Small businesses today face a growing need to demonstrate their commitment to robust cybersecurity practices and data protection. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are two prominent assurance standards that small businesses can consider showcasing their dedication to information security. Let’s delve into the differences and benefits of SOC 2 and ISO 27001 for small businesses.
SOC 2:
SOC 2, which stands for Service Organization Control 2, is an auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It focuses on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data. SOC 2 assessments are specifically tailored to technology and cloud service providers and measure their adherence to predefined security criteria.
Benefits for Small Businesses:
- Customizable Scope: Small businesses can choose which specific trust services categories to be assessed against, making it adaptable to their unique needs.
- Industry Recognition: Achieving SOC 2 compliance can enhance the credibility of small businesses, especially if they provide technology-related services.
- Third-Party Validation: SOC 2 compliance involves third-party auditing, adding an external layer of validation to your security claims.
- Security Enhancements: Going through the SOC 2 process encourages small businesses to improve their security practices and controls.
ISO 27001:
ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized information security management standard. It provides a framework for systematically managing an organization’s information security risks and designed for best practice. ISO 27001 is applicable to various industries and sectors and covers a wide range of security aspects.
Benefits for Small Businesses:
- Global Acceptance: ISO 27001 is recognized globally, which can be advantageous if your small business operates in international markets or deals with partners from different countries.
- Holistic Approach: ISO 27001 covers a broad spectrum of information security areas, allowing small businesses to address their security concerns comprehensively.
- Risk Management: ISO 27001’s risk-based approach helps small businesses identify, assess, and manage their security risks effectively.
- Continuous Improvement: ISO 27001 emphasizes the importance of a continuous improvement cycle, which is crucial for maintaining and enhancing security over time.
In conclusion, both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 offer valuable assurance for small businesses seeking to enhance their cybersecurity practices. Both standards are very similar with an 80% overlap on mapping criteria. SOC 2 is well-suited for technology and service providers and offers more flexibility and can be easier to achieve. ISO 27001’s global recognition and comprehensive approach make it an excellent choice for small businesses across various industries but can be more time consuming to achieve. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the nature of your business and location, your industry, your customers and business partners expectations and your long-term cybersecurity goals. Speak to one of our cybersecurity experts at Archway Securities to find out more about accreditation.