Whether you’re looking to build customer trust, stay competitive in a security-driven market, or simply prevent costly security breaches, understanding cybersecurity compliance standards is your first step toward compliance.
This guide covers every major cybersecurity compliance standard so you can know which framework (or frameworks) are right for your organization, so you’ll know what to pursue, and what makes each framework unique.
What are Cybersecurity Compliance Standards?
Cybersecurity compliance standards are third-party frameworks of guidelines and controls that organizations can build, measure, and test cybersecurity programs against. The independent (or government) nature of these standards allows organizations to build trust with each other; if one company’s program meets a mutually agreed upon cybersecurity compliance standard, it is trusted to be sufficiently secure.
The Most Common and Relevant Cybersecurity Compliance Standards in 2025:
- SOC 2
- ISO 27001
- PCI-DSS
- FedRAMP
- StateRAMP
- TX-RAMP
- CMMC
- HITRUST
- ISO/IEC 42001
- DORA
Compliance with one or more of these standards can be required to do business with security-conscious customers. Sales enablement is the most common reason companies will first choose to pursue cybersecurity compliance.
What Cybersecurity Standard Should I Use?
The right cybersecurity standard for your organization is the one that’s most relevant to your organization’s needs. This will vary depending on your industry, regulations, customers, and any risks associated with your organization.
The best place to start is your customers—most organizations pursue compliance standards based on their customers’ requests or industry requirements.
For example, companies handling sensitive healthcare data might lean toward HITRUST (but stay tuned as to why we recommend against this), while businesses handling credit card transactions need to adhere to PCI-DSS. A SaaS company in the US may have its customers requesting a SOC 2 report, while European companies might seek out its more rigid counterpart, ISO 27001.
If you’re looking for a framework, but don’t need a specific standard, you can start by building your program to CIS Controls. This way, you can improve your overall cybersecurity posture, and prepare for any future compliance standards, if you need to pursue them.
AICPA SOC 2
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is a security framework created by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) focused on data protection and cybersecurity. It is most commonly used in the United States and focuses on the five Trust Services Criteria (TSC) – Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. SOC 2 is different from other frameworks in its flexibility. Rather than prescribing specific controls, businesses must meet particular objectives. Therefore, SOC 2 compliance allows for a more tailored approach.
3 Key Characteristics of SOC 2
1. Flexibility in Meeting Requirements
While other frameworks list specific controls that must be implemented, SOC 2 provides guidelines for reaching specific objectives. This makes it uniquely adaptable across different industries where businesses might design and use different controls to build their cybersecurity program. On the one hand, this makes SOC 2 more accessible. On the other hand, businesses unfamiliar with security programs may be at a disadvantage – it’s hard to know where to start!
2. The Goal: Attestation (Not Certification)
Completing a SOC 2 audit results in an attestation report rather than a certification. This report is provided once the third-party auditor reviews the organization’s program and whether or not it meets SOC 2’s TSC principles. There are four possible reports:
- Unqualified opinion – This is the ideal outcome. The program meets the standard without any issues.
- Qualified opinion – The auditor notes a specific issue. This issue does not undermine the overall reliability of the program but the auditor found it worth noting.
- Adverse opinion – This opinion is issued when significant non-compliance is evident.
- Disclaimer of opinion – The auditor issues a disclaimer if they were unable to complete the audit, usually due to lack of information or access.
We strongly recommend that SOC 2 reports be read closely, as some auditors will provide a more thorough, higher-quality report than others.
3. Most Common in the U.S.
SOC 2 is most commonly used by U.S.-based companies, especially those in software and technology. This might include SaaS companies, cloud providers, and service providers whose clients expect a strong commitment to security, privacy, and trust in their data.
How a Virtual CISO Saved CTO Hours While Achieving SOC 2: a Case Study
ISO 27001
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is focused on developing a systematic approach to protecting sensitive company information. It is recognized internationally and is required by many European businesses, though organizations worldwide are adopting it for its strong security controls. The goal of ISO 27001 compliance is to rigorously identify risks, create and implement controls (determined by the risks), and then maintain and improve its practices across its entire program (or, in the context of ISO 27001, the Information Security Management System or ISMS).
3 Key Characteristics of ISO 27001
1. Certification Managed by ISO
ISO 27001 is well-regarded and respected partially because it’s maintained by ISO, a globally recognized organization that provides international standards for all sorts of things, from the common global shipping container to how you should brew a cup of tea for comparison tasting.
Of course, countries would not use ISO 27001 if they didn’t believe the standard was not good. Its controls provide for a comprehensive cybersecurity program, and it is updated every five years. The most recent update in 2022, and the next will be in 2027.
2. Detailed Control Requirements
In contrast to the quite flexible SOC 2 guidelines, ISO 27001 is much more rigid, complete with a specific and comprehensive set of 114 controls meant to be designed, implemented, documented, and integrated to align with specific business objectives. These controls can be found in Annex A of ISO 27001.
