ISO 27001 Certification vs. SOC 2 Attestation: What’s the Difference?

It is a common situation where you want to improve your data security but can’t decide between ISO 27001 certification vs. SOC 2 attestation. They both provide companies with strategic frameworks and standards to measure their security controls and systems. But what’s the difference, then?

In this article, we’ll provide an ISO 27001 and SOC 2 comparison, including what they are, what they have in common, how you can choose which one is right for you, and how you can use these certifications to improve your overall cybersecurity posture.

ISO 27001, also known as ISO/IEC 27001, is a set of standards and requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). These standards represent best practices for information security management, enabling organizations that apply them to ensure security across a number of assets.

ISO 27001 focuses on ensuring three key aspects of data protection:

1. Availability: Information is accessible to authorized users.
2. Confidentiality: Only authorized users have access to the data.
3. Integrity: Only authorized users can edit the information.

The SOC 2, or Service Organization Control 2, outlines organizational controls for five main service principles created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA): security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.

There are also two SOC 2 audits: Type 1 and Type 2.
SOC 2 Type 1: It evaluates an organization’s security program at a single point in time, providing a snapshot view of your current security posture.

SOC 2 Type 2:  It evaluates an organization’s security program over a longer period of time—usually six to 12 months. This audit is a valuable report because it provides a more comprehensive look at your security landscape.
The result of either SOC 2 audit is an attestation report confirming an organization meets SOC 2 standards.

Note: SOC 2 is not a certification; it is an attestation.

Choosing between ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2

Choosing a compliance standard depends on your requirements, resources, and goals.

When should I choose ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a good choice if you need to create an ISMS or have international clients. Because ISO 27001 is a universal standard around the globe, certification is recognized by all industries and regions.
ISO 27001 is also good for companies that want to implement a more rigorous assessment standard. While it requires more effort and investment, ISO 27001 certification can hold more weight for stakeholders and enhance the organization’s security credibility.

When should I choose SOC 2?

SOC 2 audits are great for organizations that already have an ISMS in place and just want to spot-check their current standards and policies. They are especially useful for organizations that want a customizable audit to target their assessments and surface key insights about their security systems and policies.
Consider using SOC 2 audits when you need a lighter-weight, cheaper assessment or if your business solely operates in North America.

When to Choose Both

ISO 27001 is a good certification to achieve in order to establish a fully compliant ISMS. This will lay the foundation for a robust security management system. From there, you can conduct regular SOC 2 audits to continuously improve standards and identify weak points that need addressing. Consider using both audits for a well-rounded security program that is compliant across borders.

ISO 27001 Certification vs. SOC 2 Attestation: What’s the Difference?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 both provide companies with strategic frameworks and standards to measure their security controls and systems against. But what’s the difference between SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001?

Let’s look at it by reviewing four key compliance aspects.

1. Scope
   Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have security controls that involve processes, policies and technologies to safeguard sensitive information. A study suggests that the two frameworks share 96% of the same security controls. The difference is which of those security controls you implement.
   ISO 27001 focuses on the development and maintenance of an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS provides a systematic approach for managing an organization’s information security.
   To achieve compliance, you must conduct a risk assessment, identify and implement security controls and regularly review their effectiveness.
   SOC 2, by contrast, is a lot more flexible. It comprises five Trust Services Criteria (TSC): Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy, but only the first of those is mandatory. Organizations can implement internal controls related to the other principles if they want, but it’s not necessary to achieve certification.
2. Market applicability
   Both frameworks are recognised globally, but SOC 2 is more closely associated with North America. If you’re based in that region, you’ll find that both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are common. Outside of North America, ISO 27001 is much more popular.
3. Certification process
   You must complete an external audit to certify for either framework. The only difference in this process is who conducts the audit. A recognised ISO 27001-accredited certification body must complete ISO 27001 certification. In contrast, a SOC 2 attestation report can only be performed by a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant). There’s also a slight difference in what certification looks like. Organizations that pass the ISO 27001 audit receive a certificate of compliance, whereas SOC 2 compliance is documented with a formal attestation. SOC 2 is not a certification but an attestation.
4. Project timeline
   The certification process is similar for ISO 27001 and SOC 2, with three stages you must complete.
   1. Conduct a gap analysis to determine which areas of the framework you’re already compliant with and where you need to make improvements. As part of this process, you should also define your security objectives and which areas of your organization will be covered.
   2. Identify which security controls are appropriate for your organization and take the necessary steps to implement them. This includes documenting your practices and establishing a method to review and improve your processes.
   3. The final step is the audit. Organizations often audit themselves before seeking accreditation, so they can fix any mistakes they find.
      Once you’re confident in your compliance practices, you can contact a certification body and arrange an ISO 27001 or SOC 2 audit. The length of time this will take depends on the amount of work needed to meet the standards. It should take about two or three months to implement SOC 2 and three to six months to implement ISO 27001.

What do ISO 27001 and SOC 2 have in common?

