Migrating from SOC 2 to NIST CSF
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework maps neatly to SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria—AICPA provides official mapping documentation showing approximately 75% alignment. If you're SOC 2 compliant and need NIST CSF for government contracts, the transition is primarily documentation and framework profile creation.
Critical Compliance Gaps
NIST Function Structure
NIST CSF organizes controls into 5 functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) with subcategories. SOC 2 uses Trust Services Criteria. Mapping documentation is needed.
Asset Management Depth
NIST CSF Identify function requires comprehensive asset inventory and data flow mapping. SOC 2 addresses this but NIST is more explicit.
Recovery Planning
NIST CSF Recover function emphasizes recovery planning, improvements, and communications more than SOC 2's business continuity criteria.
Framework Profile
NIST CSF uses Target and Current Profiles to measure maturity. This self-assessment mechanism doesn't exist in SOC 2.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
Follow these 10 steps to achieve NIST CSF compliance. Estimated timeline: 8 weeks.
Review AICPA's official NIST CSF to SOC 2 TSC mapping spreadsheet
Document current state using NIST CSF Core functions
Create NIST Framework Profile (Current and Target states)
Map existing SOC 2 controls to NIST subcategories
Enhance asset inventory documentation per Identify function
Strengthen recovery planning per Recover function
Document control gaps and remediation plans
Implement any missing subcategory controls
Create executive-friendly NIST CSF maturity reporting
Establish ongoing framework profile updates
Unique NIST CSF Requirements
Strategic Use Cases
Verification Sources
Last verified: January 12, 2026
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 SOC 2 controls to NIST CSF requirements and accelerate your migration timeline.
SOC 2 to NIST CSF Migration FAQs
Is NIST CSF mandatory$7
NIST CSF is voluntary for most organizations but effectively mandatory for federal contractors and critical infrastructure. Many enterprises also require it from vendors as a recognized security baseline.
What's the relationship between NIST CSF and FedRAMP$8
FedRAMP uses NIST SP 800-53 controls, which align closely with NIST CSF. Achieving NIST CSF alignment is often a stepping stone to FedRAMP authorization for cloud services.
Do I need certification for NIST CSF$9
No—NIST CSF doesn't have a formal certification program. Organizations self-assess and can have third parties validate their Framework Profiles. This differs from SOC 2's formal attestation.
How does NIST CSF 2.0 differ from 1.1$10
NIST CSF 2.0 (2024) added a sixth function (Govern), expanded guidance for supply chain risk, and improved implementation examples. If you're already SOC 2 compliant, the changes are manageable.
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