ISO 27018
Code of practice for PII protection in public clouds
ISO 21001
International standard for educational organizations management systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 27018 protects PII in public clouds for CSPs via 27001 audits, while ISO 21001 establishes learner-centered management systems for educational organizations. CSPs adopt 27018 for trust and procurement; educators use 21001 for quality, outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction.
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII protection
Key Features
- Privacy controls for public cloud PII processors
- Transparent subprocessor and location disclosures
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Mandates customer breach notifications
- Supports data subject rights fulfillment
ISO 21001
ISO 21001: Educational organizations management systems
Key Features
- Learner-centered focus and satisfaction enhancement
- Annex SL structure for ISO integration
- Curriculum design and delivery controls
- Risk-based planning and equity principles
- Data protection and performance evaluation
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 an international 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 flows, using a risk-based approach with ~25-30 additional controls.
Key Components
- Core pillars: transparency, accountability, data minimization, breach notification, subprocessor management.
- Builds on ISO 27001 Annex A (93 controls) with privacy-specific guidance.
- Principles: consent, purpose limitation, accuracy, security safeguards.
- Assessed within ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances customer trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR Article 28, reduces risk in cloud outsourcing, differentiates CSPs in regulated markets like healthcare and finance.
Implementation Overview
Integrate into existing ISMS via gap analysis, policy updates, technical controls (encryption, logging). Suited for CSPs of all sizes; requires annual audits. Typical steps: risk assessment, Statement of Applicability updates, staff training.
ISO 21001 Details
What It Is
ISO 21001 (Educational organizations — Management systems for educational organizations — Requirements with guidance for use) is a certifiable management system standard developed by ISO for educational organizations. Its primary purpose is to support competence development through teaching, learning, or research while enhancing learner, beneficiary, and staff satisfaction. It uses a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL High-Level Structure for integration with other ISO standards.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, and improvement.
- 11 core principles including learner focus, accessibility, equity, ethical conduct, and data protection.
- Education-specific requirements like curriculum design (Clause 8.3), learner data protection (8.5.5), and satisfaction monitoring (9.1.2).
- Certification via accredited bodies with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives learner-centered excellence, operational efficiency, and continual improvement.
- Mitigates risks in assessment integrity, data security, and equity.
- Builds trust with stakeholders (regulators, employers, funders) and competitive edge via certification.
- Aligns with SDGs for funding and reputation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes/types delivering curriculum-based education globally.
- Involves leadership commitment, internal audits, and optional certification (Stage 1/2 audits).
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27018 | ISO 21001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | PII protection in public cloud processors | Educational management systems for learning organizations |
| Industry | Cloud service providers globally | Educational institutions all sizes worldwide |
| Nature | Code of practice, voluntary extension | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Assessed in ISO 27001 audits | Standalone certification with audits |
| Penalties | Loss of audit alignment, no legal | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27018 and ISO 21001
ISO 27018 FAQ
ISO 21001 FAQ
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