SOC 2 is an audit framework developed by the AICPA evaluating security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy controls of service providers.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an audit report based on the AICPA's Trust Services Criteria (TSC). It evaluates a service organization's controls across five categories: security (mandatory), availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. Type I evaluates control design at a point in time; Type II evaluates operational effectiveness over a period (typically 6-12 months).
ISO 27001 is an international management system certification. SOC 2 is an AICPA audit report on specific controls. ISO 27001 has global recognition; SOC 2 is more common in North American markets. Many organizations obtain both.
Technically no. SOC 2 produces an attestation report issued by a CPA, not a certification. However, in practice it is used as equivalent evidence of security controls.
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