ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Which Compliance Framework Is Right for Your Business?
As companies grow, so do expectations—especially around how you handle sensitive data. At some point, the question comes up in a sales call or vendor security review:
"Are you ISO 27001 certified?"
or
"Can you send us your SOC 2 report?"
If you're not ready, it can delay deals—or cost you one altogether.
That’s when most teams realize they need to pursue a formal security framework. But with several options out there, it’s not always clear which one to choose. Two of the most recognized are ISO 27001 and SOC 2. While both are centered on information security, they serve different goals and suit different types of organizations.
Let’s break it down in plain terms.
ISO 27001 – The Global Security Standard
ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a framework for building, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It doesn’t prescribe specific controls, but rather outlines how you should assess risks, define policies, train teams, and continuously improve security management.
A successful ISO 27001 implementation results in a formal certification, issued by an accredited body after a rigorous audit process.
SOC 2 – The Trust Report
SOC 2 is an attestation report, not a certification. Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 evaluates how well a service organization manages data using the Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
Security
Availability
Processing Integrity
Confidentiality
Privacy
SOC 2 audits must be conducted by licensed CPA firms and result in a Type I (point-in-time) or Type II (covering a period, typically 3–12 months) report. The output is a narrative-style document that you can share with customers to demonstrate your security posture
So Which One Should You Choose?
Choose ISO 27001 if:
You work internationally or with EU/Asia-Pacific clients
You need a formalized ISMS to manage security risks across your organization
Your stakeholders expect global certification
You want a standard recognized across industries (not just tech)
Choose SOC 2 if:
You’re a SaaS company or handle third-party data in the U.S.
Prospective customers are asking for SOC 2 reports before signing deals
You want a report you can share (Type I or Type II) showing you’ve been independently assessed
You’re building trust with enterprise or regulated clients
Why Some Companies Pursue Both
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, many companies eventually pursue both, starting with one and adding the other as they grow or expand internationally.
If structured properly, you can reuse a lot of documentation (like risk assessments, policies, and control narratives) across both frameworks. This reduces audit fatigue and improves internal alignment.
Some compliance platforms even offer dual audit mapping to help manage both simultaneously.
Final Take: ISO 27001 or SOC 2?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s a simple rule of thumb:
Go with SOC 2 if you’re selling SaaS in the U.S., dealing with B2B buyers, or need a trust-building report fast.
Choose ISO 27001 if you're dealing with international clients, care about risk-based governance, or need to build a full-fledged ISMS.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help.
How SAMN Consulting Helps
At SAMN Consulting, we’ve guided startups, tech companies, and enterprise teams through hundreds of ISO and SOC readiness projects. Our approach is simple:
Assess your current state
Map the right framework for your business
Build only what you need, no boilerplate overload
Guide you through the audit process with practical, hands-on support
We also offer bundled ISO + SOC delivery, ERP-integrated control mapping, and retainer advisory (vCISO) if you’re scaling security and governance across teams.
Ready to Choose the Right Path?
Let’s explore which framework fits your roadmap—and get your business audit-ready without the headaches.
