Which Compliance FrameworkDo You Actually Need?
Compare SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and FedRAMP. Find the right path for your business — and skip the ones you don't need.
Building compliance with PlatOps costs 40–60% less than doing it alone — and we get you audit-ready in 45 days.
Which Framework Do You Need?
Answer these questions to find your starting point
Do you handle protected health information (PHI)?
Do you process credit card payments?
Do you have EU customers or handle EU resident data?
Are you selling to the US federal government?
Do enterprise customers ask for security attestation?
Do you need globally recognized certification?
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare key aspects across all major compliance frameworks
| Criteria | SOC 2 | ISO 27001 | HIPAA | PCI-DSS | GDPR | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||||||
| Primary Focus | Service organization trust | Information security mgmt | Health data protection | Payment card security | Data privacy rights | Government cloud security |
| Geographic Scope | US (expanding globally) | Global | US only | Global | EU (global reach) | US federal |
| Mandatory | No (market-driven) | No (market-driven) | Yes (covered entities) | Yes (card handlers) | Yes (EU data) | Yes (gov vendors) |
| Certification Type | Attestation report | Certification | Self-attestation | Varies by level | Self-compliance | Authorization (ATO) |
| Implementation | ||||||
| Typical Timeline | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 3-6 months | 3-6 months | 2-6 months | 12-18 months |
| Estimated Cost | $50K - $150K | $30K - $100K | $20K - $80K | $15K - $100K | $20K - $100K | $250K - $1M+ |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual | 3 years | Ongoing | Annual | Ongoing | 3 years |
| Complexity | Medium | High | Medium-High | Medium-High | High | Very High |
| Requirements | ||||||
| Documentation | Moderate | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate | Extensive | Extensive |
| Technical Controls | Flexible | Comprehensive | Required | Prescriptive | Principle-based | Prescriptive (NIST) |
| Third-Party Audit | Required (CPA) | Required | Not required | Level dependent | Not required | Required (3PAO) |
| Continuous Monitoring | Recommended | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
Framework Deep Dives
Detailed information about each compliance framework
SOC 2
Service Organization Control 2
Trust services criteria for service organizations handling customer data.
With PlatOps
Audit-ready in 45 days. We handle evidence collection, policy templates, and audit coordination.
Key Requirements
- Security controls
- Availability measures
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy (optional)
Common Industries
Advantages
- Widely recognized in US tech
- Flexible trust criteria
- Demonstrates security maturity
- Often required by enterprise customers
Challenges
- US-focused recognition
- Can be expensive
- No official certification (attestation)
- Annual audits required
ISO 27001
Information Security Management System
International standard for information security management systems (ISMS).
With PlatOps
ISMS setup in 90 days. We build the documentation, implement controls, and manage the certification process.
Key Requirements
- Risk assessment
- Security policies
- Asset management
- Access control
- Incident management
Common Industries
Advantages
- Globally recognized
- Comprehensive framework
- 3-year certification cycle
- Mapped to many regulations
Challenges
- Complex implementation
- Extensive documentation
- Longer timeline
- Ongoing maintenance required
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
US federal law protecting sensitive patient health information (PHI).
With PlatOps
HIPAA-ready in 60 days. We handle risk assessments, BAA management, and technical safeguards.
Key Requirements
- Privacy Rule compliance
- Security Rule safeguards
- Breach notification
- Business Associate Agreements
- Risk assessments
Common Industries
Advantages
- Legal requirement for covered entities
- Clear regulatory guidance
- No formal certification needed
- Established best practices
Challenges
- US healthcare only
- Significant penalties for violations
- Complex BAA requirements
- Ongoing compliance burden
PCI-DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Security standard for organizations handling credit card data.
With PlatOps
Scope reduction + control implementation. We coordinate with your QSA and handle remediation.
Key Requirements
- Network security
- Cardholder data protection
- Vulnerability management
- Access control
- Monitoring & testing
Common Industries
Advantages
- Required for card processing
- Clear technical requirements
- Well-defined compliance levels
- Global acceptance
Challenges
- Strict technical controls
- Regular scanning required
- Scope creep issues
- Different levels based on volume
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation
EU regulation on data protection and privacy for EU residents.
With PlatOps
Privacy-by-design implementation. We handle data mapping, consent management, and DPO advisory.
Key Requirements
- Lawful basis for processing
- Data subject rights
- Privacy by design
- Data protection officer
- Breach notification (72 hrs)
Common Industries
Advantages
- Comprehensive privacy framework
- Strengthens customer trust
- Clear data subject rights
- Drives privacy culture
Challenges
- Extraterritorial reach
- Heavy fines (4% revenue)
- Complex consent requirements
- Ongoing compliance effort
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
US government program for cloud service security assessment.
With PlatOps
Full ATO support. NIST control implementation, 3PAO coordination, and continuous monitoring setup.
Key Requirements
- NIST 800-53 controls
- Security assessment
- Continuous monitoring
- Incident response
- Authorization package
Common Industries
Advantages
- Required for federal sales
- Reusable authorization
- High security standard
- Growing market access
Challenges
- Very expensive
- Long timeline
- Complex requirements
- Significant resource investment
Need Multiple Frameworks?
Many organizations need to comply with multiple frameworks. The good news is there's significant overlap between them. For example:
- SOC 2 + ISO 27001: ~60% control overlap
- HIPAA + SOC 2: SOC 2 covers most HIPAA security requirements
- PCI-DSS + SOC 2: Many shared security controls
We build unified compliance programs that address multiple frameworks efficiently — saving time and reducing audit fatigue.
Build Your Unified Compliance ProgramNot Sure Which Framework You Need?
Get a free compliance assessment. We'll analyze your business, customers, and data to recommend the right compliance path.