GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
ISO 27017
Code of practice for cloud information security controls.
Quick Verdict
GDPR UK mandates personal data protection for UK organizations with hefty fines, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud security guidance integrated into ISO 27001. Companies adopt GDPR UK for legal compliance, ISO 27017 for cloud assurance and procurement trust.
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Key Features
- Maximum fines of £17.5M or 4% global turnover
- Accountability principle requiring demonstrable compliance evidence
- 72-hour ICO personal data breach notification
- Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing with ICO consultation
- Extra-territorial scope for UK-targeting non-UK organizations
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 CLD controls for multi-tenancy
- Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
- Addresses virtual machine configuration and hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of the EU GDPR, a binding regulation enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It provides a comprehensive, risk-based framework for lawful processing of personal data, with extra-territorial scope for organizations targeting UK individuals.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Obligations including RoPAs, processor contracts, DPIAs, security measures, 72-hour breach notifications.
- No certification; compliance via demonstrable accountability and ICO enforcement (fines to £17.5M or 4% turnover).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for UK-scope data handlers to avoid fines, litigation.
- Builds stakeholder trust, reduces breach risks, enables secure data use.
- Strategic benefits: operational efficiency, competitive differentiation, cross-border readiness.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: governance setup, data mapping/RoPA, policies/contracts, DPIAs/security, rights/breach processes, audits. Applies to all sizes/industries handling personal data; ongoing monitoring, no formal certification.
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 shared responsibility and multi-tenancy via a risk-based approach within an 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).
- Built on ISO 27001/27002; not standalone certification.
- Dual perspectives for providers and customers.
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies shared responsibilities reducing cloud risks.
- Meets procurement demands and regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR).
- Enhances ISMS for cloud; builds trust with stakeholders.
- Competitive edge for CSPs via audit-ready evidence.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment and SoA updates.
- Key activities: control mapping, cloud config hardening, shared responsibility matrices.
- Suits CSPs, CSCs across sizes/industries; global applicability.
- Audited as ISO 27001 extension; joint audits 9-12 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR UK | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection principles, rights, transfers | Cloud-specific security controls, shared responsibility |
| Industry | All sectors handling UK personal data, UK-focused | Cloud providers/customers, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory legal regulation, ICO enforcement | Voluntary guidance code, ISO 27001 extension |
| Testing | DPIAs, RoPA, no formal certification | ISO 27001 audits include cloud controls |
| Penalties | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover | No direct penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR UK and ISO 27017
GDPR UK FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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