SOC 2
AICPA framework auditing service controls on Trust Criteria
ISO 27017
International code for cloud security controls.
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides voluntary TSC-based attestations for US service organizations handling customer data, while ISO 27017 offers cloud-specific control guidance integrated into global ISO 27001 ISMS. Companies adopt SOC 2 for enterprise sales acceleration; ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and procurement trust.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
Key Features
- AICPA Trust Services Criteria framework
- Type 2 operational effectiveness audits
- Mandatory Security with flexible scoping
- Independent CPA firm attestations
- Tailored for SaaS service organizations
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- Addresses multi-tenancy and VM segregation risks
- Integrates with ISO 27001 ISMS audits
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. The control-based, risk-focused approach uses Type 1 (design at a point-in-time) and Type 2 (operating effectiveness over 3-12 months) reports.
Key Components
- Five TSC with Security's Common Criteria (CC1-CC9) as foundation (50-100 controls total).
- Built on COSO principles for governance and risk.
- CPA-attested reports including auditor opinion, system description, and test results.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives enterprise sales by streamlining due diligence (80-90% questionnaire coverage).
- Mitigates breach risks and builds stakeholder trust.
- Voluntary but market-mandated for SaaS/cloud; overlaps 80% with ISO 27001, HIPAA.
- Competitive moat via proven maturity and ROI in months.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gap analysis (4-8 weeks), remediation/evidence (8-24 weeks), Type 2 monitoring (3-12 months), CPA audit.
- Suits all sizes in tech/fintech; automation (Vanta) cuts effort 70%.
- Annual recertification with bridge letters.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls based on ISO/IEC 27002. Its primary purpose is to address unique cloud risks like shared responsibilities and multi-tenancy in IaaS, PaaS, SaaS environments using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Cloud-adapted guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., responsibility delineation, VM segregation, asset removal)
- Built on ISO 27001 framework
- No standalone certification; assessed via ISO 27001 audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates cloud security maturity to customers/regulators
- Clarifies CSP/CSC responsibilities, mitigating gaps
- Supports compliance with GDPR/CCPA
- Provides procurement advantage and risk reduction
- Builds stakeholder trust
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment/SoA updates
- Implement controls like monitoring, hardening
- Applies to CSPs/CSCs globally, all sizes
- Requires annual audits (joint 9-12 months)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, confidentiality, etc. | Cloud-specific guidance for ISO 27002 controls + 7 CLD controls |
| Industry | SaaS, cloud, tech service providers, primarily US-focused | Cloud service providers/customers, global applicability |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA attestation report, Type 1/2 audits | Voluntary code of practice, integrated with ISO 27001 certification |
| Testing | CPA audits Type 2 over 3-12 months, operating effectiveness | Assessed within ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, market/reputational risks, lost deals | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and ISO 27017
SOC 2 FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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