The compliance standards SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR each serve specific purposes and have unique differences which I will outline here.

SOC 2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 primarily focus on data security. This can be subdivided into three main categories:

1. Cloud Security: This involves protecting data stored in the cloud from theft, leakage, and deletion.

2. Endpoint Security: This refers to securing the endpoints or entry points of end-user devices such as computers and mobile devices, effectively protecting them from breach attempts.

3. HR Policies and Security Training: This includes creating policies for employee conduct and providing training to ensure understanding and compliance with those policies for maximized security.

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are unique in that they can be externally verified by an independent third party. On the other hand, HIPAA and GDPR are self-managed and self-governed, meaning the responsibility for maintaining and demonstrating compliance lies with the organization itself.

HIPAA places a particular emphasis on the protection of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) relating to patients, whereas GDPR, while also focusing on PII, puts considerable emphasis on the right to erase personal data.

ISO 27001 has an international scope, making it applicable and recognized worldwide. Conversely, SOC 2 is largely focused on the U.S. market. Each of these standards has its unique set of requirements and benefits, and understanding them is key to achieving and maintaining compliance. Let's dive deeper into each of them.