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December 3, 2024
Business

What Is the Main Difference in Approach Between SOC 2 and ISO 27001?

ISO 27001

There are a few key differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001. SOC 2 focuses on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy controls, while ISO 27001 focuses on an organization’s entire information security management system. Keep reading to learn more about the key differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

How are SOC 2 and ISO 27001 different?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001

ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR are all-important compliance regulations that organizations must adhere to protect their customers’ data. The GDPR is a new EU data protection regulation that replaces the 1995 Data Protection Directive. It strengthens the rights of EU citizens regarding their personal data and imposes significant fines for organizations that violate its provisions. ISO 27001 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS is a framework that organizations can use to protect their data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. SOC 2 is a compliance standard developed by the AICPA that audits the controls of an organization’s information security management system.

SOC 2 focuses on specific controls related to security, privacy, and data availability, while ISO 27001 covers a wider range of organizational processes. SOC 2 audits are typically narrower in scope and may be used by organizations that have already achieved ISO 27001 certification or those seeking compliance with a specific regulation such as HIPAA. ISO 27001 certification is more comprehensive and can be seen as an indication of an organization’s overall management maturity. It also demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer data.

SOC 2 certifies an organization’s compliance with the Trust Services Principles (TSP), including security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The TSP is based on industry-specific standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). SOC 2 is often used by companies subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as it helps them meet the HIPAA Security Rule.

ISO 27001 is based on the ISO/IEC 27000:2013 standard, a framework for information security management. ISO 27001 is a global standard that provides requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS is a framework that can be used by an organization to manage and control its information risks. It provides guidance on how to manage risks and protect information. ISO 27001 is not specific to any industry and can be used by any organization that needs to protect its information and is looking to improve its security posture.

SOC 2 audits are typically less rigorous than ISO 27001 audits.

The main difference between SOC 2 and ISO 27001 is that SOC 2 audits are typically less rigorous than ISO 27001 audits. SOC 2 focuses on managing the systems that impact an organization’s services’ security, privacy, and availability. ISO 27001 focuses on the management of risk to information assets. SOC 2 audits are focused on the security of specific areas, such as information technology and customer data. In contrast, ISO 27001 audits are more comprehensive and cover all aspects of an organization’s security posture. Additionally, SOC 2 auditors are not required to be certified to ISO 27001 standards, while ISO 27001 auditors must meet specific requirements.

What are the key differences in the requirements of SOC 2 and ISO 27001?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001

The most significant difference is that SOC 2 focuses on security and privacy controls specific to the technology sector. SOC 2 focuses on data security, while ISO 27001 focuses on systems security. SOC 2 is also based on a particular set of criteria, while ISO 27001 is based on a framework that provides guidance on managing risk. SOC 2 is focused more on the effectiveness of the security controls. While ISO 27001 is more focused on the organization’s compliance with the standard and is a more general standard that can be applied to any organization.