ISO 27018
Code of practice for PII protection in public cloud processors
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization
Quick Verdict
ISO 27018 provides voluntary PII privacy controls for global cloud processors within ISO 27001, while FedRAMP mandates rigorous NIST-based authorizations for US federal cloud services. Companies adopt ISO 27018 for international trust and FedRAMP for government contracts.
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII in public clouds
Key Features
- Privacy controls tailored for public cloud PII processors
- Extends ISO 27001 with cloud-specific privacy guidance
- Mandates subprocessor transparency and location disclosure
- Requires customer breach notification without undue delay
- Prohibits PII advertising use without explicit consent
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- "Assess once, use many times" reusable authorizations
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines at three impact levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments
- Continuous monitoring with quarterly scans
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSPs
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 to protect personally identifiable information (PII) processed by public cloud service providers acting as PII processors. It focuses on cloud-specific privacy challenges like multi-tenancy and cross-border flows, employing a risk-based approach within an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Components
- ~25-30 additional privacy-specific controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A themes (Organizational, People, Physical, Technological).
- Core principles: consent/choice, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, transparency, accountability.
- Integrated into ISO 27001 audits via Statement of Applicability; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer trust, accelerates procurement, differentiates CSPs.
- Aligns with GDPR Article 28, HIPAA for processor obligations.
- Improves risk management through subprocessor disclosure, breach notification.
- Boosts cyber insurance terms and regulatory compliance evidence.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis on existing ISMS, update policies/contracts, deploy safeguards.
- Key activities: subprocessor management, data subject rights support, training.
- Suits CSPs all sizes/industries globally.
- Audited as ISO 27001 extension with annual surveillance.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling "assess once, use many times" to reduce duplication, based on risk-based NIST SP 800-53 controls and FIPS 199 impact levels.
Key Components
- Baselines at Low (~150 controls), Moderate (>320), High (>400), plus Low-Tailored.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans.
- Built on NIST 800-53 Rev 5; involves 3PAOs for independent assessments.
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorization, listed on Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks $20M+ federal contracts and CMMC compliance.
- Mandatory for federal cloud procurement; builds trust.
- Reduces risk, differentiates in commercial sales.
- Enhances reputation as security leader.
Implementation Overview
- 12-18 month process: sponsor, prepare docs, 3PAO assess, monitor.
- Targets CSPs selling to U.S. federal agencies.
- Requires audits by accredited 3PAOs; high documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27018 and FedRAMP
ISO 27018 FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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