ISO Standards and More 16 Sep 2024

Cloud Data Security: The Role of ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 Standards

Learn how the ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 standards help secure cloud data and protect personal information, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing security.

Cloud data processing offers significant benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and cost reduction. However, using the cloud also comes with challenges related to data security. In response to these challenges, the ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 standards were developed, providing guidelines for data protection in cloud environments. Compliance with these standards can enhance an organization’s credibility and build customer trust.

What is the ISO 27017 Standard?

ISO/IEC 27017 is an extension of the ISO 27001 standard, focusing on best practices for managing information security in the cloud. ISO 27017 introduces additional guidelines for data protection for both cloud service providers and customers using cloud services. ISO 27017 certification proves that a company has implemented appropriate security measures to minimize risks related to cloud data processing.

The main areas covered by the ISO 27017 standard include:

  • Managing access to cloud resources.
  • Monitoring cloud activity to detect unauthorized operations.
  • Clearly defining the responsibility for data security between the cloud provider and the customer.

The ISO 27017 standard is particularly important for companies using cloud services, as it enables understanding and managing specific risks associated with cloud infrastructure. ISO 27017 certification confirms that a company has taken steps to secure its data and meets international requirements for information security in the cloud.

Why is ISO 27017 certification important?

Achieving ISO 27017 certification brings many benefits to companies:

  • Increased credibility: Holding ISO 27017 certification demonstrates that the company meets the highest cloud security standards.
  • Building customer trust: Customers are more likely to choose cloud service providers who ensure data security according to international standards.
  • Meeting regulatory requirements: Certification helps companies meet regulatory and legal requirements, which can be crucial when working with large enterprises and financial institutions.

What is the ISO 27018 Standard?

ISO/IEC 27018 is a standard designed for the protection of personal data processed in the cloud. It focuses on privacy protection and ensures compliance with personal data regulations such as the GDPR. ISO 27018 certification is particularly important for companies that process their customers' personal data using cloud services.

ISO 27018 provides guidelines on:

  • Protecting personal data from unauthorized access.
  • Managing user consent for data processing.
  • Ensuring transparency in the data processing activities of cloud service providers.
  • Deleting personal data in accordance with legal and contractual requirements.

The ISO 27018 standard is essential for both cloud service providers and companies that use cloud services to process personal data. ISO 27018 certification confirms that a company adheres to best practices for personal data protection and meets international standards in this area.

Why is ISO 27018 certification crucial?

Achieving ISO 27018 certification allows companies to:

  • Meet legal requirements: The ISO 27018 certificate ensures compliance with data protection regulations, which is crucial in sectors where personal data processing is common.
  • Increase competitiveness: Holding ISO 27018 certification can provide a significant competitive advantage, especially in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or e-commerce.
  • Build trust: Customers expect cloud service providers to adhere to the highest privacy protection standards. The ISO 27018 certificate proves that a company cares for personal data in line with international standards.

ISO 27017 vs. ISO 27018: Key Differences

  • Scope: ISO 27017 focuses on general cloud data security, while ISO 27018 exclusively focuses on protecting personal data in the cloud.
  • Target audience: ISO 27017 is intended for both cloud providers and customers, whereas ISO 27018 mainly applies to companies that process personal data.
  • Regulatory compliance: ISO 27018 is closely tied to personal data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, while ISO 27017 addresses broader cloud security aspects.

How to obtain ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certification?

The process of obtaining ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certification begins with implementing ISO 27001 and related security measures. These standards are extensions of ISO 27001, and certification for them can occur both during an ISO 27001 audit or after obtaining an ISO 27001 certificate. ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certificates are non-accredited certifications.

It’s worth using platforms like Certiget, which allow organizations to compare certification offers for ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, making it easier to choose the right certification partner.

Benefits of implementing and obtaining ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certification

Implementing and obtaining certification in accordance with ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 brings many benefits, such as:

  • Market credibility: Certification confirms that the company meets international data security standards, building customer trust.
  • Regulatory compliance: ISO 27018 certification ensures compliance with personal data protection regulations, crucial in regulated sectors.
  • Risk management: Compliance with ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 helps companies minimize risks related to cloud data processing.

Conclusion

The ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 standards are essential for companies using cloud services. Compliance with ISO 27017 ensures that the organization has implemented appropriate cloud data protection measures, while ISO 27018 focuses on protecting personal data. Achieving certification according to these standards helps companies meet legal requirements, enhance data security, and build customer trust. Implementing these standards is not only a step toward data protection but also a way to gain a competitive advantage in the market.

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