# What is the difference between ISO and soc2?

What is the difference between ISO and soc2?

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: almost 4 years ago
- Author title: Pinned by G2 as a common question



## Comments
### Comment 1

ISO 27001 vs SOC 2

ISO 27001 is an international standard for building an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It’s globally recognized and results in a certificate.

SOC 2 is a U.S.-based audit focused on security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy. It results in a report, not a certificate.

ISO = broader, global, risk-based framework.
SOC 2 = U.S.-focused, customer assurance for SaaS/tech companies.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: 8 months ago
- Author title: Art Director & Creative Business Developer | I identify where art and business meet while building revenue, relationships, and results.
- Net upvotes: 2


### Comment 2

ISO (like ISO 27001)

A global, formal standard for building and maintaining an information security management system (ISMS).

Applies to organizations of all types worldwide.

Certification is done through an independent auditor.

SOC 2

A U.S.-focused compliance framework created by AICPA.

Evaluates how a company protects customer data based on 5 Trust Service Criteria (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, privacy).

Provides an attestation report, not a certification.

In short:
ISO = international security standard
SOC 2 = U.S. audit report on how you handle customer data

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: 4 months ago
- Author title: Sales Director at The Kraft Heinz Not Company
- Net upvotes: 1


### Comment 3

The only difference in this process is who conducts the audit. A recognised ISO 27001-accredited certification body must complete ISO 27001 certification. In contrast, a SOC 2 attestation report can only be performed by a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: --



### Comment 4

I've had it explained to me that ISO is of more interest in Europe and SOC2 is of more interest in the United States (and maybe North America?).  Someone once said "ISO is to SOC2 as the metric system is to the imperial system"

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 4 years ago
- Author title: Engineer




## Related Product
[Secureframe](https://www.g2.com/products/secureframe/reviews)

## Related Category
[Security Compliance](https://www.g2.com/categories/security-compliance)

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