DSALTA Blog
ISO 27001 vs SOC 2: Key Differences Explained
Written by
Ogulcan Ozdemir
|
Product Marketing Manager
Published on
Jul 15, 2025
Key Differences between ISO 27001 and SOC 2
The digital era demands information security compliance as an essential requirement for operating businesses today. Multiple security frameworks exist worldwide because companies want to protect sensitive data while establishing trust with customers. The popular security standards among organizations include ISO 27001 together with SOC 2.
However, not every organization needs to pursue both standards. ISO 27001 offers a globally recognized framework, while SOC 2 is more commonly adopted in the U.S. market, so businesses often choose the one that best aligns with their market, regulatory obligations, and customer expectations.
Organizations should understand the fundamental distinctions between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 before selecting appropriate compliance solutions. The following guide helps you select appropriate standards according to your business targets and customer requirements.
What is ISO 27001?
The widely recognized information security management system (ISMS) standard ISO 27001 enables organizations to handle their sensitive information. The International Organization for Standardization updated this standard in 2022. A company needs to establish, maintain, and enhance its information security management system through the rules established by this standard.
The risk-based methodology forms the foundation of the ISO 27001 framework. Organizations need to systematically identify and evaluate and control information security risks as part of their approach. The global standard provides organizations with a standardized process to protect confidential information through proper security controls.
Key Parts of ISO 27001
The ISO 27001 standard contains 114 security controls that are organized into four primary categories:
Company controls: Policies, procedures, and organizational structure
People controls: Human resources, security, and employee training programs
Physical controls: Secure areas and equipment protection
Technology controls: Access control, encryption, and system security protocols
The standard demands that organizations develop a comprehensive ISMS, which must include risk assessment, risk treatment, and continuous monitoring functionalities.
What is SOC 2?
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) developed SOC 2 as its Service Organization Control 2 compliance framework. The information security framework, SOC 2, is widely used throughout North America. The five Trust Service Criteria represent the framework used by service organizations to prove their management of customer data.
The ISO 27001 certification program differs from SOC 2 since SOC 2 exists as an audit report that demonstrates a company's compliance with particular security controls rather than being a certification. The framework provides excellent functionality for SaaS companies, together with cloud service providers, as well as other organizations that handle customer data through storage, processing, or data transfer.
ISO 27001 vs SOC 2: Key Differences
1. Global Recognition vs US Focus
The acceptance of these frameworks marks their main distinction between them. The global recognition of ISO 27001 exceeds that of SOC 2 because the latter operates primarily in the United States. Organizations that plan international expansion prefer ISO 27001 because it holds global recognition.
Organizations need ISO 27001 certification for international information security compliance since it represents the international standard. Companies with international operations and North American customers outside their borders should select this standard.
2. Certification vs Audit Report
The main distinction between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 exists in their certification requirements since SOC 2 does not offer certification. The ISO 27001 certification process results in official certification following both setup and audit verification. The SOC 2 audit process produces a compliance report which proves adherence to particular controls.
Organizations can present their compliance efforts differently to customers based on this distinction in marketing strategy.
3. Implementation Scope and Requirements
The SOC 2 and ISO 27001 requirements ask you to use the controls that match your organization. ISO 27001 requires organizations to follow more requirements and implement more security controls in order to be compliant.
The standard of ISO 27001 requires complete information security management through its set of requirements, which includes:
Setting up a formal ISMS
Regular risk assessments
Continuous improvement processes
Management commitment and resource allocation
The SOC 2 audit process focuses on the Trust Service Criteria that are related to the company's services, although it is also thorough.
4. Cost Considerations
The average cost of ISO 27001 is higher than SOC 2 by 1.5 to 2 times. Each company's readiness level and needs determine the final cost. The cost of implementing ISO 27001 is higher than SOC 2 because of the complete nature of the setup process and the ongoing management system requirements.
5. Ongoing Management Requirements
A company's information security management system is the focus of ISO 27001, and it requires ongoing management. The management system requires internal audits and management reviews as well as continuous improvement activities.
SOC 2 requires ongoing compliance efforts but focuses on demonstrating effective controls within the audit period instead of maintaining a full management system.
Choosing Between ISO 27001 and SOC 2
When to Choose ISO 27001
Consider ISO 27001 if your company:
Works internationally or serves global customers
Needs a complete information security management system
Wants formal certification for competitive advantage
Has complex information security needs
Wants to show long-term commitment to security
Learn more about ISO 27001 certification process and preparing for your ISO 27001 audit.
When to Choose SOC 2
SOC 2 audit framework is suitable for organizations that:
Mainly serves North American customers
Is a SaaS or cloud service provider
Needs to show specific service-related controls
Has limited resources for a complete ISMS setup
Focuses on specific Trust Service Criteria
For detailed guidance, check our SOC 2 overview and understanding SOC 2 compliance requirements.
Implementation Strategies
ISO 27001 Implementation
To succeed in ISO 27001 setup, one needs to:
Executive commitment: Leadership support and resource allocation
Risk assessment: Complete identification and evaluation of information security risks
Control selection: Picking appropriate controls from the 114 available options
Documentation: Creating policies, procedures, and records
Training: Making sure staff understand their roles in the ISMS
Internal audits: Regular assessment of ISMS effectiveness
Continuous improvement: Ongoing enhancement of security measures
SOC 2 Implementation
SOC 2 setup focuses on:
Scope definition: Deciding on relevant Trust Service Criteria
Control design: Setting up appropriate security controls
Evidence collection: Gathering documentation to show control effectiveness
Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of control operation
Audit preparation: Getting ready for the external auditor evaluation
Compliance Automation Tools
Modern companies implement compliance automation tools to facilitate their ISO 27001 and SOC 2 implementation. The platforms enable automated evidence collection while monitoring control effectiveness and compliance documentation maintenance.
Leading compliance automation solutions provide several benefits through their functionalities, including:
Automated evidence collection from existing systems
Real-time monitoring of security controls
Integration with popular business tools
Streamlined audit preparation
Continuous compliance monitoring
Service organizations can decrease security breaches and enhance their compliance processes with the aid of these tools.
Making the Right Choice for Your Organization
The decision depends on the requirements of your customers. Businesses should evaluate their customer segments, industry compliance needs, and business targets before deciding between SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
Many businesses find it beneficial to follow both standards as their customer base grows. The selection between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 does not require a long-term commitment. Companies should adapt their compliance strategy according to changes in their business needs.
The two frameworks assist organizations in their due diligence procedures and they can be implemented together with other regulations including GDPR. Security management systems become more effective because these frameworks help businesses detect their security weaknesses.
Business Process Integration
To apply either framework, a company must determine how its security compliances connect to its business operations. The ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks help organizations achieve the following benefits:
Reducing risk exposure to their entire information asset base
Better management processes for identified risks
Identifying gaps in existing security measures
Enhanced monitoring systems for security controls
Select a framework that best matches your business operations for achieving audit readiness, along with protecting your information assets.
Conclusion
Information security compliance depends heavily on both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. ISO 27001 adopts an extensive information security approach while SOC 2 focuses specifically on service provider control systems. Your business needs, customer requirements, and organizational targets determine whether to use ISO 27001 or SOC 2 or implement both frameworks.
The evaluation process for compliance decisions becomes clearer through knowledge of the essential differences between these frameworks. The selection between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 or implementing both frameworks should be followed by the establishment of strong information security controls since these are crucial for data protection and customer trust in the digital economy.
No matter which framework you choose, DSALTA can help you achieve and maintain compliance. Talk to one of our specialists today to see which is best for your company.
