Expanding Beyond SOC 2: The Strategic Path to ISO 27001 for Global Security
For many growing organizations, achieving SOC 2 compliance is a big milestone, and rightly so. It proves your commitment to data protection and shows customers you take security seriously. But what comes next as your business scales?
As organizations expand into new markets, especially across borders, many are looking to build on their SOC 2 efforts by adopting a broader, globally recognized security framework: ISO 27001. This isn’t about replacing SOC 2, it’s about complementing it and expanding upon it.
Two Frameworks, One Common Goal: Trust through Security
Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are established frameworks that help businesses safeguard sensitive data and prove their commitment to robust security practices. They both involve rigorous external audits and require evidence-based security measures, which demonstrates to customers, partners, and regulators that your organization is serious about protecting critical information.
While they share this core purpose of building trust through security, the two frameworks approach the task differently. Think of SOC 2 as a snapshot of your current security practices, providing assurance that your organization is adhering to specific, predefined criteria at a given point in time. ISO 27001, on the other hand, takes a more strategic approach, helping you establish a comprehensive, evolving Information Security Management System (ISMS) that scales with your business needs over time.
| Aspect | SOC 2 | ISO 27001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focuses on five key trust criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Primarily for service organizations like SaaS and cloud-based businesses. | Covers all aspects of an Information Security Management System (ISMS), applying to organizations across all industries. |
| Geographical Reach | Common in North America | Recognized globally |
| Industry Focus | Primarily for service-oriented businesses, especially those in tech and cloud industries. | Applicable to all industries, ensuring comprehensive data security management across sectors. |
| Audit Format | One-time attestation over a set time period, usually 6-12 months | Formal certification with ongoing surveillance and continuous monitoring |
| Certification Process | Evaluates existing controls against defined criteria | Builds a system of continuous risk-based improvement, focusing on long-term security and adaptability |
With this foundation in mind, let's explore how SOC 2 and ISO 27001 align and differ in more detail.
Why ISO 27001 Is a Natural Next Step After SOC 2
If your organization has achieved SOC 2 compliance, you've already made significant progress in establishing a strong security foundation. You’ve put key controls in place, developed clear policies, and demonstrated your ability to manage and protect customer data effectively.
ISO 27001 builds on that foundation. It doesn’t replace what you’ve done, it expands it, helping you develop a more mature, scalable, and internationally recognized security program. Here’s how ISO 27001 complements and elevates your SOC 2 efforts:
From Periodic Checks to Continuous Improvement
SOC 2 audits typically assess how your controls have operated over a set period, such as six or twelve months. ISO 27001 takes things further by embedding continuous improvement into the core of your security program. With ISO 27001, you're not just proving you met the standard once, you're building a living system (an Information Security Management System, or ISMS) that helps your team monitor, review, and enhance your security practices over time.
Global Recognition and Compliance
While SOC 2 is widely trusted in North America, ISO 27001 is internationally recognized. If your business is expanding into new markets or working with customers and partners overseas, ISO 27001 can help you meet the expectations of regulators, procurement teams, and enterprise clients around the world, especially in regions like Europe and Asia. It also aligns well with global regulations making it easier to demonstrate compliance across jurisdictions.
Your Roadmap to Achieving ISO 27001 Certification: Building on Your SOC 2 Foundation
If your organization is already SOC 2 compliant, you’re in a strong position to pursue ISO 27001 certification. Many of the processes and controls you put in place for SOC 2, from access management to data encryption, map closely to ISO 27001 requirements. That makes the transition more of a progression than a reinvention.
ISO 27001 doesn’t replace SOC 2; it builds on it, helping you formalize and expand your information security practices into a globally recognized framework. Here's how to make the move from SOC 2 to ISO 27001 in a practical, structured way:
Leverage The Work You’ve Already Done, Your Existing SOC 2 Controls
Start by reviewing your SOC 2 controls, policies, and documentation. Much of what you’ve built, such as technical safeguards, security monitoring, and vendor assessments, can be directly applied to ISO 27001. The key difference is scope. ISO 27001 takes a more comprehensive, risk-based approach that goes beyond systems and data to include physical environments, legal obligations, and people. Look for areas where your SOC 2 controls need to be broadened or better documented to meet ISO 27001 standards.