Despite some key differences between the two, both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 are important resources for organizations to evaluate and improve their security posture in line with best practices and industry standards. Completing certifications in one or both can reassure clients and investors that your systems are well-managed and your data is secure.
Both cover key areas of information security, including confidentiality, availability, and integrity. And, because there is significant overlap between the two frameworks, obtaining certification in one means you are already on your way to meeting standards for the other.
Neither standard is mandatory, but getting certified in ISO 27001 or attestation of SOC 2 helps organizations:

1. Build trust with vendors
2. Stay compliant with regulatory standards
3. Evaluate current data security practices and infrastructure
4. Improved data security systems

Both standards are recognized globally, but SOC 2 is most prevalent in the U.S. and ISO 20071 is popular internationally.

Simplifying ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Compliance

Achieving compliance with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 is a large undertaking that takes months. Because of the scope of the project, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds.

Here are a few tips for streamlining the process so you can get the best results quicker:

1. ‍Identify your goals early on:
   What are you trying to achieve in your security organization? Do you have an information security management system in place? Different clients or industries may require specific standards and certifications. Determine what your goals are early to clarify the scope and direction of your compliance project.
2. ‍Choose the right certification or report:
   Once you have your goals in mind, you can choose the certification or report that best aligns with those objectives. For instance, if you don’t have an ISMS, ISO 27001 can help you create a compliant framework to build one. Or, if you’re considering a SOC 2 report, consider whether you want a Type 1 or Type 2 report based on the goals, scope, and timeline involved.
3. ‍Estimate the required resources:
   Assess what resources and support you’ll need to get the job done. Both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 reports take months to complete. Do you have the staff, skills, technology, and leadership support you need? Identifying these resources ahead of time will make it easier to plan the project and prevent roadblocks along the way.
4. ‍Get buy-in:
   Securing buy-in from leadership and stakeholders is essential. Before starting your compliance project, make sure you have the necessary buy-in so you get the resources and support you need to complete it. Having the right support backing your project will streamline the entire process.

How do I obtain ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications?

ISO 27001 certification

To get ISO 27001 certification, an accredited registrar must audit your organization. In the U.S., auditors are typically affiliated with the ANSI National Accreditation Board.
The audit is divided into two stages:

1. Stage 1: Documentation Assessment: This is an informal review of the current ISMS and existing documentation. During this stage, the auditor will assess whether the documentation meets ISO 27001 requirements and point out any gaps or areas to improve the management system.
2. Stage 2: Certification Audit: This is the formal review. Once you’ve made any necessary changes that arose during Stage 1, the auditor will review your compliance with the ISO 27001 standard.

The certification process usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of your organization. Companies that get ISO 27001 certification demonstrate to consumers, clients, and investors that the organization has implemented best practices for protecting and securing its data.

SOC 2 Attestation

To demonstrate compliance with SOC 2 standards, you’ll need to complete an audit. In preparation for a SOC 2 audit, first decide on which type of audit you’ll be conducting: Type 1 or Type 2. Then, determine the scope of the audit, including which Trust Services Principles will be included, and document your policies.
Once your policies are in place, hire an external auditor through a licensed CPA firm to complete the review. The auditor will complete the following steps:

1. Review the audit scope
2. Develop a project plan
3. Test security controls
4. Document the results
5. Deliver the report

This report will detail the evaluation of your security controls and issue an opinion on whether the organization adequately meets SOC 2 standards. This is called an attestation report (not to be confused with official certification). The report attests to the organization’s compliance and provides evidence for leaders and stakeholders of the organization’s adherence to best security practices.

FAQs

1. Can ISO 27001 and SOC 2 work together?
   Absolutely. ISO 27001 and SOC 2 have overlapping standards with complementary requirements. ISO 27001 can help organizations build out robust ISMS, while SOC 2 can fill in the gaps and ensure ongoing improvement and flexible assessments targeted at your unique security framework.
2. Is ISO 27001 equivalent to SOC 2?
   No. ISO 27001 is a universal set of standards with comprehensive requirements for an ISMS. SOC 2 is a lighter-weight audit, customizable to the needs and goals of the organization being assessed, and is primarily used in North America.
3. When is ISO 27001 not enough?
   Having only ISO 27001 certification can put you at a competitive disadvantage when working with prospective partners and vendors that require SOC 2. By complying with both, you can expand your business reach while improving your security posture.
4. Is SOC 2 an alternative to ISO 27001?
   No. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have significant overlap, but the two standards are distinct and serve different goals.
5. Is ISO 27001 a legal requirement?
   No, ISO 27001 compliance is not mandatory. However, it does ensure robust security management and can help your organization maintain regulatory compliance in other areas.
6. Does ISO 27001 cover cybersecurity?
   Yes. ISO 27001 helps organizations design and implement information security management systems that ensure stronger cybersecurity compliance.
7. Can you be ISO- and SOC 2-Certified at the same time?
   Yes. In fact, getting ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 attestation is a great way to improve your management systems and controls, expand your business opportunities, and ensure regulatory compliance across industries.

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