ISO 27018
Code of practice for PII protection in public clouds
ISO 27017
International code for cloud-specific security controls
Quick Verdict
ISO 27018 provides privacy controls for PII in public clouds, while ISO 27017 offers security guidance for all cloud services. Companies adopt them to demonstrate robust cloud compliance, build trust, and accelerate procurement in regulated environments.
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds
Key Features
- Cloud-specific PII processor controls extension to ISO 27001
- Mandatory subprocessor transparency and disclosure requirements
- Prohibits PII use for advertising without customer consent
- Requires prompt breach notification to PII controllers
- Supports data subject rights in multi-tenant environments
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities for CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Addresses multi-tenancy and virtual segregation
- Provides VM hardening and configuration guidance
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud activities
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 integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Components
- Core domains: transparency, contractual obligations, data subject rights support, breach management, data minimization.
- ~25-30 additional privacy controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A's 93 controls.
- Built on principles: consent, purpose limitation, accountability.
- Assessed via ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances customer trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR Article 28, reduces cyber insurance friction. Offers risk transfer, competitive differentiation for CSPs, and evidence of processor diligence.
Implementation Overview
Layer controls into existing ISMS via gap analysis, policy updates, technical safeguards. Suited for CSPs of all sizes; involves subprocessors disclosure, training, audits. Annual surveillance post-initial certification.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with guidance for information security controls in cloud services. It adopts a risk-based approach within ISO 27001 ISMS, targeting public, private, hybrid clouds across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS for CSPs and CSCs.
Key Components
- 37 ISO 27002 controls with cloud-specific implementation guidance
- 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., shared responsibilities CLD.6.3.1, VM segregation CLD.9.5.1)
- Covers 14 domains like access control, operations security
- Integrated compliance model via ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud risks like multi-tenancy, shared responsibilities
- Boosts procurement trust, regulatory alignment (GDPR/CCPA)
- Reduces incidents via clear roles, monitoring
- Competitive differentiator for CSPs, assurance for customers
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis on existing ISMS, cloud risk assessment
- Configure VMs, logging, contracts; use CSPM tools
- Applies globally to all sizes, cloud-heavy orgs
- Joint ISO 27001 audit in 9-12 months (184 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27018 | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | PII protection in public clouds | Cloud security controls all data |
| Industry | Cloud providers handling PII | All cloud providers and customers |
| Nature | Privacy code of practice | Security code of practice |
| Testing | ISO 27001 audit extension | ISO 27001 audit extension |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27018 and ISO 27017
ISO 27018 FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability
Gain unprecedented organizational visibility with integrated compliance monitoring. Automate real-time alerts, ensure GDPR & SOC 2 adherence, reduce risks, and
The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27701 Compliance
Discover the top tools for ISO 27701 compliance. Compare functionality, complexity, costs, and benefits to choose the best solution for your privacy program. Ac
Beyond the Boardroom: 5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Elevates Every Department
Discover 5 ways modern compliance software boosts HR, IT, finance & more: automate risks, enhance efficiency, ensure data integrity, stay audit-ready. Elevate y
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.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 37001 vs ISO 19600
Compare ISO 37001 vs ISO 19600: Certifiable anti-bribery system vs compliance guidelines. Uncover key differences in scope, implementation & benefits to build resilient CMS. Choose wisely today!
NIST CSF vs SAMA CSF
Compare NIST CSF vs SAMA CSF: Flexible NIST 2.0 governance vs SAMA's mandatory maturity model for Saudi finance. Key diffs, mappings & tips. Boost compliance now!
CE Marking vs PIPL
Compare CE Marking vs PIPL: Decode EU product safety mandates against China's data privacy rules. Gain expert strategies for global compliance and market success now!