3. Intensive Audit Process
Likewise, preparing for the audit requires significant time, energy, and other resources to prepare, design, document, and monitor to ensure that all controls and clauses are being satisfied. This process can be as short as several months or as long as a year or more, but this depends on the size and complexity of the organization.
Keep in mind that what makes ISO 27001 so rigorous is the requirement to build an entire Information Security Management System, which includes assessing risks, implementing controls, and carefully documenting every relevant piece of information. This is a more intense audit process than SOC 2, so be sure to plan accordingly!
PCI-DSS
What is PCI-DSS?
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a compliance framework designed to maintain the security of credit card information and any organizations that handle it. Protecting this sensitive cardholder data is paramount, so PCI-DSS lays out requirements that help businesses prevent things like fraud and data breaches to any companies that handle, process, or store credit card information.
3 Key Characteristics of PCI-DSS
1. Managed by Big Credit Card Processors
This standard is unique because it’s managed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, made up of big credit card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Since these credit card companies want to protect their integrity, they have a vested interest in protecting their data, reinforcing their authority.
2. PCI-DSS Non-Compliance = Serious Fines
PCI-DSS non-compliance comes with hefty fines. While these fines may have varied over the years, they can range between $5,000 to $100,000 per month, and that’s just for smaller businesses! British Airways was fined $229 million in 2017 for a breach affecting 500,000 customers. Target reached a data breach settlement in 2013 of $67 million paid to Visa and $19 million to MaterCard, plus another $18.5 million in a settlement with 47 U.S. states. We only share this to remind you that if you do seek to pursue it, you need to be equally proactive and careful.
3. PCI-DSS as a Protective Measure
PCI-DSS compliance provides you with a significant advantage in preventing breaches or protecting you in the event of one. While a data breach might normally seriously damage your reputation, showing PCI-DSS compliance demonstrates your stringent commitment to protecting credit card data and that you were actively meeting industry standards.
The RAMP Family of Standards (FedRAMP, StateRAMP, TX-RAMP, others)
What is the RAMP Family?
The RAMP (Risk and Authorization Management Program) family of standards is a set of frameworks focused on cloud service providers (CSPs) designed to ensure that cloud-based services meet specific security standards. While these frameworks do share a name, they are not directly related! Each one comes from a different organizing body.
They do share another common element—their control lists are derived from NIST 800-53 guidelines. NIST 800-53 provides a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls designed primarily for U.S. federal government agencies and related contractors. Let’s look at FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and TX-RAMP in a bit more detail.
FedRAMP
What is FedRAMP?
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a compliance framework managed by multiple departments of the U.S. Executive Branch that is focused on cloud-based services in federal agencies.
FedRAMP compliance is mandatory for any CSP that wants to do business with American federal agencies to ensure they meet rigorous security requirements. Only specific, accredited third-party auditors can assess CSPs as they pursue FedRAMP compliance. If a CSP is to become FedRAMP authorized, it must maintain compliance through continuous monitoring and reporting.
StateRAMP
What is StateRAMP?
StateRAMP (State Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a voluntary framework managed by an independent non-profit organization that several state and local governments have chosen to adopt. Like FedRAMP, compliance assessments must be conducted by independent third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs).
StateRAMP is a membership-driven organization, and since participation is voluntary, U.S. states, local governments, and school districts can choose whether or not to become members. Should they decide to become members, any CSPs who want to do business with those entities may be required to meet StateRAMP compliance standards. The member list of participating government agencies can be found here: https://stateramp.org/participating-governments/
TX-RAMP
What is TX-RAMP?
TX-RAMP is a cybersecurity framework wholly controlled by the State of Texas’s Department of Information Resources (DIR). It is required for CSPs who want to do business with Texas state agencies, universities, and some hospitals. Rather than being conducted by third-party auditors, TX-RAMP assessments are performed by the Texas DIR itself.
TX-RAMP is widely adopted across the state due to the mandatory nature of the program (as per statewide law) and the fact that the state of Texas funds the program, meaning there are no fees for obtaining TX-RAMP certification.
CMMC
What is CMMC?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a cybersecurity framework managed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and focused on contractors working with government agencies, especially the DoD. The program requires contractors to demonstrate compliance on various levels of cybersecurity maturity, given the inherent sensitivity of the information they manage.
3 Key Characteristics of CMMC
1. Cybersecurity Focused on Defense
The DoD developed CMMC to protect the Defense Industrial Base from cybersecurity threats, especially regarding contractors handling highly sensitive information. Therefore, this framework is mainly for any contractors working with the DoD or other federal agencies involved in national security. Defense or government experience is certainly helpful for companies pursuing CMMC.
2. CMMC 2.0
CMMC is currently in its second revision, but the rollout process has been very slow and delayed due to significant revisions and adjustments.
