Compliance Done Right: 1 Pentest, 2 Certifications
Let’s talk about two big names in cybersecurity compliance: ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification.
They are respected standards in information security, but they often leave businesses with critical questions.
- Which one do I need?
- Wait, do I need both?
- And where do I even begin?
Besides answering these questions, we"re also breaking down what each certification means and what"s the best path to complying with this “power duo.”
What is SOC 2 Certification?
Think of a SOC 2 certification as a report card on how your business handles customer data.
It"s a guide from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that checks your systems based on five Trust Services Criteria:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
This is especially important for service companies like SaaS businesses, data centres, and managed IT providers that handle client information.
What is ISO 27001 Compliance?
ISO 27001 compliance, on the other hand, is a global standard for creating and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This is a complete set of rules and processes that help your company manage sensitive data in an organised way.
While SOC 2 is mainly for service organisations, ISO 27001 can be used by any business of any size, in any industry.
Do You Need Both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Certification?
Although they seem similar, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 work well together.
ISO 27001
- It focuses on how you design and run your security system.
- It"s the blueprint for building your security fortress, defining how the walls are built, where the gates go, and the rules for the guards.
- It"s a global benchmark.
SOC 2
- It reports on how well the controls in that system work in practice.
- It"s the regular inspection report that proves your fortress is secure. SOC 2 shows that the walls are strong, the gates are locked, and the guards are doing their jobs properly.
- Despite it being a North American requirement, more and more international regulators are demanding it.
Having both shows a full commitment to security. This means you can satisfy more client requirements and have a real edge over competitors.
Securing Compliance Success
Whether you aim for one certification or both, the process should start with a security check.
Before you think about auditors, a penetration test is your most valuable first step. This process simulates a real-world attack on your systems to find weaknesses. Besides these vulnerabilities getting in the way of your compliance, they are also openings for criminals.
Think of it as a pre-audit cybersecurity audit. This is very different from a simple vulnerability assessment.
Vulnerability scans often use automated tools that produce unreliable and surface-level results. A proper pentest gives you proven, actionable findings that provide a clear roadmap for resolving the issues.
When Should You Conduct Penetration Testing?
Timing is key to getting the most from your cybersecurity testing investment. You should conduct a test at several critical moments.
- Before You Start. When you consider applying for compliance, a pentest will give you a clear baseline of your security setup. It tells you exactly where you stand and what you need to fix to meet the rules for SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
- During the Process. After you put new security controls in place, a test can confirm they are working correctly before the formal audit.
- After Certification. Compliance is not a one-time task. Regular, yearly testing is needed to keep your certification and ensure your defences stay strong against new threats.
How 7ASecurity Streamlines Your Compliance Journey
At 7ASecurity, we help businesses prepare and achieve their ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications.
Our approach to penetration testing is designed to give you the clarity you need. We provide a detailed report with actionable steps that help you meet audit requirements and strengthen your security.
By finding and helping you fix weaknesses early, we set you up for a smoother, more successful certification process.
