SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organization security controls
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance.
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides voluntary trust assurance via audited controls for service providers globally, while GDPR UK mandates legal compliance for personal data processing in the UK with hefty fines. Companies adopt SOC 2 for enterprise sales; GDPR UK to avoid penalties and build trust.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)
Key Features
- Flexible Trust Services Criteria with mandatory Security
- Type 2 reports test operating effectiveness over time
- Independent CPA attestation builds enterprise trust
- High overlap with ISO 27001 and GDPR mappings
- Automation-enabled evidence collection for scalability
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Seven core data processing principles
- Accountability and demonstrable compliance
- Data subject rights including portability
- 72-hour personal data breach notification
- Fines up to 4% global annual turnover
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 for service organizations handling customer data. It evaluates controls based on Trust Services Criteria (TSC)—Security (mandatory), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy—using a risk-based, principles-focused approach via independent CPA attestation.
Key Components
- Five TSC pillars, with Common Criteria (CC1-CC9) under Security as foundation
- 50-100+ controls mapped to criteria, requiring redundancy (2-3 per point)
- Built on COSO principles; Type 1 (design) or Type 2 (effectiveness over 3-12 months)
- Annual CPA audits for unqualified opinions
Why Organizations Use It
- Accelerates enterprise sales, reduces due diligence friction by 80-90%
- Mitigates breach risks, enhances resilience (e.g., 99.99% uptime)
- Builds stakeholder trust, unlocks markets like SaaS marketplaces
- Voluntary but market-mandated; overlaps 80% with ISO 27001, GDPR
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis (2-4 weeks), deployment (4-8 weeks), 3-6 month monitoring, audit
- Targets SaaS/cloud providers; scalable via automation (Vanta, Drata)
- Applies globally, suits startups to enterprises; requires CPA readiness assessment
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation) is the UK's post-Brexit data protection law, adapting EU GDPR via the Data Protection Act 2018. It establishes a risk-based, accountability-focused framework for processing personal data, applying to UK-established organisations and those targeting UK individuals extraterritorially.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
- Individual rights (access, erasure, portability, objection).
- Controller/processor obligations, DPIAs, breach notifications, international transfers.
- Enforced by ICO with fines up to 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for compliance to avoid fines (£17.5M max), reputational damage. Enhances trust, operational efficiency, risk management; supports cross-border business.
Implementation Overview
Phased: data mapping (RoPA), policies, training, DPIAs, vendor contracts. Applies universally; no certification but ICO audits. Focus on documentation, processes for mid-to-large organisations.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, confidentiality, privacy | Personal data processing principles, rights, security, transfers |
| Industry | Service orgs (SaaS, cloud, fintech); global, any size | Any org processing UK personal data; UK-focused, all sizes |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA audit framework | Mandatory legal regulation enforced by ICO |
| Testing | Type 2 audits by CPA over 3-12 months | Continuous compliance, ICO audits/investigations |
| Penalties | No fines; lost business, no certification | Up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and GDPR UK
SOC 2 FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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