ISO 27017
Code of practice for cloud information security controls
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems.
Quick Verdict
ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS for CSPs and customers, while ISO 22301 establishes certifiable BCMS for operational resilience across sectors. Companies adopt them for cloud risk management and disruption recovery.
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 cloud security controls
Key Features
- Introduces 7 cloud-specific controls for multi-tenancy segregation
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
- Addresses virtual machine hardening and configuration management
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems Requirements
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment
- Leadership commitment with policy and roles
- Operational testing and recovery strategies
- Integration with ISO 27001 and other standards
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 in multi-tenant 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 (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal).
- Dual perspectives for CSPs and CSCs.
- Assessed within ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances cloud risk management, clarifies responsibilities, supports GDPR/CCPA alignment, boosts procurement trust, and differentiates CSPs. Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable cloud controls.
Implementation Overview
Integrate via ISO 27001 risk assessment, map controls, configure cloud environments. Suited for CSPs, CSCs of all sizes; joint audits take 9-12 months. Focuses on maturity in monitoring, segregation.
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is the international certification standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS). It specifies requirements to protect against, reduce likelihood of, respond to, and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuity of critical operations. Adopting a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle and Annex SL high-level structure, it enables flexible implementation across organizations.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context of organization, leadership, planning (BIA, risk assessment), support, operation (strategies, testing), performance evaluation (audits, reviews), improvement.
- Core principles: Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Recovery Time Objectives (RTO), continual enhancement.
- 3-year certification with annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds resilience against cyber threats, pandemics, disasters; minimizes downtime, financial losses.
- Ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., NIS Directive, NIST); enhances reputation, stakeholder trust.
- Provides competitive advantages, lower insurance premiums, procurement edges.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, leadership buy-in, BIA/risk assessment, documentation, training, testing, certification (6-8 weeks Stage 1/2).
- Suits all sizes/sectors globally; tools accelerate to 60 days-6 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27017 | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cloud-specific security controls | Business continuity management system |
| Industry | Cloud providers and customers globally | All sectors worldwide |
| Nature | Guidance code of practice | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits | BCMS exercises and audits required |
| Penalties | Loss of certification | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27017 and ISO 22301
ISO 27017 FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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