SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 – Which Certification Should You Choose ?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS), while SOC 2 is a U.S.-based framework focused on data security and privacy for service organizations. ISO 27001 is certifiable and globally recognized; SOC 2 offers attestation through an independent audit. Both aim to build trust, but differ in scope, geography, and compliance processes.

Table of Contents

• What is SOC 2 Certification ?

• What is ISO 27001 ?

• SOC 2 or ISO 27001: How to Choose Based on Your Industry and Clients ?

• SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: Which One is Best for Your Business ?

What is SOC 2 Certification ?

SOC 2 is a compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The goal of SOC 2 is to ensure that third-party service providers securely store and process customer data.

SOC 2 reports are well-known in North America, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, making them more relevant in these markets compared to ISO 27001.

What is ISO 27001 ?

ISO 27001 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It defines a framework for implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

ISO 27001 is widely recognized worldwide, with high demand from organizations, particularly in Europe.

SOC 2 or ISO 27001: How to Choose Based on Your Industry and Clients ?

	SOC 2	ISO 27001
Objectives	Protection of customer data and transparency for third parties.	Aims to establish a comprehensive information security management system.
Compliance Requirements	Based on five trust principles	Formal risk management approach.
Validity and Duration	Report valid for 12 months	Certification valid for 3 years with annual audits.
Target Market	USA and Canada	International

Need help choosing between SOC 2 and ISO 27001? Contact our information security experts at sourceLogique.

Contact-us

SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: Which One is Best for Your Business ?

Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 help build customer and stakeholder trust, but they require different levels of time, effort, and investment. So, which one is the best fit for your business?

Here are some key questions to help you decide :

Who are your clients, and where are they located?

Companies based in the United States and service providers often choose SOC 2, while international clients generally prefer ISO 27001.

Do your clients require specific certifications?

If clients explicitly request SOC 2 reports or ISO 27001 certification, that indicates which framework should be prioritized.

What are the industry standards for your business? 

Some industries favor one framework over the other. For instance, SaaS companies often require SOC 2, whereas large global enterprises prefer ISO 27001.

What are your long-term business goals?

If you plan to expand internationally, ISO 27001 may offer long-term benefits, whereas SOC 2 is often necessary for the U.S. market.

The choice between SOC 2 and ISO 27001 depends on various factors, including your clients' location, industry standards, and your organization's specific security needs.