001 is an information security management system (ISMS) standard that provides a framework for managing information security. It’s based on a risk management approach and helps organizations identify, assess, and manage data security risks. Keep reading to learn more about these two compliance standards SOC 2 vs ISO 27001.
What are the differences between SOC and ISO?
Society of CPAs (SOC) 2 is an auditing framework that assesses an organization’s security, privacy, and confidentiality controls. It’s based on ISO/IEC 27001, a standard for information security management. SOC 2 audits are performed by certified auditors and are used to report on the effectiveness of security controls to customers and other interested parties. SOC 2 audits can be performed against either a service or a system.
ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS is a framework that organizations can use to protect their information assets.
The SOC 2 standard is focused on the trust principles of security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The ISO 27001 standard is more comprehensive and covers all aspects of information security management. It also includes requirements for risk management, disaster recovery planning, and personnel security.
The main difference between the two standards is that the SOC 2 standard is specific to service organizations, while any organization can use the ISO 27001 standard. The SOC 2 standard is also less rigorous than the ISO 27001 standard. Organizations that want to comply with both standards can use the ISO 27001 framework to implement the controls specified in the SOC 2 standard. SOC 2 audits are based on the Trust Services Principles (TSP), while ISO/IEC 27001 audits are based on the ISO/IEC 17799 standard. SOC 2 reports are intended for customers and other interested parties, while ISO/IEC 27001 reports are for certification bodies.
How do I decide which certification is right for me?
When choosing a certification for your organization, it’s essential to understand the different certifications and what each one covers. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are the most common security certifications. These certifications provide a framework for improving information security, but they cover different areas.
SOC 2 focuses on the security of data processing and IT operations, while ISO 27001 focuses on protecting information itself. This means that organizations that need to ensure the safety of their data should get a SOC 2 certification. In contrast, organizations that need protection against unauthorized access or theft should get an ISO 27001 certification.
The main difference between the two types of certification is the level of detail required in the documentation. For a SOC 2 audit, the auditor will review your organization’s controls against the Trust Services Principles. For an ISO 27001 audit, the auditor will review your entire ISMS against specific requirements in the standard. This includes organizational policies and procedures, risk assessment methodology, human resources management practices, and technical security controls.
The cost of certification also varies depending on which organization you choose. Some third-party assessors offer fixed-price packages for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audits, while others charge by the hour. Generally speaking, expect to pay more for an ISO 27001 audit than a SOC 2 audit.
Overall, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are essential frameworks for organizations to maintain a high level of security and compliance. However, SOC 2 is more specific to the security of information systems in service organizations, while ISO 27001 is more general and covers a broader range of security controls. Organizations should consider both frameworks when designing their security and compliance programs.
