Standards Comparison

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    Code of practice for cloud information security controls

    VS

    ISO 30301

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for records management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance for providers and customers, extending ISO 27001. ISO 30301 establishes certifiable records management systems for all organizations. Companies adopt 27017 for cloud compliance, 30301 for governance and evidentiary assurance.

    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
    • Introduces seven cloud-specific CLD controls
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
    • Ensures multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
    • Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
    Records Management

    ISO 30301

    ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records

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

    Key Features

    • High-Level Structure for MSS integration
    • Normative Annex A operational controls
    • Flexible conformity pathways (self-declaration/certification)
    • Explicit records requirements analysis (Clause 4.1.2)
    • Risk-based planning and top management accountability

    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 for cloud services. It provides implementation guidance for information security controls in cloud environments, targeting CSPs and CSCs. Primary purpose: address cloud-specific risks like shared responsibility and multi-tenancy via risk-based approach within ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Key Components

    • Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
    • Seven additional CLD cloud-specific controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening).
    • Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework.
    • No standalone certification; integrated into ISO 27001 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enhances cloud risk management, clarifies responsibilities, supports regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR). Builds trust with stakeholders, differentiates CSPs in procurement, reduces incidents via mature controls.

    Implementation Overview

    Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment, control mapping, technical configurations. Applies to all sizes using cloud (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS). Key activities: shared responsibility matrices, audits. Certification via extended ISO 27001 scope, 9-12 months for joint audits.

    ISO 30301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is an international certifiable standard for establishing a Management System for Records (MSR). It applies to any organization, using a risk-based management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS) in Clauses 4–10, plus records-specific operations in Clause 8 and Annex A (normative).

    Key Components

    • Governance pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Operational controls for records lifecycle: creation, capture, classification, access, retention, disposition.
    • Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability).
    • Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Ensures compliant, auditable records as evidence for accountability and decisions.
    • Mitigates risks (loss, alteration, noncompliance); boosts efficiency and transparency.
    • Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001; enhances stakeholder trust and regulatory confidence.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational rollout, audits.
    • Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 9–18 months typical with training and system integration.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific security controls
    ISO 30301
    Records management system requirements

    Industry

    ISO 27017
    Cloud providers and customers globally
    ISO 30301
    All organizations worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 27017
    Guidance code of practice, voluntary
    ISO 30301
    Certifiable management system standard

    Testing

    ISO 27017
    Assessed in ISO 27001 audits
    ISO 30301
    Internal audits and certification

    Penalties

    ISO 27017
    Loss of audit compliance
    ISO 30301
    No legal penalties, certification loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27017 and ISO 30301

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    ISO 30301 FAQ

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