When it comes to building a security program, many small and mid-sized companies find themselves asking the same question:
Should we start with ISO 27001 or SOC 2?
Both frameworks are respected. Both help prove your commitment to security and risk management. But they serve slightly different purposes and the right starting point depends on your business needs, clients, and growth goals.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the difference?
ISO 27001
- A global standard focused on building an ISMS
- Internationally recognized
- Works across industries
- Emphasizes a repeatable, risk-based security program
- Certification is issued by an accredited third party
SOC 2
- An American reporting framework that assesses how your organization protects customer data.
- Especially common in SaaS and tech
- Focuses on five “Trust Service Criteria”: security, confidentiality availability, integrity, and privacy
- Validated through an audit report from a CPA firm
Start with ISO 27001 if you:
- Work across multiple regions or countries
- Need a formal, risk-based security framework to scale your operations
- Want a globally recognized certification to build trust
- Have a security program in early stages and want structure that applies across departments
Deepsight recommendation: ISO 27001 is a better fit if you’re laying the foundation for long-term resilience and compliance maturity.
Start with SOC 2 if you:
- Are selling into U.S. markets, especially in tech or healthcare
- Have enterprise clients or prospects asking specifically for SOC 2
- Need a fast path to demonstrate your controls and secure new contracts
- Are focused on customer data protections and vendor requirements
Deepsight recommendation: SOC 2 is often the right first step for B2B SaaS companies looking to build credibility and pass due diligence checks.
What if you need both?
That’s common. And achievable. In fact, the two frameworks overlap significantly. A strong ISO 27001 implementation can lay the groundwork for SOC 2, and vice versa.
But if resources are tight, focus on the one that:
- Aligns with the compliance demands of your buyers
- Supports your go-to-market strategy
- Helps you reduce risk and close deals in the short term
You don’t need both certifications right away. Start with the one that helps you build trust, win business, and create a scalable foundation. Then expand from there.
Need help deciding or preparing?
Deepsight helps SMBs build smart, right-sized security programs whether that starts with ISO 27001, SOC 2, or both.