SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organization security controls
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement.
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides data security attestations for service organizations via CPA audits, while CMMI builds process maturity through appraisals. Companies adopt SOC 2 for client trust and sales acceleration; CMMI for predictable delivery and contract wins.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
Key Features
- Mandatory Security via Common Criteria CC1-CC9
- Type 2 audits operational effectiveness over 3-12 months
- Flexible scoping of optional Trust Services Criteria
- Independent AICPA CPA firm attestations
- Overlaps 80% with ISO 27001 controls
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas in 4 Category Areas
- SCAMPI appraisals for objective benchmarking
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- Generic practices ensure process institutionalization
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 audit framework developed by the AICPA to evaluate service organizations' controls over customer data. It uses Trust Services Criteria (TSC)—a principles-based, risk-focused approach assessing security and operations for SaaS, cloud, and tech providers.
Key Components
- Five TSC: Security (mandatory, CC1-CC9), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy.
- 50-100 controls mapped to criteria, with redundancy (2-3 per category).
- Built on COSO principles; Type 1 (design) and Type 2 (design + effectiveness) reports via CPA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives enterprise sales by streamlining due diligence, reducing CAC 20-50%, and building trust. Mitigates breach risks ($1M+ liabilities), enhances resilience (99.99% uptime), and overlaps with ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA for multi-compliance. Signals maturity to VCs and partners.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis (2-4 weeks), control deployment (4-8 weeks), 3-12 month monitoring, CPA audit. Targets service orgs (startups to enterprises) in tech/fintech; automation tools like Vanta cut efforts 70%. Annual recertification with bridge letters.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI and governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization across development, services, and acquisition, using maturity and capability levels to enhance predictability and quality.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (staged) or Capability Levels 0-3 (continuous).
- Generic practices for institutionalization; specific practices per area.
- SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) for benchmarking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives predictable delivery, reduced rework, and ROI (e.g., 34% cost savings).
- Required in defense contracts; builds stakeholder trust.
- Mitigates risks via measurement and continuous optimization.
- Competitive edge in procurement and regulated industries.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, piloting, training, appraisal. Suits mid-to-large organizations in IT/software globally. Involves change management, tooling integration; formal SCAMPI A for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security, availability, confidentiality, privacy controls | Process maturity across development, services, acquisition |
| Industry | SaaS, cloud, fintech, service organizations globally | Software, defense, manufacturing, services worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA attestation framework | Voluntary ISACA process improvement model |
| Testing | Type 1/2 CPA audits, 3-12 months operating effectiveness | SCAMPI A/B/C appraisals by certified lead appraisers |
| Penalties | Lost deals, no legal fines | Contract disqualification, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and CMMI
SOC 2 FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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