Migrating from PCI DSS to SOC 2
Approximately 60% of PCI DSS and SOC 2 requirements overlap in areas like access control, encryption, and monitoring. If you're PCI DSS compliant and need SOC 2 for enterprise customers, the foundation is solid—the transition involves broader scope and CPA attestation.
Critical Compliance Gaps
Trust Services Criteria
SOC 2 uses principles-based TSC while PCI DSS has prescriptive technical requirements. Different control philosophy requires mapping.
Broader Scope
SOC 2 may cover systems beyond the Cardholder Data Environment that PCI DSS focuses on.
CPA Attestation
SOC 2 requires CPA firm attestation while PCI DSS uses QSAs (Qualified Security Assessors) or SAQs.
Principles vs Prescriptive
SOC 2 allows flexibility in control implementation. PCI DSS has specific technical requirements. Documentation approach differs.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
Follow these 9 steps to achieve SOC 2 compliance. Estimated timeline: 10 weeks.
Map PCI DSS requirements to SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
Identify systems beyond CDE for SOC 2 scope
Create SOC 2 system description document
Engage licensed CPA firm for SOC 2
Determine TSC categories to include
Prepare evidence in SOC 2 format
Conduct readiness assessment
Complete Type I or Type II examination
Receive SOC 2 attestation report
Unique SOC 2 Requirements
Strategic Use Cases
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PCI DSS to SOC 2 Migration FAQs
Do enterprise customers accept PCI DSS instead of SOC 2$17
Rarely. PCI DSS demonstrates payment security specifically. Enterprise customers require SOC 2 for general service organization security. Most payment companies maintain both.
Can one audit cover both$18
Combined engagements are possible but require different auditors—CPA for SOC 2, QSA for PCI DSS. Some firms offer coordinated assessments that leverage shared controls.
Which is more rigorous$19
PCI DSS is more prescriptive with specific technical requirements. SOC 2 is principles-based with more flexibility. They're different approaches rather than one being more rigorous.
Do I need SOC 2 for PCI compliance$20
No. PCI DSS and SOC 2 are independent. However, payment service providers often need both—PCI DSS for card brand requirements and SOC 2 for B2B customer assurance.
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.
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