CMMI
Process improvement framework with maturity levels
ISO 27018
International code of practice for PII protection in public clouds
Quick Verdict
CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery in software/IT, while ISO 27018 ensures PII protection in public clouds. Companies adopt CMMI for performance benchmarking and ISO 27018 for privacy compliance and customer trust.
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- 6 maturity levels from incomplete to optimizing
- 25 practice areas across 4 category areas
- SCAMPI appraisals for objective benchmarking
- Generic practices ensure institutionalization
- Staged and continuous representations available
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds
Key Features
- Privacy controls for PII processed by cloud processors
- Subprocessor transparency and location disclosure requirements
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Mandates breach notification to PII controllers
- Supports data subject rights handling in clouds
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework for process maturity assessment and enhancement. Primarily a voluntary certification model governed by ISACA, it targets software development, services, and acquisition across industries. Its core approach uses maturity levels and capability progressions for predictable, measurable operations.
Key Components
- **4 Category AreasDoing, Managing, Enabling, Improving.
- 25 Practice Areas (v2.0) like Requirements Development, Configuration Management, Risk Management.
- Generic Goals/Practices for institutionalization.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) for validation.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances delivery predictability, reduces rework by up to 50%, boosts quality. Supports contractual bids in defense/finance; mitigates risks via data-driven control. Builds stakeholder trust through benchmarked ratings and competitive edges in procurement.
Implementation Overview
Phased via gap analysis, pilots, training, tooling integration (e.g., Agile/DevOps). Applies to mid-large firms globally; requires SCAMPI Class A for official ratings. Focuses on evidence-based practices, typically 12-18 months.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 to protect personally identifiable information (PII) processed by public cloud service providers (CSPs) acting as PII processors. It focuses on cloud-specific privacy risks like multi-tenancy and cross-border flows, employing a risk-based approach integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Components
- ~25–30 additional privacy-specific controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A
- Principles: consent/choice, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, security, transparency, accountability
- Assessed within ISO 27001 certification audits; no standalone certificate
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds customer trust and accelerates procurement via Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Aligns with GDPR, HIPAA processor obligations
- Mitigates privacy risks; aids cyber insurance
- Enables market differentiation for CSPs
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, integrate controls into ISMS, update policies/contracts
- Training, subprocessor management, breach procedures
- Suited for CSPs all sizes; requires ISO 27001 base
- Third-party audits with annual surveillance (184 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMI | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement across development, services | PII protection in public cloud processing |
| Industry | Software, IT, defense, cross-industry global | Cloud providers, global, all sectors handling PII |
| Nature | Voluntary process maturity framework, appraisals | Voluntary code of practice, ISO 27001 extension |
| Testing | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) by certified appraisers | ISO 27001 audits with 27018 controls review |
| Penalties | Loss of maturity rating, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMI and ISO 27018
CMMI FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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