1. What is the primary objective of **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**The primary objective of CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) is to establish a nationwide statutory framework for securing information systems, protecting **Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)**, and enforcing data localization within Mainland China.** Enacted on **June 1, 2017**, with 69 articles, it mandates **network security** safeguards like firewalls and real-time monitoring, **data localization** for CII and **important data**, and **cybersecurity governance** including executive accountability and incident reporting.

2. Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

****CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) requires compliance from all **network operators**, **CII operators**, entities processing **important data**, and foreign enterprises serving Chinese users.** This includes cloud platforms like Alibaba Cloud, e-commerce sites handling large-scale personal data, power-grid systems, and multinationals like Microsoft 365 offering services to Chinese citizens, regardless of server location.

3. Does **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) requires **CII operators** to undergo government-approved **Security Protection Capability Test (SPCT)** evaluations by certified agencies and obtain **China Information Security Certification (CISC)** where applicable.** **Article 20** mandates penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, with reports submitted to the **Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)**.

4. How often should an assessment for **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** be performed?

**CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) assessments must be conducted periodically, with re-assessments triggered within 60 days of regulatory amendments, alongside annual compliance reporting.** Ongoing monitoring via **SIEM** systems and quarterly training drills ensure continuous adherence, while **Article 20** requires regular security testing for CII assets.

5. What are the consequences of non-compliance with **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**Non-compliance with CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) results in fines up to **5% of annual revenue**, business license suspension, service shutdowns, and operational disruptions.** Examples include a 2020 CNY 150 million fine for data non-localization and forced API blocks; **Article 31** enforces 24-hour incident reporting, with further exposure under intersecting laws.

6. Can **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) can be mapped to frameworks like **ISO 27001** by aligning its policy suite and Annex A controls to CSL articles such as **Article 21** on network security.** Implementation often incorporates **NIST**-style risk models for gap analysis, enabling hybrid compliance for multinationals.

7. What is the first step to begin implementing **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**The first step to implement CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) is **Phase 0: Pre-Engagement & Stakeholder Alignment**, securing executive sponsorship and forming a cross-functional steering committee.** This produces a regulatory baseline mapping of applicable CSL articles, followed by asset inventory and gap analysis using tools like Qualys.

What is the primary objective of **ISO 27017**?

**ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific implementation guidance for 37 ISO/IEC 27002 controls plus 7 additional cloud-focused controls (CLD series) to address shared responsibilities in cloud environments.** Published in 2015, it targets multi-tenancy, virtual machine configuration, segregation, asset return/termination, customer monitoring, and administrative operations security for both cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 27017**?

**No organizations are legally required to comply with ISO 27017, as it is a voluntary code of practice, not a mandated regulation.** Professionally, CSPs and CSCs with significant cloud footprints adopt it to demonstrate due diligence, meet procurement demands, and integrate into ISO 27001 ISMS for cloud risk management.

Does **ISO 27017** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**ISO 27017 does not support standalone certification or require a separate external audit.** It is implemented within an ISO 27001 ISMS, where auditors assess its 37 extended and 7 CLD controls during ISO 27001 Stage 1/2 audits, often noting conformity as an extension on the certificate.

How often should an assessment for **ISO 27017** be performed?

**ISO 27017 assessments occur as part of annual ISO 27001 surveillance audits and triennial recertification.** Organizations perform internal cloud risk assessments and control reviews continuously or upon significant changes, with formal external verification typically annually via ISO 27001 processes.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ISO 27017**?

**Non-compliance with ISO 27017 carries no direct legal penalties, as it is a non-mandatory standard.** Indirect consequences include failed ISO 27001 audits, lost procurement opportunities, heightened cloud breach risks from unaddressed multi-tenancy or shared responsibility gaps, and regulatory scrutiny under data protection laws.

Can **ISO 27017** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, ISO 27017 controls map effectively to frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 and CSA STAR due to overlapping cloud security themes.** Its 37 ISO 27002 extensions and 7 CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening) align with shared responsibility models, enabling unified compliance evidence in multi-framework environments.

What is the first step to begin implementing **ISO 27017**?

**Conduct a cloud-specific risk assessment within your ISO 27001 ISMS to identify applicable controls.** Define ISMS scope including cloud services, document shared CSP/CSC responsibilities (per CLD.6.3.1), and update the Statement of Applicability to include the 37 guided and 7 CLD controls.

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) vs ISO 27017

Standards Comparison

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)

Mandatory

N/A

China's regulation for network security and data localization

ISO 27017

Voluntary

2015

International standard for cloud-specific security controls.

Quick Verdict

CSL mandates data localization and network security for China operations, enforced by fines. ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud controls guidance within ISO 27001 for global providers and users. Companies adopt CSL for legal compliance in China; ISO 27017 for auditable cloud security.

Standard

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)

Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Mandates data localization for CII and important data
Requires security assessments for cross-border data transfers
Imposes cybersecurity responsibilities on senior executives
Enforces real-time network security monitoring and testing
Demands incident reporting within 24 hours to authorities

Cloud Security

ISO 27017

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security

Cost

€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD controls for multi-tenancy
Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
Addresses VM hardening and segregation in virtual environments
Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) Details

What It Is

Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China (CSL), enacted June 1, 2017, is a national statutory regulation comprising 69 articles. It establishes a baseline framework for securing information systems, focusing on network operators, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators, and data processors. Its risk-based approach mandates technical safeguards, data protection, and governance across Chinese jurisdiction.

Key Components

Three pillars: network security (safeguards, monitoring), data localization (CII/important data in China), cybersecurity governance (executive duties, reporting).
Applies to broad entities including foreign firms serving Chinese users.
Built on principles of localization, assessment, and cooperation; compliance via audits and certifications like Security Protection Capability Test.

Why Organizations Use It

CSL drives mandatory compliance to avoid fines up to 5% revenue, operational disruptions, and reputational harm. It offers strategic benefits like consumer trust, efficient data architectures, and innovation via local R&D. Enhances risk management and market access in China.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, architectural redesign (data centers, ZTA), governance setup, testing. Targets mid-to-large firms in all sectors touching China; requires ongoing audits and MIIT reporting. (178 words)

ISO 27017 Details

What It Is

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 for information security controls in cloud services. It provides guidance for CSPs and CSCs, focusing on cloud-specific risks like multi-tenancy and shared responsibilities. Its risk-based approach integrates with ISO 27001 ISMS.

Key Components

Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
7 additional CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal).
Domains mirror 27002: access, operations, supplier relationships.
Assessed within ISO 27001 certification, no standalone cert.

Why Organizations Use It

Clarifies shared responsibility in cloud contracts.
Meets procurement demands and regulations (GDPR, CCPA).
Reduces cloud risks, enhances trust with stakeholders.
Competitive edge for CSPs, due diligence for customers.

Implementation Overview

Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment.
Map controls, update SoA, implement monitoring/segregation.
Suits all sizes/industries using cloud; global applicability.
Joint audits with 27001 (9-12 months typical).