SOC for Cybersecurity vs. SOC 2: What’s the Difference?
Cybersecurity breaches are an ever-present threat to organizations of all sizes. A Clark School study at the University of Maryland is one of the first to quantify the near-constant rate of hacker attacks of computers with Internet access— every 39 seconds on average, affecting one in three Americans every year.
In response to this growing concern, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has developed SOC (Service Organization Control) reports to assist organizations in achieving compliance and securing sensitive data. Two common types of SOC reports are SOC 1 and SOC 2, each serving distinct purposes within the realm of cybersecurity and compliance.
The Relationship Between SOC for Cybersecurity and SOC 2
While both SOC for Cybersecurity and SOC 2 are geared towards enhancing cybersecurity practices within organizations, they serve different purposes and cater to different audiences. SOC for Cybersecurity focuses specifically on an organization's cybersecurity risk management program, providing stakeholders with assurance regarding the effectiveness of these measures.
On the other hand, SOC 2 evaluates the design and effectiveness of controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, with a broader scope encompassing overall service delivery.
READ MORE: The 5 Benefits of SOC 2 Reporting for Your Organization
Differences Between SOC for Cybersecurity and SOC 2
Scope: SOC for Cybersecurity assesses an organization's cybersecurity risk management program, including policies, procedures, and controls related to cybersecurity. SOC 2, however, evaluates controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, with a focus on service delivery.
Control Criteria: SOC for Cybersecurity primarily follows the AICPA's cybersecurity risk management reporting framework, while SOC 2 adheres to predefined criteria based on the Trust Services Criteria (TSC) established by the AICPA.
Audience: SOC for Cybersecurity reports are intended for a broader range of stakeholders, including boards of directors, investors, and business partners, seeking assurance on an organization's cybersecurity posture. SOC 2 reports, on the other hand, are typically requested by customers and stakeholders concerned with data security and privacy in outsourced services.
Third-Party Risks: SOC for Cybersecurity evaluates an organization's ability to manage cybersecurity risks internally, whereas SOC 2 assesses the controls implemented by service organizations to mitigate risks associated with outsourced services.
Sensitive Information: SOC for Cybersecurity focuses on protecting sensitive information related to cybersecurity risks and threats, while SOC 2 evaluates controls related to the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data processed by service organizations.
Check out these resources to help you get started on your SOC 2 audit:
Improve Your Controls with Johanson Group
As organizations strive to enhance their cybersecurity posture and achieve compliance with industry standards, partnering with a trusted advisor like Johanson Group can provide invaluable support. With expertise in SOC attestation and cybersecurity risk management, Johanson Group offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your organization's specific needs. From conducting readiness assessments to implementing robust controls, Johanson Group is committed to helping you achieve SOC 2 attestation and bolster your cybersecurity defenses.
While SOC for Cybersecurity and SOC 2 both aim to strengthen cybersecurity practices within organizations, they serve distinct purposes and cater to different stakeholders. Understanding the differences between these two frameworks is essential for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and achieve compliance with industry standards. Partnering with a reputable firm like Johanson Group can streamline the attestation process and provide assurance to stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of your cybersecurity controls.
