Standards Comparison

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code of practice for cloud security controls

    VS

    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules

    Mandatory
    2023

    U.S. SEC regulation for cybersecurity incident and risk disclosures

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security controls for CSPs and customers globally, while U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules mandate rapid incident reporting and governance disclosures for public companies to ensure investor transparency.

    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

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

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

    Key Features

    • Adds seven cloud-specific controls to ISO 27002
    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and customers
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud contexts
    • Addresses virtual machine segregation and hardening
    • Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
    Capital Markets

    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules

    Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure

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

    Key Features

    • Four-business-day material incident disclosure on Form 8-K
    • Annual risk management and governance in Reg S-K Item 106
    • Inline XBRL tagging for structured data comparability
    • Board oversight and management role disclosures
    • Third-party risk processes inclusion

    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. Its primary purpose is to provide implementation guidance for securing cloud services across public, private, and hybrid models, focusing on shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud service customers (CSCs). It adopts a risk-based approach integrated into an ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Key Components

    • Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud environments.
    • Seven additional cloud-specific controls (e.g., CLD.6.3.1 for shared roles, CLD.9.5.1 for virtual segregation).
    • Covers domains like access control, operations security, and supplier relationships.
    • Not standalone certifiable; assessed within ISO 27001 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Organizations adopt it for cloud risk management, regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR), and procurement advantages. It reduces multi-tenancy risks, builds customer trust, and differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.

    Implementation Overview

    Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment, control mapping, and cloud configuration hardening. Suitable for CSPs, CSCs of all sizes; involves joint audits (9-12 months). Requires operational maturity in monitoring and virtualization.

    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules Details

    What It Is

    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules (Release No. 33-11216) is a federal regulation mandating standardized disclosures for public companies. It focuses on timely reporting of material cybersecurity incidents and annual descriptions of risk management, strategy, and governance. The approach is materiality-based, aligning with securities law principles without bright-line thresholds.

    Key Components

    • **Incident disclosureForm 8-K Item 1.05 requires reporting material incidents within four business days of determination.
    • **Annual disclosuresRegulation S-K Item 106 covers processes for risk assessment, board oversight, and management roles.
    • **Structured dataInline XBRL tagging for comparability.
    • Built on existing securities frameworks; no fixed controls, emphasizes processes.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Public companies comply to meet legal obligations under Exchange Act reporting. It enhances investor protection, reduces information asymmetry, and improves capital market efficiency. Benefits include formalized governance, better risk integration, and enforcement avoidance.

    Implementation Overview

    Involves gap analysis, playbook development, cross-functional committees, and process integration with disclosure controls. Applies to all Exchange Act registrants, including FPIs. No certification; SEC enforcement via exams and actions. Typical steps: materiality framework, IRP updates, board reporting (6-12 months).

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific security controls and guidance
    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules
    Public company incident and governance disclosures

    Industry

    ISO 27017
    Cloud providers and customers globally
    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules
    U.S. public companies and FPIs

    Nature

    ISO 27017
    Voluntary code of practice, ISO 27001 extension
    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules
    Mandatory SEC reporting regulation

    Testing

    ISO 27017
    ISO 27001 audits include 27017 controls
    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules
    Internal disclosure controls, SEC review

    Penalties

    ISO 27017
    Loss of certification, no legal fines
    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules
    SEC enforcement, civil penalties, injunctions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27017 and U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules FAQ

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