SOC 2
AICPA framework for Trust Services Criteria control assurance
C-TPAT
Voluntary U.S. program securing supply chains against terrorism
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides data security audits for tech service providers, while C-TPAT ensures supply chain security for importers and carriers. Tech firms adopt SOC 2 for enterprise trust; trade entities pursue C-TPAT for faster border processing.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
C-TPAT
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
Key Features
- Risk-based Minimum Security Criteria (MSC)
- Tiered benefits like reduced inspections and FAST lanes
- Supply Chain Security Specialist assignment
- Business partner vetting and mutual recognition
- Annual security profile updates and validations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SOC 2 Details
What It Is
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary attestation framework developed by the AICPA to evaluate service organizations' controls over customer data. It focuses on Trust Services Criteria (TSC)—Security (mandatory), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy—using a risk-based, control-oriented approach for SaaS, cloud, and tech services.
Key Components
- Five TSC with Common Criteria (CC1-CC9) as foundation (50-100 controls total).
- Built on COSO principles; Type 1 (design at point-in-time), Type 2 (design + operating effectiveness over 3-12 months).
- CPA-led audits produce attestation reports with management assertions and test results.
Why Organizations Use It
- Accelerates enterprise sales, reduces due diligence friction (80-90% questionnaire coverage).
- Mitigates breach risks, builds stakeholder trust; market-driven, not legally required.
- Competitive moat via maturity signaling, overlaps with ISO 27001/NIST (70-80% controls).
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gap analysis (2-8 weeks), deployment/monitoring (3-6 months), audit (1-2 months).
- Targets data-handling service orgs (startups to enterprises); automation tools like Vanta essential.
- Annual Type 2 recertification with continuous monitoring.
C-TPAT Details
What It Is
C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary public-private partnership framework administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its primary purpose is to enhance international supply chain security from origin to U.S. ports through risk-based measures, while facilitating legitimate trade.
Key Components
- 12 core Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) domains: corporate security, risk assessment, business partners, cybersecurity, conveyance security, seals, procedural security, physical access, personnel, training, audits, and incident response.
- 2021 Best Practices Framework for tiered benefits beyond MSC.
- Role-specific tailoring for importers, carriers, brokers, etc.
- Compliance via annual security profiles, validations, and self-audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces CBP inspections, enables FAST lanes, and provides priority recovery.
- Builds stakeholder trust, meets customer requirements, and lowers risk scores.
- Enhances resilience against terrorism, smuggling, and cyber threats.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, remediation, training, partner vetting, validation.
- Applies to importers, exporters, carriers globally; scalable by size.
- CBP-led validations; no certification fee, but evidence-intensive.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | C-TPAT |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Data security, availability, confidentiality for service orgs | Supply chain physical security, terrorism prevention |
| Industry | SaaS, cloud, tech service providers globally | Importers, exporters, carriers, logistics US-focused |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA audit framework | Voluntary CBP partnership with validations |
| Testing | Type 1/2 audits by CPA firms annually | CBP on-site validations every 3-4 years |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Benefit suspension, higher inspections |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and C-TPAT
SOC 2 FAQ
C-TPAT FAQ
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