SOC 2, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001: More Similar Than You Think

If you’ve ever been confused by SOC 2, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001, you’re not alone. These frameworks often get treated as separate worlds — each with its own acronyms, requirements, and “must-haves.” But here’s the surprising truth: they overlap more than most people realize.

And if your organization is juggling more than one, there’s a real opportunity to save time, reduce duplication, and focus on value beyond just compliance.

What They Are in Plain Language

Let’s cut through the jargon:

• SOC 2 → Think of this as a report card. Independent auditors verify whether a service provider (like a SaaS company) can be trusted with data.

• PCI DSS → This is the rulebook for anyone handling payment card data. It’s prescriptive, detailed, and mandatory if you process credit cards.

• ISO/IEC 27001 → Picture this as the management playbook. It’s a global standard for building and continually improving an information security management system across the whole business.

Each has a different flavor, but they all aim at the same goal: protecting data and building trust.

Where They Overlap

Here’s where the similarities jump out:

• Access Control → Making sure only the right people have access.

• Encryption → Protecting sensitive data, whether stored or in transit.

• Monitoring & Incident Response → Logging activity, watching for threats, and responding effectively.

• Policies & Training → Clear rules and ongoing staff awareness.

• Vendor Management → Holding third parties accountable for security.

In other words, the building blocks are the same. Different labels, slightly different approaches, but the core principles don’t change.

Where They Differ

• SOC 2 is about assurance — demonstrating to clients that controls exist and work.

• PCI DSS is about compliance — follow the rules if you want to handle cards.

• ISO 27001 is about management — embedding security into the organization’s DNA.

One is a report, one is a rulebook, and one is a system.

The Missed Opportunity

Too often, organizations treat these frameworks as checkboxes:

• “We just need the SOC 2 report to close deals.”

• “PCI DSS is required — let’s pass the audit.”

• “ISO 27001? Get the certificate and move on.”

The problem with that approach is it misses the real value:

• Continuous improvement.

• Better processes (Fewer mishaps).

• Stronger customer confidence.

Compliance gives you the badge. Continuous improvement gives you the advantage.

Closing Thoughts

Instead of asking “Which framework should we choose?” a better question is:👉 “How can we integrate these frameworks to strengthen our security culture?”

The overlaps mean you don’t have to reinvent the wheel three times. With the right approach, SOC 2, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 can reinforce each other — saving effort and delivering more value than compliance alone.

If you’d like to dive deeper, I’ve also written about how ISO 9001 and 27001 fit together — another example of standards that complement rather than compete.