Compliance Framework
Definition
A compliance framework is a structured set of guidelines, standards, and best practices — such as SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, or NIST CSF — that organizations follow to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate security due diligence.
Buyer context
Compliance frameworks provide a common language and set of controls for managing cybersecurity risk. Organizations typically need to comply with one or more frameworks depending on their industry, geography, and the type of data they handle. SOC providers often help customers meet compliance requirements by providing the continuous monitoring, log retention, and reporting that frameworks demand.