Navigating an array of standards and guidelines in cybersecurity and data protection can be daunting. Thanks to the Cloud, the B2B environment can now boast agility, interoperability, and integration capabilities in its operations. However, enhanced security protocols are needed to safeguard sensitive data’s integrity and confidentiality.
This makes choosing the right compliance framework for your organization very important.
Two of the most prominent and globally recognized security standards include SOC 2 and NIST. While both security frameworks seek to improve organizational security processes, companies that want to reinforce either data security measure successfully must comprehend their subtle differences. For instance, SOC 2 focuses on security and trust when managing consumer data, particularly for service-oriented businesses. However, NIST offers comprehensive recommendations to assist firms of all sizes strengthen their cybersecurity.
In this blog, we will discuss SOC 2 and NIST in simple terms and highlight the differences between these two regulatory standards in a way that helps you decide which can be the best compliance framework for your organization to implement and reinforce your data infrastructure.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2, or Service Organization Control 2, is a framework for service providers to keep customer information secure. This compliance standard was created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). SOC 2 is a set of guidelines for handling client data, not just a one-time checklist. The five trust service criteria form its foundation: security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy.
- Security ensures systems are shielded from unwanted access.
- Availability describes the system’s agreed-upon accessibility for use and operation.
- Processing integrity refers to the system’s full, legitimate, accurate, timely, and authorized processing.
- Confidentiality entails keeping any private information safe as promised or discussed.
- Privacy covers the system’s collection, use, retention, disclosure, and destruction of personal data by the organization’s privacy policies.
SOC 2 reports come in two varieties: Type I and Type II. Type I explains the vendor’s systems and if the necessary trust criteria are met in their design. Type II describes the operational efficacy of these systems in depth.
SOC 2 is very adaptable and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of every organization. While it is not mandatory, it does require businesses to set up and adhere to stringent information security policies and procedures.
What is NIST?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a powerful organization under the U.S. Department of Commerce that works to produce standards and technologies that increase competitiveness, efficiency, and security across a range of industries. NIST is well-known for its extensive frameworks that help businesses manage and lower cybersecurity risks. NIST has created many frameworks and standards, but three—the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171—stand out for their broad applicability and durability.
Let’s understand what they stand for.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a flexible guide designed to help organizations of all sizes and sectors manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks. It is built around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions provide a high-level, strategic perspective on the lifecycle of managing and reducing cybersecurity risks.
- NIST 800-53: It offers a catalog of security and privacy controls for all U.S. federal information systems, except those related to national security. It is known for being comprehensive, prescriptive, and widely used by government agencies and contractors to align with federal requirements.
- NIST 800-171 is designed exclusively for non-federal entities managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Its goal is safeguarding private federal data stored in non-federal networks and institutions. For contractors and organizations that have direct contact with the federal government, NIST 800-171 is essential. It guarantees that they uphold a strong security posture to protect confidential information.
NIST frameworks are well-recognized for being comprehensive and flexible, providing an organized but adaptable approach to cybersecurity. NIST offers recommendations and best practices as opposed to mandated regulations. As a result, businesses can customize their implementation tactics to fit their unique requirements, size, and industry.
Organizations can more effectively manage their compliance journey by investigating the purposes and advantages of SOC 2 and NIST. This can help them choose the framework that best suits their goals, operations, and security protocols based on their unique business model.
The following sections will discuss the differences between SOC 2 and NIST in detail and offer advice on which framework is best for your organization.
Before we move on to the differences, though, let’s take a look at the similarities between SOC 2 and NIST.
Similarities Between SOC 2 and NIST
While both NIST CSF and SOC 2 concentrate on examining internal controls, they both approach data security and preserve your security posture from a different perspective.
A SOC 2 compliance report demonstrates that your company has the procedures and guidelines to protect sensitive data from new security risks. These reports demonstrate to prospective customers how seriously you take data security.
These reports include your cybersecurity goals, your internal controls’ effectiveness, and your management team’s commitment to mitigating cybersecurity risks.
On the other hand, NIST CISF is now full of cybersecurity best practices, standards, and guidelines. It is your go-to resource when you want to analyze threats that could compromise your company’s security and determine their severity.
Now, let’s deeply dive into the differences between SOC 2 and NIST.
