Migrating from NIST CSF to SOC 2
Organizations with NIST CSF implementation are approximately 75% aligned with SOC 2 requirements. The main transition work is engaging a CPA firm for formal attestation and mapping NIST functions to Trust Services Criteria.
Critical Compliance Gaps
Third-Party Attestation
SOC 2 requires formal attestation by a licensed CPA firm. NIST CSF is a self-assessment framework without certification.
Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 uses TSC which must be mapped from NIST CSF functions. Different organizational structure for controls.
System Description
SOC 2 requires a detailed system description document. NIST CSF Framework Profiles serve a different purpose.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
Follow these 10 steps to achieve SOC 2 compliance. Estimated timeline: 10 weeks.
Map NIST CSF subcategories to SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
Create SOC 2 system description document
Identify scope for SOC 2 examination
Engage licensed CPA firm experienced in SOC 2
Prepare evidence per SOC 2 requirements
Determine which TSC categories to include
Conduct readiness assessment with auditor
Complete Type I or Type II examination
Address any exceptions identified
Receive SOC 2 attestation report
Unique SOC 2 Requirements
Strategic Use Cases
Need migration help?
Talk to our compliance experts to map your controls efficiently.
Consult an ExpertContinue Your Compliance Journey
Framework Guides
Ready to Expand Your Compliance?
Our experts can help you map your existing NIST CSF controls to SOC 2 requirements and accelerate your migration timeline.
NIST CSF to SOC 2 Migration FAQs
Why do commercial customers want SOC 2 instead of NIST CSF$7
SOC 2 provides third-party attestation from a licensed CPA, which commercial buyers prefer for due diligence. NIST CSF is self-assessed without formal certification.
Can I show my NIST CSF documentation to commercial prospects$8
You can, but most commercial enterprises specifically request SOC 2 reports. NIST CSF demonstrates security maturity but lacks the independent validation commercial buyers expect.
Is one framework better than the other$9
They serve different purposes. NIST CSF is a flexible risk management framework; SOC 2 is an attestation standard. Many organizations maintain both—NIST for internal operations, SOC 2 for customer assurance.
How do I map NIST CSF to SOC 2$10
AICPA provides official mapping spreadsheets. The NIST Identify function maps to SOC 2 Security criteria, Protect to multiple TSC, Detect to monitoring criteria, and so on.
About RiscLens
Our mission is to provide transparency and clarity to early-stage technology companies navigating the complexities of SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance.
Who we serve
Built specifically for early-stage and growing technology companies—SaaS, fintech, and healthcare tech—preparing for their first SOC 2 audit or responding to enterprise customer requirements.
What we provide
Clarity before commitment. We help teams understand realistic cost ranges, timeline expectations, and common gaps before they engage auditors or expensive compliance vendors.
Our Boundaries
We do not provide legal advice, audit services, or certifications. Our assessments support internal planning—they are not a substitute for professional compliance guidance.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations, developed by the AICPA, which specifies how organizations should manage customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Get your personalized SOC 2 cost estimate
Free • No sales calls • Instant results