CAA
U.S. federal law for air quality standards and emissions control
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud-specific information security controls
Quick Verdict
CAA enforces U.S. air quality standards via permits and emissions monitoring for all industries, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud security guidance extending ISO 27001. Companies adopt CAA for legal compliance; ISO 27017 for global cloud assurance.
CAA
Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.
Key Features
- Sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants protecting health
- Mandates SIPs for state-level attainment and planning
- Imposes NSPS and MACT technology-based emission standards
- Requires Title V permits consolidating compliance obligations
- Enforces via penalties, sanctions, and citizen suits
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific controls for multi-tenancy and virtualization
- Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
- Addresses virtual machine configuration and hardening
- Supports customer monitoring of cloud service activities
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CAA Details
What It Is
Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. It establishes national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and technology-based emission limits through a cooperative federalism model where EPA sets floors and states implement via SIPs.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary standards.
- SIPs, NSPS, MACT/NESHAPs, Title V permits, and enforcement tools.
- Built on ambient outcomes, source controls, and accountability pillars; no fixed control count but layered requirements.
- Compliance via permits, monitoring, and federal oversight.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for emitters; drives compliance to avoid penalties, sanctions, FIPs. Reduces health/environmental risks, enables permitting, supports ESG via emission reductions. Builds stakeholder trust through transparent reporting.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, permitting, controls installation, monitoring setup. Applies to major sources/industries nationwide; requires CEMS/testing, SIP adherence. No certification but EPA/state audits enforce.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 for information security controls in cloud services. It provides cloud-specific guidance within an ISO 27001 ISMS, focusing on shared responsibilities, multi-tenancy, and virtualization risks using a risk-based approach.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
- 7 additional cloud-specific CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal).
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework.
- Assessed via ISO 27001 audits with 27017 extension; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud gaps in generic standards.
- Meets procurement demands and regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR).
- Enhances risk management and customer trust.
- Differentiates CSPs/CSCs competitively.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment and control mapping.
- Key activities: shared responsibility matrices, configuration hardening, monitoring setup.
- Applies to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes/industries using cloud.
- Requires auditor inclusion in ISO 27001 certification (9-12 months for joint audits).
Key Differences
| Aspect | CAA | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Air quality standards, emissions, permitting | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | All industries, U.S.-focused stationary/mobile sources | Cloud providers/customers, global applicability |
| Nature | U.S. federal law with enforcement/sanctions | Voluntary code of practice, ISO 27001 extension |
| Testing | CEMS, stack tests, Title V permit audits | ISO 27001 audits with cloud control review |
| Penalties | Fines, sanctions, FIPs, criminal liability | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CAA and ISO 27017
CAA FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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