SOC 2 & ISO 27001
SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 — which should we pursue first?
Reviewed by the Privacy Horizon team · Last reviewed
Quick answer
Choose based on your customers and markets. SOC 2 — an AICPA attestation report — is what North American, especially US, enterprise buyers most often request, and it can be quicker to a first deliverable. ISO 27001 — an international certification of an information security management system (ISMS) — carries more weight with European and global customers and signals a mature, ongoing program. The two overlap heavily, so if you will eventually need both, build one program that satisfies the shared controls and layer the specifics.
The core difference
- SOC 2 is an attestation report issued by a CPA firm describing your controls against the Trust Services Criteria. It is most recognized in North America and is customer-driven.
- ISO 27001 is a certification, issued by an accredited body, that your information security management system (ISMS) meets an international standard. It is recognized worldwide and emphasizes an ongoing, risk-based management system.
Which to pursue first
If your buyers are primarily in the US and are asking for 'your SOC 2,' start there. If you sell into Europe or globally, or you want a certification that signals a continuously managed program, ISO 27001 may be the better first step. Many companies are pulled in one direction by a specific customer requirement — let real procurement demand decide.
Do you need both?
Some organizations do, because different customers ask for different things. The good news is that SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share a large proportion of their underlying controls, so a well-designed security program can support both with incremental effort rather than two separate projects. Building once and mapping to both frameworks is far more efficient than treating them as unrelated.
Frequently asked questions
They are different rather than strictly harder or easier. ISO 27001 requires a formal, auditable management system (the ISMS) with ongoing risk assessment and management commitment; SOC 2 focuses on controls against the Trust Services Criteria. Many find the underlying control work comparable, with ISO adding management-system structure.
Largely, yes. Because the control sets overlap substantially, you can build a single program and produce evidence mapped to both frameworks, pursuing the certifications in sequence or together. This avoids duplicating effort.
Keep exploring
All SOC 2 & ISO 27001What is SOC 2, and does my business need it?
SOC 2 is an independent report on how a service organization protects customer data. Learn what it covers, who requires it, and whether your business needs one.
ReadSOC 2 & ISO 27001What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
SOC 2 Type I assesses control design at a point in time; Type II tests operating effectiveness over months. Compare the two, plus typical timeline and cost drivers.
ReadCompliance & regulationsHow do we prepare for a customer security questionnaire?
Customer security questionnaires (SIG, CAIQ, and custom) gate enterprise deals. Prepare with a control framework, ready evidence, a reusable answer library, and an owner.
ReadSOC 2 & ISO 27001How much does SOC 2 cost and how long does it take?
How much does SOC 2 cost and how long does it take? Learn the real cost drivers — readiness vs audit fees, scope, Type I vs Type II — and a realistic timeline.
ReadSOC 2 & ISO 27001What documents and evidence do you need for a SOC 2 audit?
What documents and evidence do you need for a SOC 2 audit? A plain-language checklist of policies, system descriptions, and proof your controls operate.
ReadSOC 2 & ISO 27001What are the most common gaps found in a SOC 2 readiness assessment?
The most common gaps found in a SOC 2 readiness assessment — missing policies, access controls, evidence, vendor reviews, and monitoring — and how to close them.
Read