SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organizations' trust controls
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides trust services attestation for service organizations' data security and operations, while ISO 30301 establishes certifiable records management systems for any entity. Companies adopt SOC 2 for enterprise sales enablement; ISO 30301 for governance, compliance, and evidentiary assurance.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
Key Features
- Trust Services Criteria with mandatory Security
- Type 2 audits operating effectiveness over time
- Flexible scoping of optional criteria
- Independent AICPA CPA firm attestation
- Designed for service organizations data controls
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Explicit records requirements analysis (4.1.2)
- Top management accountability and policy
- Flexible conformity pathways options
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 by the AICPA evaluating service organizations' controls against **Trust Services Criteria (TSC)Security (mandatory, CC1-CC9), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. It employs a risk-based, principles-driven approach for systems handling customer data, especially in SaaS and cloud.
Key Components
- Five TSC with Security's common criteria foundational
- 50-100 controls per scope, redundant for resilience
- Built on COSO-integrated points of focus
- Type 1 (point-in-time design) or Type 2 (operating effectiveness over 3-12 months) CPA reports
Why Organizations Use It
- Market-driven for enterprise deals, accelerates sales 15-30%
- Voluntary yet essential for vendor risk management
- Reduces breach liability, improves uptime to 99.99%
- Competitive moat, overlaps 80% with ISO 27001/GDPR
- Builds stakeholder trust via independent assurance
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis (2-4 weeks), remediation/monitoring (3-6 months), CPA audit
- Suits startups to enterprises in tech/fintech
- Automation (Vanta/Drata) cuts evidence work 70%
- Annual Type 2 recertification with bridged periods
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It applies to any organization, using a High-Level Structure (HLS) for governance via Clauses 4–10, combined with records-specific operational controls in Clause 8 and Annex A (normative). The risk-based, PDCA approach ensures reliable evidence of business activities.
Key Components
- HLS clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- ~Operational controls in Annex A for lifecycle (creation to disposition).
- Core principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability from ISO 15489.
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances compliance, auditability, transparency; mitigates records risks (loss, alteration).
- Improves efficiency, decision-making; supports business continuity.
- Builds stakeholder trust; integrates with ISO 9001, 27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational rollout, audits.
- Scalable for any size/sector; 9–18 months typical; certification optional.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security, availability, confidentiality, integrity, privacy via TSC | Records management lifecycle, governance, operational controls |
| Industry | SaaS, cloud, tech service organizations globally | Any organization, all sectors, global applicability |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA attestation, Type 1/2 reports | Voluntary ISO certification standard, management system |
| Testing | CPA audits, Type 2 over 3-12 months operating effectiveness | Internal audits, management review, certification body audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, market exclusion, lost deals | No legal penalties, certification loss, compliance risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and ISO 30301
SOC 2 FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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