Standards Comparison

    ISO 13485

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for medical device quality management systems

    VS

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    Code of practice for cloud security controls.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 13485 ensures medical device quality and regulatory compliance across lifecycles, while ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance extending ISO 27001. Medical firms adopt 13485 for market access; cloud users leverage 27017 for shared responsibility clarity.

    Quality Management

    ISO 13485

    ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices Quality management systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based controls for medical device lifecycle
    • Regulatory-focused QMS with post-market surveillance
    • Mandatory medical device files and traceability
    • Process and software validation requirements
    • Tailored exclusions justified in quality manual
    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017: Code of practice for cloud controls

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
    • Clarifies shared CSP-CSC responsibilities
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
    • Addresses multi-tenancy and VM hardening
    • Integrates into ISO 27001 certification audits

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 13485 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 13485:2016 is an international certification standard titled "Medical devices — Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes." It specifies requirements for a risk-based QMS to ensure medical devices meet customer and regulatory needs across the lifecycle, from design to post-market activities.

    Key Components

    • Organized into Clauses 4–8: QMS/documentation, management responsibility, resources, product realization, measurement/improvement.
    • Emphasizes documented procedures, medical device files, validation, traceability, supplier controls.
    • Built on process approach with regulatory integration; allows justified exclusions.
    • Third-party certification via audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access (EU MDR, FDA QMSR alignment by 2026).
    • Reduces risks via validation, CAPA, post-market surveillance.
    • Builds trust with regulators, partners; lowers costs of poor quality.
    • Strategic for scaling, supply chain assurance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, validation, audits.
    • Applies to manufacturers, suppliers globally; 9–18 months typical.
    • Requires certification audits, ongoing surveillance.

    ISO 27017 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific information security controls. It provides guidance for implementing security in cloud services, focusing on shared responsibilities in public, private, and hybrid environments. Its risk-based approach integrates into ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Key Components

    • Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
    • 7 additional CLD controls for shared roles, multi-tenancy, VM hardening, admin security, monitoring, asset removal, network alignment.
    • Built on ISO 27001/27002; no standalone certification—assessed within ISO 27001 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Addresses cloud risks like isolation and data lifecycle.
    • Meets procurement, regulatory demands (e.g., GDPR alignment).
    • Enhances risk management, trust with stakeholders.
    • Competitive edge for CSPs/CSCs via proven controls.

    Implementation Overview

    • Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment.
    • Map controls, update SoA, implement configs/monitoring.
    • Suits CSPs, CSCs across sizes/industries globally.
    • Joint audits (9-12 months); annual surveillance.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 13485
    Medical device QMS lifecycle
    ISO 27017
    Cloud security controls guidance

    Industry

    ISO 13485
    Medical devices global
    ISO 27017
    Cloud services worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 13485
    QMS certification standard
    ISO 27017
    27001 extension code of practice

    Testing

    ISO 13485
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance
    ISO 27017
    Integrated into 27001 audits

    Penalties

    ISO 13485
    Certification loss, market access denial
    ISO 27017
    No direct penalties, audit findings

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 13485 and ISO 27017

    ISO 13485 FAQ

    ISO 27017 FAQ

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