SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: Key Similarities, Differences, and Strategies to Merge Both

As organizations grow and expand their client base, especially in regulated or security-conscious industries, the demand for third-party assurance has never been higher. It’s common to be faced with requests for both an ISO 27001 certification and a SOC 2 report, but you may be wondering if they are really different. Companies often ask, “can my ISO 27001 certification cover what’s needed for SOC 2?” or “do I really need both?”  

Understanding how these two compliance frameworks align (and where they diverge) is essential for building an efficient, scalable, and comprehensive compliance program. In this article, we’ll define each framework and detail the processes involved, explore their key areas of overlap and notable differences, and provide practical tips for streamlining and merging both frameworks. Before we dive into the similarities and differences, let’s start by breaking down what ISO 27001 and SOC 2 represent and why they matter in today’s risk landscape. 

What is ISO 27001? 

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (ISO 27001) is an internationally recognized standard, outlining the requirements for constructing a risk-based framework to initiate, implement, maintain, and manage information security within an organization. The standard defines what an information security management system (ISMS) is, what drives the scoping of an ISMS, and how management should form, monitor, and maintain the ISMS. The certification involves an independent validation that the ISMS conforms to the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. Issued certificates are valid for a three-year term, during which time the completion of surveillance audits is required. The certificate is meant to communicate that the ISMS is actively implemented and continues to operate effectively. 

What is SOC 2? 

The SOC (System and Organization Controls) framework was introduced by the American Institue of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in 2011 to replace the outdated SAS 70 standard, bringing more clarity and structure to assurance reporting. While SOC 1 evolved from SAS 70 to focus on financial reporting controls, SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports were introduced specifically to address the growing need for transparency around data security and privacy in service organizations. SOC 2 was established in response to the rising demand for assurance over how service providers handle and protect data, especially with the prevalence of cloud computing and third-party technology services.  

Unlike SOC 1, which focuses on internal controls over financial reporting, SOC 2 was created to evaluate systems based on the Trust Services Categories: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. It addresses a market need for greater transparency into non-financial controls, especially from tech companies managing sensitive client data. SOC 2 reports are performed by independent CPA firms and are intended for management, business partners, and other stakeholders who need insight into how an organization safeguards information.  

Over time, the SOC 2 framework has evolved to reflect emerging threats and cybersecurity risks, and to align with changing expectations around privacy and resilience. As regulatory environments tighten and businesses become more reliant on outsourced services, SOC 2 is expected to continue to evolve, potentially incorporating more automation, continuous monitoring, and alignment with global standards like ISO and NIST. 

SOC 2 Reports vs. ISO 27001 Certifications: Similarities 

In addition to being popular information security frameworks which are commonly requested by stakeholders, a SOC 2 report and an ISO 27001 certification overlap in the following ways: 

• Third-Party Validation: Both provide independent assurance (by a CPA firm or an accredited certification body) on an organization’s controls that were designed and implemented to meet a specific set of requirements or criteria. 
  
  
• Focus on Information Security: Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are frameworks centered on evaluating how effectively an organization designs and implements controls to protect sensitive information. They emphasize key areas such as data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and provide structured approaches for managing information security risks across people, processes, and technology. 
  
  
• Customer Assurance and Market Trust: Compliance with each framework allows an organization to gain significant advantages over competitors and provides a strong, complementary foundation for demonstrating information security maturity to stakeholders, clients, and partners that the organization takes data protection seriously. 
  
  
• Overlap in Control Areas: There is notable overlap in implemented and documented control areas between SOC 2 and ISO 27001, including: access control, change management, incident response, business continuity, risk management, and security policies. If pursuing both a SOC 2 report and an ISO 27001 certification, an experienced audit firm can play a critical role in streamlining the audit process by identifying overlapping controls and aligning compliance efforts across both frameworks. 

While SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share similarities in implementation and benefits, it's equally important to note their key differences that set them apart in design, structure, and scope. 

SOC 2 Reports vs. ISO 27001 Certifications: Differences 

As mentioned above, an ISO 27001 certification outlines the organization’s conformance to a standard set of requirements, whereas the SOC 2 attestation involves a detailed report outlining the controls that meet the applicable Trust Services Categories. The SOC 2 also includes a comprehensive narrative detailing the environment, company background, services provided, and the system (e.g., infrastructure, procedures, people, data, and applications) within the scope of the assessment as this information may be useful for customers. On the contrary, the ISO 27001 certificate does not provide the same level of detail regarding an environment or its related controls. 

Due to the level of detail disclosed, SOC 2 reports are typically only shared with customers or partners under NDA to demonstrate internal control effectiveness, while ISO 27001 certifications are publicly recognized, available, and often displayed as a competitive differentiator in Requests for Proposals (RFP) and vendor assessments. While the Trust Services Categories have a standard set of criteria, the controls of one organization can be very different from the controls of another organization, yet both organizations can have an internal control framework that meets the SOC 2 criteria sufficiently. As such, a SOC 2 report should not be referenced as a “certification,” but rather as an attestation report with an opinion issued by the auditor.  

