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The Advantages of Integrating ISO/IEC 27001 with Your SOC 2 Framework
- 2025-03-11
In the era of increasingly complex data breaches and cyber threats, organizations must adopt robust frameworks to protect sensitive information and build trust. For organizations that are already SOC 2 compliant, integrating ISO/IEC 27001 can significantly elevate information security efforts.
This article explores the key advantages of combining ISO/IEC 27001 with an organization’s SOC 2 framework, highlighting how this combination can strengthen an organization’s information security and compliance efforts.
Understanding ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
ISO/IEC 27001 is a globally recognized standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It helps organizations systematically manage sensitive information by ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability through risk management and controls.
Achieving ISO/IEC 27001 certification demonstrates a commitment to robust data security practices and enhances trust among customers and stakeholders. Furthermore, it fosters a culture of continuous improvement in information security, enabling organizations to meet legal and regulatory requirements while effectively safeguarding data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Key Advantages of Integrating ISO/IEC 27001 with SOC 2
Integrating ISO/IEC 27001 with SOC 2 offers numerous benefits, with the key advantages including:
Enhanced Risk Management
Integrating ISO/IEC 27001 with SOC 2 significantly strengthens risk management by introducing a structured and comprehensive approach to identifying, evaluating, and addressing risks. ISO/IEC 27001 mandates a risk assessment process tailored to the specific organizational context.
By combining this with SOC 2, organizations not only address technical security risks but also gain the ability to manage broader organizational risks, including operational, legal, and reputational risks. The continuous monitoring and improvement aspect of ISO/IEC 27001 ensures that the risk management framework evolves with emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory requirements. This integration helps organizations establish a proactive rather than reactive stance, reducing the likelihood of breaches, downtime, or non-compliance.
Global Credibility and Market Access
While SOC 2 is highly regarded in North America and among service providers dealing with customer data, ISO/IEC 27001 is universally recognized as the gold standard for information security. This global recognition makes ISO/IEC 27001 essential for organizations aiming to establish credibility and compete internationally. By achieving SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001, organizations maintain compliance with North American standards and gain access to global opportunities, enhancing their competitive edge and appeal in international markets.
Stronger Alignment and Regulatory Requirements
ISO/IEC 27001 provides a unified framework for addressing a broad spectrum of international regulations. Its structured approach ensures organizations can efficiently manage overlapping compliance requirements while reducing risks of non-compliance and penalties. When integrated with SOC 2, the combined frameworks strengthen accountability and transparency, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to regulatory obligations across jurisdictions. This alignment simplifies compliance efforts and enhances trust among clients and stakeholders.
Optimizing Operations and Audits
Aligning the controls and integrating ISO/IEC 27001 processes with SOC 2 requirements can lead to more efficient operations by reducing duplication in evidence collection efforts and aligning security practices across the organization. As such, organizations can also align the audit processes, which can help lessen the time and resources needed for separate audits.
Competitive Differentiation
Organizations with SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 have adopted a proactive and comprehensive approach to security and compliance, going above and beyond the baseline requirements of either standard alone. This is particularly valuable in industries where trust and credibility are critical for success.
This competitive advantage helps attract new business and fosters long-term relationships with existing clients by reinforcing confidence in the organization’s ability to protect sensitive information.
Achieving ISO/IEC 27001 Certification from MSECB
MSECB, an IAS-accredited certification body, provides expert ISO/IEC 27001 certification services. We are dedicated to providing prompt audit and certification services with integrity and a customer-first mentality, adding value and giving globally recognized certificates to our clients.
Organizations partnering with MSECB can seamlessly integrate ISO/IEC 27001 with their SOC 2 framework, demonstrating superior information security, enhancing operations, and gaining a competitive edge globally.
Conclusion: Strengthening Your SOC 2 Framework with ISO/IEC 27001
Integrating ISO/IEC 27001 with SOC 2 offers unparalleled benefits, including enhanced risk management, global recognition, improved regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Combining these standards creates a comprehensive security approach that inspires trust and drives business growth.
Get a Free Quote today to begin your ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey!
About Contributors
Michael Tepper
Michael Tepper is a Principal at BDO USA, with over 15 years of professional experience in accounting and advisory. Michael is a CISA and is a certified ISO Lead Auditor, approved to conduct ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 20000, and ISO/IEC 42001 with MSECB. He is the national leader for BDO USA’s ISO and Microsoft’s Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance (SSPA) independent assessment and consulting services, and throughout his career has led engagements including SOC 1, SOC 2, HITRUST, SSPA and ISO audits across various Management System standards and client industries.
Samantha Allocca
Samantha Allocca is a Managing Director at BDO USA, with over 10 years of professional experience in accounting and advisory. Samantha is a CISA and CIA and is a certified ISO Lead Auditor, approved to conduct ISO/IEC 27001 with MSECB. Samantha provides services to clients in various industries, with a strong focus on financial services and fintech clients. Her areas of focus include System and Organization Controls Reporting examinations (including SOC 1, ISAE 3402, SOC 2), and internal control audits, ISO/IEC 27001 audits, and risk and internal audit assessments.
