Standards Comparison

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code of practice for cloud security controls

    VS

    ISO 41001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for facility management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27017 extends ISO 27001 with cloud-specific security guidance for CSPs and customers, while ISO 41001 establishes a certifiable FM system for all organizations. Companies adopt 27017 for cloud risk management and 41001 for facility efficiency and sustainability.

    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 - Cloud security controls code

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

    Key Features

    • Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD controls for unique risks
    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
    • Ensures multi-tenant segregation in virtual environments
    • Provides VM hardening and configuration guidance
    • Offers cloud-adapted implementation for 37 ISO 27002 controls
    Facility Management

    ISO 41001

    ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems

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

    Key Features

    • Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
    • HLS-aligned for integrated management systems
    • Risk planning includes business continuity preparedness
    • Requires service integration and stakeholder coordination
    • Climate action changes via 2024 Amendment

    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 guidance. Its primary purpose is providing information security controls for cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) across public, private, hybrid models. It uses a risk-based approach integrated into ISO 27001 ISMS, not standalone certification.

    Key Components

    • 37 extended ISO 27002 controls with cloud implementation guidance
    • 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., shared responsibilities, VM segregation, asset removal)
    • Domains mirroring ISO 27002: access control, operations, supplier relationships
    • Built on ISO 27001; assessed via audits with dual CSP/CSC perspectives

    Why Organizations Use It

    Organizations adopt ISO 27017 for cloud risk management, clarifying shared responsibilities amid rising incidents (61% report cloud breaches). It aids procurement, regulatory alignment (GDPR/CCPA), and competitive differentiation for CSPs/CSCs. Builds stakeholder trust through auditable cloud controls.

    Implementation Overview

    Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment, control mapping, configuration hardening. Key activities: document responsibilities, enable monitoring, secure deletion. Suits CSPs, enterprises with cloud footprints globally. Joint audits (9-12 months); uses tooling for evidence.

    ISO 41001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 41001:2018 is a certifiable international management system standard titled Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. It specifies requirements for an FM system to deliver effective, efficient FM supporting demand organization objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability. Built on ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it uses a process approach.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
    • FM-specific elements: demand organization alignment, service integration, stakeholder coordination.
    • Core principles: risk/opportunity management, continual improvement, documented information.
    • Certification via accredited third-party audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Strategic alignment of FM with business goals, cost/risk reduction.
    • Meets contractual/tender requirements, enhances ESG/sustainability.
    • Improves occupant wellbeing, operational resilience, supplier governance.
    • Builds trust, enables IMS integration (e.g., ISO 9001, 14001).

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits, certification.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 12-24 months typical.
    • Involves training, KPIs, internal audits; voluntary but audit-driven.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific information security controls
    ISO 41001
    Facility management system requirements

    Industry

    ISO 27017
    Cloud service providers and customers globally
    ISO 41001
    All sectors with facilities worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 27017
    Guidance code of practice, not standalone cert
    ISO 41001
    Certifiable management system standard

    Testing

    ISO 27017
    Assessed within ISO 27001 audits
    ISO 41001
    Stage 1/2 certification audits, surveillance

    Penalties

    ISO 27017
    Loss of ISO 27001 certification scope
    ISO 41001
    No legal penalties, certification withdrawal

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27017 and ISO 41001

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    ISO 41001 FAQ

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