Do we need SOC 2, ISO 27001, or both?
Short answer
Start with the assurance your customers require and the information risks your business needs to manage. SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report; ISO 27001 certification concerns an information security management system. Either or both may be appropriate, but agree the required scope and outcome before committing the organisation to the work.
Establish what the buyer actually needs
Ask the customer’s security or procurement team which evidence it will accept, what must be in scope and when it needs it. Do not assume a broad request for compliance means a specific report or certificate.
Consider the rest of your customer pipeline too. One request may justify a focused response; a repeated requirement can make a sustained assurance programme commercially important.
Understand the distinction
SOC 2 is an examination of a service organisation’s controls against applicable Trust Services Criteria, resulting in an attestation report issued by a qualified CPA firm. It is not a certification.
ISO/IEC 27001 specifies requirements for an information security management system. Certification involves independent assessment of that system within an agreed scope. Neither label establishes that every activity or product in a business is covered.
AICPA: System and Organization Controls (opens in new window)
ISO: ISO/IEC 27001 information security management (opens in new window)
Plan the operating work, not just the assessment
Assign executive sponsorship and owners for controls, evidence and remediation. Check that policies describe how people actually work and that the organisation can sustain them. Tooling can help collect evidence; it cannot supply accountability.
If both are required, coordinate the work to avoid duplicating effort, while agreeing the separate assessment requirements with the relevant providers. The sequence should follow customer needs, readiness and business priorities.
I led Remo’s work to achieve SOC 2 attestation and ISO 27001 certification. My role is to lead and support the organisational work; independent assessment remains with the appropriate assurance providers.
Related questions
Will one automatically satisfy the other?
No. They have different assessment and reporting requirements. Confirm what the customer accepts and what each assessor needs, even where underlying security work overlaps.
Does this replace HIPAA or EU AI compliance work?
No. Treat those as separate questions about your activities and obligations. Establish applicability with appropriate specialist advice rather than assuming a security report or certificate resolves it.