Migrating from SOC 2 to ISO 27001
Companies with SOC 2 compliance are already 80% of the way to ISO 27001 certification. The transition is less about implementing new technical controls and more about formalizing your Information Security Management System (ISMS) with proper governance documentation.
Critical Compliance Gaps
ISMS Governance
ISO 27001 requires a formal Information Security Management System (ISMS) including Clauses 4-10 covering organizational context, leadership commitment, and mandatory internal audit processes.
Statement of Applicability (SoA)
Unlike SOC 2 where auditors help define scope, ISO 27001 requires you to formally declare which of the 93 Annex A controls apply—and justify exclusions—in a Statement of Applicability document.
Continuous Improvement (PDCA)
ISO 27001 mandates the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle with formal management reviews of security performance metrics, unlike SOC 2's point-in-time attestation model.
Risk Treatment Plan
A formal, documented risk treatment plan is mandatory in ISO 27001, specifying how each identified risk will be addressed (accept, mitigate, transfer, avoid).
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
Follow these 10 steps to achieve ISO 27001 compliance. Estimated timeline: 12 weeks.
Perform gap analysis mapping SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria to ISO 27001 Annex A controls
Define ISMS scope boundaries and create context of organization documentation
Conduct ISO 27001-compliant risk assessment using a methodology like ISO 27005
Draft Statement of Applicability (SoA) mapping each Annex A control
Implement missing controls and document risk treatment decisions
Conduct mandatory internal audit per Clause 9.2 requirements
Complete management review per Clause 9.3
Undergo Stage 1 (documentation review) external audit
Address any nonconformities from Stage 1
Complete Stage 2 (operational effectiveness) certification audit
Unique ISO 27001 Requirements
Strategic Use Cases
Verification Sources
Last verified: January 12, 2026
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SOC 2 to ISO 27001 Migration FAQs
How long does it take to get ISO 27001 if I already have SOC 2$2
Typically 3-4 months with dedicated effort. The AICPA mapping shows 80% control overlap, so you're primarily adding ISMS governance documentation, not rebuilding your security program.
Can I maintain both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 simultaneously$3
Yes, and many companies do. The overlapping controls mean you can satisfy both with a unified evidence collection process. RiscLens recommends a single integrated compliance program.
What's the cost difference between SOC 2 and ISO 27001$4
ISO 27001 certification audits typically cost $15,000-$40,000 for initial certification. However, companies with SOC 2 can save 40-60% on preparation costs by reusing existing evidence and controls.
Do I need ISO 27001 if I already have SOC 2$5
It depends on your market. SOC 2 is the US standard for service organizations, while ISO 27001 is the global standard. If you're selling to European enterprises or government entities, ISO 27001 is often required.
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.
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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
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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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