Differences Between SOC 2 and NIST
Organizations must comprehend the differences between the SOC 2 and NIST frameworks to decide on their compliance strategy. Here are the major differences between these two compliance frameworks:
Scope and Application
Service organizations, particularly those that hold customer data, are the main focus of SOC 2. It is particularly important for SaaS providers and businesses that use the cloud to store data. NIST, on the other hand, offers a more general set of recommendations applicable to various industries. These consist of contractors, private companies, and federal agencies.
Control Frameworks and Requirements
The foundation of SOC 2 is the AICPA’s Trust Service Principles. These emphasize confidentiality, processing integrity, security, availability, and consumer data privacy. NIST provides a more comprehensive collection of guidelines and standards, including NIST 800-53 for federal information systems and NIST 800-171 for non-government systems protecting CUI.
Evaluation and Certification Procedure
External auditors complete Type I and Type II SOC 2 reports. NIST offers a framework for compliance but does not certify organizations. On the other hand, organizations that work with CUI have to follow NIST 800-171, and they might have to take exams as part of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.
Last but not least, we will discuss which factors determine whether you should choose either the SOC 2 framework or one of the NIST frameworks for your organization.
Why Choose SOC 2?
Selecting SOC 2 is especially advantageous for service-oriented companies that have to show their customers that they have strong security and privacy procedures.
- Customer Assurance: Obtaining a SOC 2 accreditation can greatly enhance your company’s reputation by demonstrating your dedication to securing client information.
- Market Demand: When handling sensitive or important data, many organizations demand that their service providers be SOC 2 compliant.
- Customizable Framework: SOC 2 allows businesses to adjust controls to meet their business needs, giving them more customizability in applying security measures.
Why Choose NIST?
Organizations seeking a systematic strategy that offers complete coverage in managing cybersecurity risks can consider using NIST guidelines. It is an extremely important security framework for businesses handling sensitive data or collaborating with the federal government.
- Widespread Recognition and Applicability: NIST standards are a reliable cybersecurity benchmark that is acknowledged on a global scale. They are, therefore, advantageous to many different sectors.
- Compliance with Federal Requirements: NIST 800-171 compliance is required for organizations managing CUI or collaborating with the U.S. government. Following NIST guidelines can lead to partnerships and federal contracts.
- Integration with CMMC: Throughout the defense industrial base, cybersecurity is implemented using the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which serves as a common standard. CMMC Level 3 is built on top of NIST 800-171. Following NIST guidelines can assist companies in getting ready for CMMC evaluations, which are essential for defense contractors.
SOC 2 and NIST Compliance with Akitra!
Establishing trust is a crucial competitive differentiator when courting new SaaS businesses in today’s era of data breaches and compromised privacy. Customers and partners want assurances that their organizations are doing everything possible to prevent disclosing sensitive data and putting them at risk, and compliance certification fills that need.
Akitra offers an industry-leading, AI-powered Compliance Automation platform for SaaS companies. With its expertise in technology solutions and compliance, Akitra is well-positioned to assist companies in navigating the complexities of these frameworks and can provide invaluable guidance in implementing the necessary frameworks and processes.
Using automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, together with a full suite of customizable policies and controls as a compliance foundation, our compliance automation platform and services help our customers become compliance-ready for NIST’s 800-218 Secure Software Development Framework and other security standards, such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, and more such as CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark, Australian ISM and Essential Eight etc. In addition, companies can use Akitra’s Risk Management product for overall risk management using quantitative methodologies such as Factorial Analysis of Information Risks (FAIR) and qualitative methods, including NIST-based for your company, Vulnerability Assessment and Pen Testing services, Trust Center, and AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product to streamline and expedite security questionnaire response processes, delivering huge cost savings. Our compliance and security experts also provide customized guidance to navigate the end-to-end compliance process confidently. Last but not least, we have also developed a resource hub called Akitra Academy which provides easy-to-learn short video courses on security, compliance, and related topics of immense significance for today’s fast-growing companies.
The benefits of our solution include enormous savings in time, human resources, and cost savings, including discounted audit fees with our audit firm partners. Customers can achieve compliance certification fast and cost-effectively, stay continuously compliant as they grow, and become certified under additional frameworks from our single compliance automation platform.
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