As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, so does the need for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information. Whether you're a startup scaling fast or an established enterprise, customers, investors, and regulators all want the same thing—proof that your systems are secure.
That’s where SOC reports come into play. But not all reports serve the same purpose. Understanding the difference between SOC for Cybersecurity vs SOC 2 is essential to choosing the right approach for your organization.
If you’re exploring this topic for the first time, or looking to clarify the differences, this guide will help you decide which report fits your needs. (Learn more at Shaun Stoltz's website.)
What is SOC for Cybersecurity?
SOC for Cybersecurity is a flexible, organization-wide report that assesses the overall effectiveness of a company’s cybersecurity risk management program. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this report is designed for a broad audience, including stakeholders, investors, and regulators.
This report isn't limited to one system or process. Instead, it provides a high-level view of how well an organization is managing cyber risks across its entire infrastructure.
Key Features:
Audience: General public, investors, regulators
Scope: Enterprise-wide cybersecurity program
Frameworks: Can align with NIST, ISO 27001, or others
Purpose: Demonstrates overall cyber readiness and maturity
This is a good choice for companies looking to increase public trust or meet broad cybersecurity assurance expectations—especially in regulated industries.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2, also developed by the AICPA, is more specific. It focuses on the internal controls related to five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. SOC 2 is most relevant for service organizations, such as SaaS providers, data centers, and cloud-based businesses.
SOC 2 reports are typically shared with clients and prospects who want reassurance that their data is being handled securely.
Key Features:
Audience: Customers, partners, auditors
Scope: Specific systems or services
Framework: Based on Trust Services Criteria
Types: Type I (design of controls) and Type II (operating effectiveness over time)
If your company is being asked to provide security assurances during a sales or procurement process, a SOC 2 report is often the ticket.
SOC for Cybersecurity vs SOC 2: Side-by-Side
| Criteria | SOC for Cybersecurity | SOC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General cybersecurity posture | Internal controls for specific services |
| Audience | Public, investors, regulators | Clients, partners |
| Scope | Enterprise-wide | System/service-specific |
| Framework | Flexible (e.g., NIST, ISO) | Trust Services Criteria |
| Assurance Type | One comprehensive report | Type I and Type II options |
In short, SOC for Cybersecurity is broader and externally focused, while SOC 2 is more narrow and customer-specific.
Which Report Should You Choose?
The right report depends on your goals:
Choose SOC for Cybersecurity if you want to demonstrate your organization’s overall cyber resilience to a wide audience.
Choose SOC 2 if you need to meet contractual or customer requirements related to specific systems or services.
Some organizations pursue both to meet internal and external needs at different levels.
Final Thoughts
Security isn't just about technology—it's about trust. Selecting the right reporting framework helps you communicate your cybersecurity efforts clearly and credibly. Whether you're trying to meet investor expectations or win enterprise clients, understanding the difference between SOC for Cybersecurity vs SOC 2 can help you make a strategic decision.
