ISO 27018
Code of practice for PII protection in public clouds
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity controls framework for resilience
Quick Verdict
ISO 27018 provides cloud-specific PII protection guidance for CSPs within ISO 27001 audits, while CIS Controls offer prioritized cybersecurity safeguards for all organizations via Implementation Groups. Companies adopt ISO 27018 for privacy trust in cloud procurement; CIS for broad cyber hygiene and compliance mapping.
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII protection
Key Features
- Tailored privacy controls for public cloud PII processors
- Mandates subprocessor transparency and location disclosure
- Requires customer breach notification procedures
- Prohibits secondary PII use without explicit consent
- Integrates ~25-30 controls into ISO 27001 audits
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized controls with 153 actionable safeguards
- Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for scalability
- Maps to NIST CSF, PCI DSS, HIPAA frameworks
- Technology-agnostic, offense-informed best practices
- Free Benchmarks and Navigator tools
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) in public clouds where providers act as PII processors. Its primary scope targets cloud-specific privacy risks like multi-tenancy and cross-border data flows, using 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, secure PII lifecycle handling.
- ~25-30 additional privacy controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A themes (Organizational, People, Physical, Technological).
- Built on principles like consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, accountability.
- Assessed via ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives customer trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR Article 28, reduces risk in cloud outsourcing, enhances cyber insurance terms, and differentiates CSPs in regulated markets.
Implementation Overview
- Conduct gap analysis against existing ISMS, update Statement of Applicability, implement controls like subprocessor disclosure.
- Applies to CSPs of all sizes; requires annual surveillance audits.
- Focuses on documentation, training, technical safeguards for PII.
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1 is a community-driven, prescriptive cybersecurity framework of prioritized best practices to reduce attack surfaces and enhance resilience. It focuses on actionable safeguards across hybrid/cloud environments, using a risk-based, phased Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) approach.
Key Components
- 18 controls with 153 safeguards, grouped into asset management, data protection, vulnerability management, and incident response.
- Built on real-world attack data; scalable via IG1 (56 basic safeguards), IG2, IG3.
- No formal certification; compliance via self-assessment, mappings to NIST, PCI DSS, HIPAA.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates 85% of common attacks, cuts breach costs, accelerates regulatory compliance.
- Builds trust with insurers, partners; enables efficiency, competitive edge via hygiene.
- Addresses legal risks in states offering 'Safe Harbor' for CIS adoption.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased roadmapGovernance, gap analysis (1–3 months), IG1 execution (3–9 months), expansion (6–18 months), ongoing validation.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; tools like Benchmarks, Navigator aid automation. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27018 | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | PII protection in public clouds for processors | Broad cybersecurity across 18 controls, all environments |
| Industry | Cloud service providers, all sectors globally | All industries/sectors, all sizes worldwide |
| Nature | Code of practice, extends ISO 27001 | Prioritized best practices framework, voluntary |
| Testing | Assessed in ISO 27001 audits, annual surveillance | Self-assessment, Implementation Groups, no certification |
| Penalties | Loss of audit alignment, no legal penalties | No penalties, internal risk exposure only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27018 and CIS Controls
ISO 27018 FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
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