3. Assessments Done by C3PAOs
CMMC audits are conducted by C3PAOs or Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations. These auditing companies are accredited explicitly by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) and assess organizations and their security postures against CMMC guidelines.
HITRUST
What is HITRUST?
HITRUST is a cybersecurity framework focused on protecting private and sensitive information used by healthcare companies and managed by the Health Information Trust Alliance. This program consists of a comprehensive set of guidelines primarily for protecting Protected Health Information, such as medical records or sensitive health-related data.
3 Key Characteristics of HITRUST
1. Healthcare-Focused Compliance
HITRUST was originally established in the healthcare industry to meet strict data privacy standards like HIPAA. This makes HITRUST valuable for hospitals, insurers, and other health-related organizations navigating these unique data privacy and cybersecurity challenges.
2. Managed by a For-Profit Company
While many other frameworks are managed either by a government or nonprofit organization, HITRUST is overseen by HITRUST Alliance, a private, for-profit company. This has drawn some criticism, given the considerable cost of HITRUST certification, which tends to be pricier than some of the other frameworks on this list.
3. Only Recommended Under Specific Circumstances
As experts in cybersecurity and its wide array of frameworks, we do not recommend that organizations seek HITRUST certification. The only circumstance that might warrant the pursuit of this framework is by express client requirement. Not only is it cost-prohibitive, it’s also highly complex. Organizations outside the healthcare industry that do not receive client requirements to seek HITRUST are much better off pursuing SOC 2 or ISO 27001. If you pursue SOC 2, you can also have your auditor include HIPAA controls and reference HIPAA in the report – providing evidence of your healthcare compliance efforts.
ISO/IEC 42001
What is ISO/IEC 42001?
ISO/IEC 42001 is a new standard designed for the management of AI systems. It was published in December 2023 with the purpose of fostering responsible and secure AI use, which makes it relevant to security professionals whose organizations use AI systems.
3 Key Characteristics of ISO/IEC 42001
1. ISO 42001 Requires an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS).
Similar to ISO 27001, ISO 42001 requires the creation of a “management system” consisting of policies, procedures, and controls that govern the use of AI in your organization. Given the risks emerging AI systems present to organizations, many cybersecurity professionals (including us here at Fractional CISO) are encouraging companies to create policies like this!
2. ISO 42001 Is a Certification and Will Require an Audit Like ISO 27001
ISO 42001 is quite similar to ISO 27001, and preparing for it will be as well. Build the AI management system, create a lot of necessary documentation about your AI processes, and receive an audit from an ISO-approved auditor. Security-related professionals will likely own this compliance program just like ISO 27001.
3. We Can’t Be Sure Exactly What Role ISO/IEC 42001 Will Play Yet
At the time of publishing, ISO 42001 is only one year old. The first handful of companies only recently started announcing their successful certification with the standard. Further, compliance is either regulatory or market-driven. Unless companies begin requesting their vendors and partners get ISO 42001 certified, it may not see widespread use.
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- What the five common types of vCISO providers are
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- The four major points to consider when making your decision
DORA (Digital Operational Resiliency Act)
What is DORA?
The Digital Operational Resiliency Act (DORA) is a new European Union regulation focused on managing cybersecurity risks posed to financial entities and their information and communication technology (ICT) service providers. DORA came into effect in January 2023 and will begin to apply as of January 17, 2025 – meaning the transition period is almost over!
3 Key Characteristics of DORA.
1. Scoped to Financial Institutions and their ICT Service Providers
DORA is scoped specifically to EU-based financial institutions including banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and over a dozen other types of financial institutions. It also includes their ICT service providers, similar to how TX-RAMP is scoped to include cloud service providers. Both are aimed at vendor management!
2. DORA Has Very Tight Deadlines On Incident Reporting
There are multiple compliance frameworks that require incident reporting (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.). DORA requires notification within 24 hours of an incident being detected, and only four (4) hours once the incident is determined as major!
3. DORA Compliance Will Be Table Stakes, Even for American Businesses
Just like how American businesses conducting significant consumer-facing business in the EU must comply with GDPR, American ICT businesses conducting business with EU-based financial institutions will have to comply with the rule.
Use Fractional CISO to Help Build your Cybersecurity Compliance Program
Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of information out there regarding cybersecurity frameworks – there are likely only a few that apply to your organization. Once you find the right ones to pursue, it really can change the way your organization approaches security and builds trust with new clients.
The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. While the world of compliance standards can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it, we can help.
At Fractional CISO, we provide the expertise to help you through any of the frameworks listed above, including:
- Managing the audit process with a third-party auditor
- Preparing you for your upcoming audit
- Building a cybersecurity program around specific requirements
- Helping you design controls that tie to your business objectives
- Walking you through each process, step-by-step
We can be your partner and offer expert support so you can confidently meet your compliance standards, reduce risk, and establish long-term trust with your clients. Contact us today, and we’ll gladly discuss how we can help.
