Can you have a SOC 3 without a SOC 2 ?

Can you have a SOC 3 without a SOC 2?

A Service Organization Control (SOC) report is an essential tool for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to effective security and privacy controls. There are several types of SOC reports, including SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC While SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics.

SOC 2: A Deeper Look

SOC 2 reports are more comprehensive than SOC 1 reports and provide a more detailed analysis of an organization's controls. The framework evaluates the design and effectiveness of controls across multiple trust principles, ensuring a thorough assessment of an organization's security posture. Organizations can define the scope of their SOC 2 examination based on their specific services and requirements.

Customizable Scope:

SOC 2 reports are designed to be customized by the organization, allowing them to tailor the report to their specific needs. On the other hand, SOC 3 reports are less detailed and are intended for public consumption.

Introducing SOC 3, also established by the AICPA, is a less detailed version of SOC It provides a general overview of an organization's controls without going into the specifics. Unlike SOC 2, SOC 3 reports are meant for public consumption and can be freely distributed without any restrictions.

The main difference between SOC 3 and SOC 2 is the level of detail provided in the reports. While SOC 2 reports provide in-depth analysis and examination of controls, SOC 3 reports offer a high-level summary that is easier to understand for non-technical stakeholders.

In conclusion, while SOC 2 reports provide a more detailed analysis of an organization's controls, SOC 3 reports offer a more general overview of the organization's security posture. The choice between the two reports depends on an organization's specific needs and requirements.