Security · Certification
What SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are, how they compare, when a startup needs one and what to do before pursuing certification.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
SOC 2 is an auditor’s attestation report on whether a service organisation’s controls meet the Trust Services Criteria, with Type I covering design at a point in time and Type II covering operating effectiveness over a period. ISO 27001 is an international standard for an information security management system with certification by an accredited body. Early-stage SaaS usually does not need either at first; sound design, policies and clear security answers often suffice, and larger customers may later ask for one. A platform’s certifications do not cover your app.
Key takeaways
- SOC 2 = auditor’s report on controls; ISO 27001 = certification of a security management system.
- Type I = design at a point in time; Type II = effectiveness over a period.
- Most early-stage SaaS do not need either at first; do the basics well.
- A platform’s certificate does not cover your app’s design and configuration.
- Never claim certification you do not hold.
In this guide
This guide is general information. Certification and attestation requirements are detailed and change over time, so confirm current specifics with the standards bodies and qualified advisers.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is an attestation framework, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, in which an independent auditor reports on whether a service organisation’s controls meet the Trust Services Criteria. The criteria cover security, which is always included, and optionally availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. The result is a report you can share with customers, usually under confidentiality.
| SOC 2 Type I | SOC 2 Type II | |
|---|---|---|
| What it examines | Whether controls are suitably designed at a point in time | Whether controls operated effectively over a period, commonly several months |
| Effort | Lower | Higher, with evidence gathered over time |
| Customer confidence | Some | Stronger |
What is ISO 27001?
ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for an information security management system, known as an ISMS. It requires an organisation to identify its information security risks, choose and implement controls, document its approach and continually improve it. Organisations can be certified by an accredited certification body after an audit, and then maintain certification through periodic reviews.
SOC 2 vs ISO 27001
| SOC 2 | ISO 27001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | An auditor’s attestation report on controls | A certification of a management system against a standard |
| Origin | United States, accounting profession | International standard |
| Focus | Controls relevant to the Trust Services Criteria | A risk-based management system for information security |
| Output | A report, often shared under confidentiality | A certificate, with a defined scope |
| Common expectation | US customers, especially in B2B SaaS | International and European customers |
| Effort | Substantial, especially Type II | Substantial, with an ongoing management system |
Neither is a legal requirement for most small companies. Customers, especially larger organisations, may ask for one or the other as part of buying decisions.
Does an early-stage SaaS need either?
| Situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Pre-launch or a handful of small customers | Not yet. Focus on sound design and clear security answers |
| Selling to small and mid-sized firms | Policies, a security summary and good answers to questionnaires often suffice |
| Larger customers or regulated buyers ask for evidence | Consider SOC 2 or ISO 27001, depending on where customers are |
| Handling highly sensitive data at scale | Plan toward one earlier |
What can you do before pursuing certification?
- Design access control and privacy rules properly. See our security guide.
- Use multi-factor authentication for staff and admins.
- Write basic policies: access, incident response, backup and continuity, supplier management.
- Keep an audit trail of key actions and a list of suppliers.
- Run regular access reviews and backups, and test restores.
- Train staff on phishing and data handling.
- Prepare a standard security summary and answers to common questionnaires.
These steps are most of what certification asks for, and they improve security whether or not you certify.
What about the platform’s own certifications?
If your app runs on a platform such as Bubble.io, the platform’s own certifications and attestations relate to its infrastructure and services, not to your application’s design and configuration. Under the shared responsibility model, you remain responsible for your app’s access control, data handling and processes. Ask the platform for its current compliance documentation, and be clear with customers about what each covers.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Chasing certification before the basics are in place.
- Claiming certification or compliance you do not hold.
- Assuming a platform’s certificate covers your app.
- Scoping the certification too broadly or too narrowly.
- Treating it as a one-off project instead of an ongoing practice.
- Ignoring customer timelines, so a key deal stalls waiting for evidence.
Simple Automation Solutions builds apps with security designed in, but we do not provide SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certification, and we do not claim our clients’ apps hold either. Builds start at $3,500, and a $345 Discovery Sprint, credited toward the build, defines the security requirements in the PRD.
Frequently asked questions
What is SOC 2?
An attestation framework in which an independent auditor reports on whether a service organisation’s controls meet the Trust Services Criteria, such as security and availability.
What is ISO 27001?
An international standard for an information security management system, with certification by an accredited body after audit.
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I examines the design of controls at a point in time. Type II examines whether they operated effectively over a period.
Does an early-stage startup need SOC 2 or ISO 27001?
Usually not at first. Larger or regulated customers may ask for one later. Sound design, policies and clear security answers often suffice early on.
Does my platform’s certification cover my app?
No. It relates to the platform’s infrastructure. You remain responsible for your own app’s access control, data handling and processes.
Selling to larger customers who ask about security?
Email us what your product holds and who is asking. We will help you build the controls and answers they expect.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
