ISO 27017
Code of practice for cloud information security controls
APRA CPS 234
Australian prudential standard for information security resilience
Quick Verdict
ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance for global CSPs within ISO 27001, while APRA CPS 234 mandates comprehensive information security governance for Australian financial entities with strict testing and APRA notifications.
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Seven cloud-specific controls addressing multi-tenancy isolation
- Dual guidance for cloud providers and customers responsibilities
- Clarifies shared responsibility model in cloud environments
- Cloud implementation guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- Seamless integration into existing ISO 27001 ISMS
APRA CPS 234
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security
Key Features
- Board ultimate responsibility for information security
- Extends to third-party managed information assets
- 72-hour APRA notification for material incidents
- Systematic independent testing of controls
- Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
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 implementation guidance for cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, focusing on shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs). Its risk-based approach integrates into ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
- Seven additional CLD controls (e.g., multi-tenancy segregation, VM hardening, asset removal).
- Domains mirror 27002: access control, operations, supplier relationships.
- Assessed within ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances cloud risk management, clarifies responsibilities, supports GDPR/CCPA alignment. Builds trust with stakeholders, aids procurement, differentiates CSPs. Reduces incidents from misconfigurations and shared model ambiguities.
Implementation Overview
Integrate into existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment, control mapping, documentation updates. Key activities: define shared matrices, configure monitoring/logging, audit cloud setups. Suits CSPs/CSCs of all sizes globally; joint audits take 9-12 months.
APRA CPS 234 Details
What It Is
APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a mandatory regulation for Australian financial institutions regulated by APRA. Effective from 1 July 2019, it requires entities to maintain information security capabilities commensurate with threats and vulnerabilities, minimizing impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information assets, including those managed by third parties. It adopts a risk-based, assurance-driven approach with board accountability at its core.
Key Components
- Board responsibility (para 13) and defined roles (para 14)
- Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity (para 20)
- Commensurate controls across asset lifecycle (para 21)
- Systematic testing (paras 27-31) and internal audit assurance (paras 32-34)
- Incident response plans with annual testing (paras 23-26)
- 72-hour APRA notification for material incidents (para 35); 10 business days for control weaknesses (para 36) No fixed controls; ~24 enforceable paragraphs focused on outcomes.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for APRA-regulated entities (banks, insurers, super funds)
- Mitigates cyber risks, ensures operational resilience
- Avoids penalties, enforcement actions
- Builds customer/depositor trust, competitive edge
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, governance/policies, asset register, controls/testing, TPRM. Applies to all sizes in Australian finance; ongoing APRA supervision, no certification but evidence-based audits required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27017 | APRA CPS 234 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cloud-specific security controls and guidance | Information security governance and resilience |
| Industry | All industries, global CSPs and customers | Australian financial services sector only |
| Nature | Voluntary code of practice, ISO 27001 extension | Mandatory prudential regulation for regulated entities |
| Testing | Assessed in ISO 27001 audits, no standalone cert | Systematic testing program, annual reviews required |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Regulatory sanctions, fines, supervisory actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27017 and APRA CPS 234
ISO 27017 FAQ
APRA CPS 234 FAQ
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