Establish Your Information Security Management System (ISMS)
One of the biggest steps in transitioning to ISO 27001 is establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The ISMS is a formalized framework for managing sensitive data and information security risks across your organization. This is where your SOC 2 foundation pays off. You already have defined controls and processes. Now it’s time to wrap those into a formal system, with defined objectives, assigned responsibilities, documented procedures, and mechanisms for regular review. If you’ve already developed a security policy for SOC 2, this step will feel like an extension rather than a rewrite.
Implement Security Controls and Procedures Across the Organization
The next step is to implement the necessary security controls to mitigate the risks identified during your assessment. Since your organization is already SOC 2 compliant, many of the security measures you’ve put in place, like network security, access management, and data encryption, will align directly with ISO 27001 requirements. What ISO 27001 adds is a more comprehensive focus on things like employee awareness, physical security, and business continuity. By expanding your controls to address these areas, you’ll be able to meet ISO 27001’s standards while keeping the security practices you already have in place.
Embrace Continuous Improvement
ISO 27001 emphasizes continuous monitoring and improvement. Unlike SOC 2, which involves periodic audits, ISO 27001 requires an ongoing commitment to auditing and enhancing your information security practices. Fortunately, your SOC 2 compliance already prepares you for this mindset. You’ve already been accustomed to regular assessments and audits. Now, you’ll build upon this with internal audits to identify areas for improvement, ensuring your ISMS remains effective and compliant with evolving security threats. This iterative process is key to maintaining ISO 27001 certification long-term.
Key Takeaways:
SOC 2 and ISO 27001: Complementary, Not Competitive: SOC 2 is an essential first step for organizations, especially those in tech, but ISO 27001 takes your security practices to the next level, offering a comprehensive, globally recognized framework.
Global Reach: ISO 27001 offers global recognition, making it the right choice for businesses looking to expand internationally or ensure compliance with global regulations.
Continuous Improvement: Unlike SOC 2, which involves periodic audits, ISO 27001 emphasizes continuous risk-based improvement and ongoing monitoring, ensuring long-term security resilience.
Scalability for Growth: ISO 27001 is ideal for businesses looking to grow. It builds on your existing SOC 2 framework, helping you formalize and expand your security practices to address broader risks.
Actionable Steps for Transition: If you’re already SOC 2 compliant, transitioning to ISO 27001 is a structured process. Leverage your existing controls, establish an ISMS, deepen your risk assessments, and focus on continuous improvement to meet ISO 27001’s rigorous standards.
Conclusion: Making the Transition and Preparing for Long-Term Security
Transitioning from SOC 2 to ISO 27001 is a natural and strategic evolution for organizations ready to expand and formalize their security practices on a global scale. By leveraging your existing SOC 2 controls, formalizing your Information Security Management System (ISMS), and expanding your risk assessments, you’ll be well-positioned to meet ISO 27001’s comprehensive requirements.
Once your ISMS is in place and internal assessments are complete, you’re ready for the formal ISO 27001 certification audit. Thanks to your experience with SOC 2, this step will feel familiar, though ISO 27001 does require ongoing commitment to continuous monitoring, internal audits, and regular improvements to stay ahead of emerging risks.
But remember, ISO 27001 certification isn’t the end, it’s part of a larger, ongoing journey toward ensuring long-term security and scalability for your organization. With ISO 27001, you'll gain the confidence to expand into new markets, strengthen your partnerships, and maintain a proactive security posture that evolves with the times.
Ready to future-proof your information security and unlock new opportunities? Contact MHM today to begin your seamless transition from SOC 2 to ISO 27001. Let us help you build a scalable, globally recognized security framework for the future.
