Difference Between SOC 2 And SOC For Cybersecurity

 

SOC for cyber security overlaps with the SOC 2, but there are important differences. You should not replace with other and it should be based upon specific needs of your organization.

The following can guide you as you decide what you need:

Difference between SOC 2 and SOC for Cyber security

Overview:

SOC2

It's written description of the system, auditor's opinions of description and controls effectiveness and a summary and results of auditor's tests of controls.

SOC

It's a description of the vendor’s cyber security risk management program, whether the objectives were achieved and the practitioner’s opinion on the description and whether controls were effective.

The report provides a broad overview, usually at an enterprise-wide cyber risk level, and has been produced to provide an extra level of trust and confidence, specifically to stakeholders.

You can also read: Difference between SOC 1 and SOC 2

What it includes

SOC2

• A written assertion completed by management which describes the system.
• The auditor’s opinion of the fairness of presentation of management’s description in the written assertion as well as an opinion as to the design and operating effectiveness of controls as they apply to the Trust Services Criteria.
• A summary and results of the auditor’s tests of controls.

SOC

The management’s written description of the entity’s cyber security risk management program.

The effectiveness of the controls within that program in achieving the entity’s cyber security objectives.

The practitioner’s opinion on whether management’s written description is presented in accordance with the description criteria and whether the controls were effective in achieving the entity’s cyber security objectives.

Who uses it

SOC2

It's primarily intended for those internal and familiar with the vendor’s services as well as organizations relying on the vendor's system, applicable to at least one of the Trust Services Criteria.

 SOC

It's created to be used by a broad audience including:

• Management 
• Directors 
• General Users (e.g., analysts, investors) 
• Any others whose decisions might be affected by the effectiveness of the entity's cybersecurity risk management program.

How is it completed

SOC2

It's an independent assessment.

SOC

It's an independent assessment.

Framework Used

SOC2

Trust Service Criteria framework

SOC

Any risk assessment framework, such as three of the Trust Service Criteria - Security, Availability and Confidentiality - or another framework, such as NIST or FISMA.

You can also watch the webinar on SOC For Cyber Security