Standards Comparison

    ISO 27018

    Voluntary
    2019

    International code of practice for PII protection in public clouds

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    International QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27018 provides cloud PII privacy controls for service providers within ISO 27001, while AS9110C is a certifiable QMS for aviation maintenance ensuring airworthiness and traceability. CSPs adopt 27018 for trust; MROs use AS9110C for regulatory compliance and contracts.

    Cloud Privacy

    ISO 27018

    ISO/IEC 27018: Code of practice for PII protection in public clouds

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

    Key Features

    • Privacy-specific controls for PII in public clouds
    • Mandates subprocessor transparency and disclosure
    • Requires customer breach notification procedures
    • Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
    • Integrates as extension to ISO 27001 audits
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C Quality Management Systems Requirements for Aviation Maintenance Organizations

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based thinking in strategic and operational planning
    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention program
    • Human factors integration in root cause analysis
    • Dedicated safety policy and Accountable Manager role

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ISO 27018 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) processed by public cloud service providers acting as PII processors. Its primary purpose is to provide privacy-specific controls and guidance for cloud environments, focusing on multi-tenancy, cross-border data flows, and processor obligations. It employs a risk-based approach integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

    Key Components

    • Core domains: transparency, contractual obligations, data subject rights support, breach management, data minimization.
    • Approximately 25-30 additional privacy controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A.
    • Built on principles like consent, purpose limitation, accuracy, security, accountability.
    • Assessed via ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enhances customer trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR Article 28 and similar laws. Reduces risk in cloud outsourcing, supports cyber insurance, differentiates CSPs in regulated markets like healthcare and finance.

    Implementation Overview

    Conduct gap analysis against existing ISMS, integrate controls into Statement of Applicability, update contracts and processes. Suitable for CSPs of all sizes; requires third-party audits during ISO 27001 certification. Focuses on documentation, training, technical safeguards like encryption and logging.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) certification standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for continuing airworthiness, using a risk-based thinking approach via Annex SL high-level structure and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, product safety.
    • No fixed control count; emphasizes documented information, external provider controls, project management.
    • Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (e.g., FAA/EASA Part 145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, ensures traceability for airworthiness.
    • Enhances market access via OASIS listing, improves on-time delivery, customer satisfaction.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through demonstrable QMS effectiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires operational maturity pre-audit.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27018
    PII protection in public clouds for processors
    AS9110C
    Quality management for aviation maintenance organizations

    Industry

    ISO 27018
    Cloud service providers, all sectors globally
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO, repair stations worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 27018
    Code of practice, extension of ISO 27001
    AS9110C
    Certifiable QMS standard based on ISO 9001

    Testing

    ISO 27018
    Assessed in ISO 27001 audits, annual surveillance
    AS9110C
    ISO 9001-style certification audits, 3-year cycle

    Penalties

    ISO 27018
    Loss of alignment claim, no legal penalties
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, regulatory/contract risks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27018 and AS9110C

    ISO 27018 FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages