SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 – Which One Does Your Business Actually Need?

Confused about which compliance framework will unlock deals, build trust, and satisfy customer demands? We break it down for you.

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How SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Compare

A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you make the right choice for your business

Feature

Framework Type

Delivery Time

Audit Basis

Proof Type

Common In

Client Pressure

Time to Complete

Audit Recurrence

SOC 2 US Focus

U.S. market standard

Attestation (Type I/II)

AICPA Trust Services Criteria

Independent auditor report

SaaS, FinTech, B2B services

"Can you share your SOC 2?"

3–6 months

Annual

ISO 27001 Global

Global certification

Certification

ISO/IEC 27001:2022

Accredited certificate

Manufacturing, Healthcare, Global SaaS

"We require ISO 27001 certification"

4–8 months

(surveillance) + recert every 3 years

Which Framework Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your business context, client demands, and growth strategy

When to Choose SOC 2

✔️

A U.S. customer is asking for it before signing

✔️

You're a B2B SaaS, MSP, or service vendor

✔️

You want a faster, lighter path to market trust

Perfect for: US-focused SaaS companies needing quick compliance wins

When to Choose ISO 27001

✔️

You serve international or enterprise clients

✔️

You need a formal, certifiable ISMS

✔️

You're looking to build a scalable security program

Perfect for: Global enterprises building comprehensive security programs

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🔐 Why Companies Trust Careful Security

Real results from real companies who've been where you are

"Careful Security got us SOC 2 ready in just under 5 months. Their hands-on team didn't just advise — they delivered."

— CTO, FinTech Startup, California

"They made ISO 27001 feel like a security upgrade, not a paperwork nightmare."

— CIO, Global SaaS Company, International

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