Standards Comparison

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code for cloud security controls and guidance

    VS

    MAS TRM

    Mandatory
    2021

    Singapore guidelines for financial technology risk management

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance for global ISMS, while MAS TRM mandates comprehensive technology risk management for Singapore FIs. Organizations adopt ISO 27017 for cloud assurance in audits; MAS TRM to meet supervisory expectations and avoid enforcement.

    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security controls

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

    Key Features

    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
    • Introduces seven cloud-specific security controls
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
    • Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
    • Integrates into ISO 27001 ISMS audits seamlessly
    Technology Risk Management

    MAS TRM

    MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines 2021

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

    Key Features

    • Board and senior management accountability
    • Proportional risk-based implementation
    • End-to-end TRM framework lifecycle
    • Third-party risk management integration
    • Annual pen testing for internet systems

    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 service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs) within a risk-based ISO 27001 ISMS, focusing on shared responsibilities and cloud risks like multi-tenancy.

    Key Components

    • Cloud-adapted guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls.
    • Seven additional CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal, monitoring).
    • Built on ISO 27001/27002 framework.
    • No standalone certification; integrated into ISO 27001 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives cloud risk reduction, clarifies shared duties, meets procurement and regulatory needs (GDPR, CCPA), enhances trust, and differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.

    Implementation Overview

    Integrate via risk assessment, control mapping, and cloud configurations. Applies to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes/industries globally. Assessed during ISO 27001 audits (9-12 months joint timeline).

    MAS TRM Details

    What It Is

    MAS Technology Risk Management (TRM) Guidelines, issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in January 2021, are supervisory guidance for financial institutions. Primary purpose: promote sound practices for technology and cyber risk governance, controls, and resilience. Employs principles-based, risk-proportional approach across CIA triad.

    Key Components

    • Governance (board oversight, CIO/CISO roles, risk appetite)
    • TRM framework (identify-assess-treat-monitor-report)
    • Controls in **15 sectionsSDLC, operations, access, crypto, cyber ops, resilience, third-party risk
    • Synthesised 12 core principles; no fixed controls, continuous improvement
    • Compliance via MAS supervision, independent audit

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Avoid enforcement (fines, license actions)
    • Build cyber resilience amid digital threats
    • Manage third-party/supply chain risks
    • Enhance trust, enable secure innovation

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: govern, inventory assets, deploy controls, test, monitor
    • For MAS-supervised FIs; proportional to risk/complexity
    • No certification; evidence via metrics, audits, board reports (179 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific security controls in ISMS
    MAS TRM
    Comprehensive technology risk for financial institutions

    Industry

    ISO 27017
    All industries, global cloud users
    MAS TRM
    Singapore financial institutions only

    Nature

    ISO 27017
    Voluntary code of practice, no standalone certification
    MAS TRM
    Supervisory guidelines with enforcement consideration

    Testing

    ISO 27017
    Integrated into ISO 27001 audits
    MAS TRM
    Annual PT for internet systems, regular VA/DR tests

    Penalties

    ISO 27017
    Loss of ISO 27001 certification
    MAS TRM
    Fines, license revocation, executive prohibitions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27017 and MAS TRM

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    MAS TRM FAQ

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