SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organization security controls
TOGAF
Global framework for enterprise architecture methodology and governance
Quick Verdict
SOC 2 provides audited trust in data security for service providers, while TOGAF offers a methodology for enterprise architecture alignment. Companies adopt SOC 2 for client assurance and sales acceleration; TOGAF for strategic IT-business coherence and transformation governance.
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
Key Features
- Mandatory Security TSC with flexible optional criteria
- Type 2 reports prove operating effectiveness over time
- AICPA CPA-attested independent control assurance
- Tailored scoping for service organization data handling
- 80% control overlap with ISO 27001 GDPR
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, The Open Group Architecture Framework
Key Features
- Iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM)
- Content Framework and Metamodel for artifacts
- Enterprise Continuum for reusable assets
- Reference Models like TRM and III-RM
- Architecture Capability Framework for governance
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 for service organizations handling customer data. It assesses controls via Trust Services Criteria (TSC)—Security (mandatory), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy—using a risk-based, principles-driven approach emphasizing design and operating effectiveness.
Key Components
- Five TSC led by Security's Common Criteria (CC1-CC9) covering control environment, risk assessment, access, monitoring.
- 50-100+ controls with redundancy (2-3 per point).
- Built on COSO; Type 1 (point-in-time design), Type 2 (3-12 months effectiveness) CPA reports.
Why Organizations Use It
- Market-driven for SaaS/cloud: unlocks enterprise deals, shortens sales cycles 15-30%.
- Builds trust, reduces breach liability ($1M+ risks), enhances resilience.
- Competitive moat, investor appeal; overlaps 80% with ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping/gap analysis (2-8 weeks), control deployment/automation (Vanta/Drata), monitoring period, CPA audit. Scalable for startups (3-6 months) to enterprises; annual recertification.
TOGAF Details
What It Is
TOGAF® Standard (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework and methodology. Its primary purpose is to enable organizations to design, plan, implement, and govern enterprise-wide IT and business change through an iterative lifecycle approach centered on the Architecture Development Method (ADM).
Key Components
- **ADM10 phases including Preliminary, Vision, Business/Data/Application/Technology Architectures, Opportunities, Migration, Governance, and Change Management.
- **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts (catalogs, matrices, diagrams), building blocks, and Content Metamodel for core entities like actors and services.
- Enterprise Continuum, Reference Models (TRM, SIB, III-RM), and Architecture Capability Framework for governance and skills.
- Voluntary certification via Open Group paths.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns business strategy with IT for efficiency, reuse, and ROI.
- Reduces duplication, vendor lock-in, and risks in transformations.
- Enhances governance, compliance, and Boundaryless Information Flow.
- Builds stakeholder trust through traceable, repeatable architecture.
Implementation Overview
- **Tailored, phased rolloutMaturity assessment, pilot ADM cycles, scale with repository and board.
- Involves training, tooling, governance setup.
- Suited for large enterprises across industries; voluntary, iterative adoption.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SOC 2 | TOGAF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Security, availability, confidentiality, privacy controls | Enterprise architecture design, planning, governance |
| Industry | SaaS, cloud, fintech, service organizations globally | All large enterprises, government, regulated sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary AICPA audit attestation framework | Voluntary Open Group EA methodology framework |
| Testing | Type 1/2 CPA audits, 3-12 month operating effectiveness | Internal governance reviews, maturity assessments |
| Penalties | No legal fines, lost deals/reputation | No penalties, business misalignment risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOC 2 and TOGAF
SOC 2 FAQ
TOGAF FAQ
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