Tegan EikenbergA Guide to Security Compliance Frameworks
Why Compliance Matters
Compliance frameworks aren't just checkbox exercises — they represent proven security practices that protect your business and your customers. Many frameworks are required by law or contractually mandated by partners and clients.
SOC 2
Who needs it: SaaS companies and service providers that handle customer data.
SOC 2 focuses on five Trust Service Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It's become the de facto standard for B2B SaaS companies.
Key requirements:
- Access controls and authentication
- Encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Monitoring and alerting
- Incident response procedures
- Vendor management
ISO 27001
Who needs it: Organizations looking for an internationally recognized security certification.
ISO 27001 is a comprehensive information security management system (ISMS) standard. It requires a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, including risk assessments and continuous improvement.
HIPAA
Who needs it: Anyone handling protected health information (PHI) in the US healthcare system.
HIPAA requires administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for PHI. Violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with annual maximums up to $1.5 million.
PCI DSS
Who needs it: Any organization that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data.
PCI DSS has 12 core requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access control, monitoring, and policy. Compliance levels vary based on transaction volume.
Choosing the Right Framework
Start with what's required. If you handle health data, HIPAA is mandatory. If you process payments, PCI DSS applies. For most B2B SaaS companies, SOC 2 Type II is the first framework clients will ask about.
If you're unsure where to start, a gap assessment can identify your current posture and map out the most efficient path to compliance. The key is to start with a strong security foundation — many controls overlap across frameworks, so implementing one makes the next easier.