The scope of each report can also be very different, covering varying aspects of the business. The ISO 27001 certification considers the control activities relevant in supporting the ISMS and focuses on broader information security risk that can apply to matters such as documentation management, organizational controls, asset management, and supplier relationships. The SOC 2 examination reviews internal controls over the system, which can include one or more services offered by the organization, and is more focused on information system policies, procedures, system security, and change management.  

Lastly, the certification timeline is different. The ISO 27001 certification is valid for a three-year cycle (dependent on two surveillance reviews and a recertification review during the three years) while the SOC 2 examination may cover a point in time (in the case of a Type 1 report) or a period (in the case of a Type 2 report) that occurred in the past. Typically, a company will undergo a SOC 2 report annually to demonstrate continued compliance.  

How to Streamline SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Compliance

If you have your eyes set on pursuing both frameworks, you may be wondering how to streamline your compliance efforts. You might even be asking yourself now, “how do we decide which one to tackle first?” Here are some strategic tips for streamlining SOC 2 and ISO 27001: 

1. Determine your regulatory requirements.

Consider if there are specific regulatory requirements within your industry that would require you to complete either a SOC 2 examination or an ISO 27001 certification. 

2. Consider customer requests or expectations.

You may have specific inquiries or requests for one compliance framework over the other through questionnaires or an RFP. 

3. Evaluate your market competition.

Do research on your main competitors in the market and determine if they have completed a SOC 2 examination or have an ISO 27001 certification. If they have neither, you know that your organization will lead in the market if you complete either, or both. 

4. Consider the intent of your compliance goals.

Determine if the objective is to ensure that information security is continually identified, evaluated, addressed, and monitored by an ISMS, or if the objective is to have a vehicle to provide a full view of the system description and supporting controls relevant to the defined criteria within the chosen Trust Services Categories. 

5. Contact an independent third party.

Contact a CPA firm, ideally a firm that can perform both an ISO 27001 certification and a SOC 2 examination as they will be well versed in both areas. Let the firm provide guidance based on your services, industry, and market demands. The firm can also help reduce duplication and simplify audit preparation. 

Given the significant overlap in key control areas, organizations can streamline efforts by working with an experienced audit firm to develop a unified control matrix, align documentation, conduct combined control testing, and coordinate evidence collection across both frameworks. With proper planning and support, integrating the two compliance initiatives is relatively straightforward and can create operational efficiencies while maximizing trust and market credibility. 

Both a SOC 2 examination and an ISO 27001 certification are strong indicators of an organization’s commitment to a resilient internal control program related to information security. Either option helps build trust in the market by demonstrating that the organization’s controls, processes, and systems are designed and implemented to meet some of the highest standards of security required by today’s most rigorous compliance programs. 

How to Merge Your SOC 2 Report and ISO 27001 Certification 

Starting Your SOC 2 Report and ISO 27001 Certification Journey 

While SOC 2 and ISO 27001 differ in structure and scope, they ultimately serve a shared purpose: demonstrating rigorous information security practices and building trust with stakeholders. By strategically merging elements of both frameworks, businesses can not only streamline their compliance efforts but also strengthen their overall security posture. Whether driven by customer expectations, regulatory demands, or market differentiation, a dual approach to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 can offer a powerful, complementary foundation for effective information security. 

If you’re ready to pursue SOC 2 Compliance or ISO 27001 Certification or have any further questions about the requirements or processes involved, Schellman can help. Contact us today and we’ll get back to you shortly. In the meantime, discover additional SOC and ISO insights in these helpful resources:  

• SOC 2 & ISO 27001: The Advantages of Both Under a Single Assessor 
• The Benefits of Consolidating Compliance Services with a Single Provider 
• An Overview of ISO 27001: Key Principles, Benefits, and Implementation 
• 5 Steps to Prepare for SOC 2 Examination Success 

About the Authors

Chad Goubeaux

Chad Goubeaux is a Manager at Schellman based in Columbus, Ohio with nearly 10 years of experience serving clients in auditing and IT compliance. He is a leader of the firm's SOC methodology group and contributes to the AICPA SOC 2 working group, helping to shape industry standards. At Schellman, Chad specializes in SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and HIPAA attestations. With previous experience in financial statement audits from a Big 4 firm, he brings a strong foundation in risk management and regulatory compliance. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Chad holds multiple certifications, including CPA, CISSP, CISA, CITP, CCSK, and the AICPA Advanced SOC certificate. 

Phelim Thach

Phelim Thach is an ISO Manager with Schellman Compliance, LLC based in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to joining Schellman Compliance, LLC in 2020, Phelim worked as a Senior, Business Consultant at a Big 4 Accounting firm, specializing in Technology Risk (SOX 404/ITGC compliance). Phelim also led and supported various other projects, including SDLC Implementation Evaluations, Third Party Risk Management, as well as other Internal and External IT audits. Phelim has over 8 years of experience comprised of serving clients in various industries, including Automotive and Tire, Healthcare, Diversified Industrial Products and Consumer Products. Phelim is now focused on ISO 27001, 9001, and 22301 certifications, as well as SOC 1 and 2 reporting for organizations across various industries.