Table of Contents
Do not index
Do not index
How SOC 2 Requirements Align with GDPR
As today’s economy becomes increasingly more digital, discussions around data protection and privacy are gaining in both intensity and frequency. Two of the most significant security frameworks that address these issues are SOC 2, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While they originate from different contexts, with SOC 2 focusing on service organisations in the U.S., GDPR being a regulation in the European Union, they share common goals of ensuring data security and protecting user privacy. This article explores how SOC 2 requirements align with GDPR, and vice versa.
Understanding SOC 2 and GDPR
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2, or Service Organisation Control 2, is a framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that outlines criteria for managing customer data based on five Trust Service Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Businesses that provide services to clients, particularly those within the technology and cloud computing sectors, often pursue SOC 2 compliance to demonstrate their commitment to data protection, or as part of a contract with another business.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law enacted in May 2018 that governs how businesses handle the personal data of individuals within the European Union. It emphasises principles such as transparency, accountability, and user consent, with strict requirements surrounding the retention, handling and deletion of this data. GDPR applies to any business that handles the personal data of an EU citizen, regardless of its geographical location or market sector.
Key Areas of Alignment
1. Data Security
Both SOC 2 and GDPR emphasize the importance of securing personal data against unauthorised access and breaches.
- SOC 2 requires businesses to implement robust security controls to protect customer data.
- GDPR mandates that businesses adopt appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.
2. Privacy Principles
Privacy is a core component of both frameworks.
- SOC 2 includes privacy as one of its Trust Service Criteria, requiring businesses to manage personal information responsibly.
- GDPR enforces strict rules regarding the collection, processing, and storage of personal data, ensuring individuals' rights are respected.
3. Accountability and Transparency
Both frameworks require organisations to be accountable for their data handling practices.
- SOC 2 compliance involves regular audits by third-party assessors to verify adherence to established controls.
- GDPR requires organisations to maintain records of processing activities and demonstrate compliance with its principles, including the ability to show how personal data is processed and protected.
4. Incident Response
Effective incident response is crucial for both SOC 2 and GDPR compliance.
- SOC 2 necessitates having a plan in place for responding to security incidents and breaches.
- GDPR obligates organisations to report certain types of data breaches to authorities within 72 hours and notify affected individuals when necessary.
Benefits of Aligning SOC 2 with GDPR Compliance
Aligning SOC 2 requirements with GDPR can provide several advantages for organisations:
- Enhanced Trust: Achieving both SOC 2 and GDPR compliance can enhance customer trust, demonstrating a commitment to data protection and privacy.
- Streamlined Processes: Businesses can streamline their compliance efforts by integrating the requirements of both frameworks, reducing redundancy in both policies and procedures.
- Competitive Advantage: Being compliant with both standards can serve as a competitive differentiator in the marketplace, particularly for service providers targeting clients in regulated industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while SOC 2 and GDPR originate from different regulatory environments, they share fundamental principles that aim to protect personal data and ensure privacy. Organisations that align their SOC 2 compliance efforts with GDPR requirements not only enhance their security posture but also build trust with customers and stakeholders. By prioritising data protection through these frameworks, businesses can navigate the various complex requirements of today’s regulatory landscape more effectively.
For businesses looking to achieve compliance in SOC 2, GDPR, or both, OneClickComply automates the technical implementation of controls for both SOC 2 and GDPR. The platform also supports continuous monitoring to ensure constant compliance, and automated policy generation. These features significantly reduce the manual work required to get compliant with these standards, whilst also eliminating the chance of duplicating work across both standards, thus allowing businesses to achieve their compliance goals faster, using less resources, and maintain their posture 24/7.