In today’s complex regulatory landscape, organizations often face overlapping compliance demands. SOC 2, governed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), evaluates controls related to the Trust Services Criteria (TSC). ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 27001, on the other hand, is an international standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)
SOC 2 is governed by the AICPA and is a widely recognized auditing standard. SOC 2 was developed to evaluate how service organizations manage data, particularly customer information, and is built on the five (5) TSC: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
ISO
ISO/IEC 27001 is governed by both the ISO and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The standard is an international standard that assists service organizations with managing their information security management systems and covers information security, cybersecurity, and privacy protection requirements. The standard contains 93 controls that are divided into four (4) domains.
A SOC 2 + ISO report merges these two frameworks into a single audit engagement. Rather than conducting separate assessments, organizations work with auditors who map ISO 27001 controls to SOC 2 criteria, producing a consolidated report that satisfies both standards.
Key Benefits of a SOC 2 + ISO Report
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: Combining audits reduces duplication of effort, saving time and money on evidence collection, testing, and auditor coordination.
- Stronger Security Posture: ISO 27001 emphasizes ongoing risk assessment and improvement, while SOC 2 focuses on control effectiveness. Together, they create a dynamic compliance ecosystem that evolves with emerging threats.
- Simplified Compliance Management: A unified audit streamlines documentation, reduces audit fatigue, and makes it easier to maintain ongoing compliance across multiple standards.
- Broader Market: SOC 2 is widely recognized in North America, while ISO 27001 is preferred in Europe and Asia. A joint report helps organizations appeal to global clients and meet diverse vendor requirements.
- Enhanced Trust and Transparency: Clients and partners gain confidence knowing your organization meets rigorous international and industry-specific security benchmarks.
If your organization handles sensitive data or faces multiple compliance requests, a SOC 2 + ISO report can be a strategic asset. It not only proves your commitment to security, but also positions you as a trustworthy partner in a competitive market.