Comparison between SOC 2 and GDPR
Overview
SOC 2 and GDPR are two separate standards, but they are both related to data security. SOC 2 is an auditing standard that focuses on the security, availability, and processing integrity of a company's systems, while GDPR is a data privacy regulation that sets out guidelines for how companies must protect the personal data of EU citizens. SOC 2 is focused on the technical aspects of data security, while GDPR is focused on the legal aspects. Both standards are important for organizations that handle sensitive data, as they help ensure the security and privacy of that data.
Contents
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is an auditing and compliance standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to help organizations assess and report on the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of their systems. The standard is used to evaluate the internal controls of a service organization and is often required by customers or regulators. The audit process includes a review of the design and effectiveness of the controls, as well as the testing of the service organization's actual practices. The report issued by the auditor is then used to demonstrate the service organization's compliance with the applicable trust principles.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It aims to give individuals more control over their personal data and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU. The GDPR was adopted on April 27, 2016, and became enforceable on May 25, 2018. It replaces the 1995 Data Protection Directive. The GDPR imposes strict requirements on organizations that process the personal data of EU citizens. It applies to organizations located within the EU, as well as those located outside of the EU that offer goods or services to, or monitor the behavior of, EU data subjects. Organizations must comply with the GDPRs requirements for the protection of personal data, including the principles of data protection by design and default, data minimization, and the right to be forgotten. Organizations must also implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of personal data.
A Comparison Between SOC 2 and GDPR
1. Both SOC 2 and GDPR emphasize the importance of data security and privacy.
2. Both require organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data.
3. Both SOC 2 and GDPR require organizations to document their security processes and procedures.
4. Both require organizations to have clear policies and procedures in place to protect personal data.
5. Both require organizations to provide regular training to their staff on data security and privacy.
6. Both require organizations to have a comprehensive incident response plan in place.
7. Both require organizations to provide customers with clear and transparent information about how their data is being used.
8. Both require organizations to have a risk management program in place to identify and mitigate potential risks.
The Key Differences Between SOC 2 and GDPR
1. Scope: SOC 2 is focused on the security and privacy of a company's systems and processes, while GDPR is focused on the protection of personal data.
2. Compliance: SOC 2 is a voluntary compliance standard, while GDPR is a mandatory regulation.
3. Auditing: SOC 2 requires a third-party audit, while GDPR does not.
4. Enforcement: SOC 2 violations are enforced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), while GDPR violations are enforced by the European Union.
5. Penalties: SOC 2 violations can result in fines and reputational damage, while GDPR violations can result in fines of up to 4% of a company's annual global turnover.