ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
ISO 27018
International code for PII protection in public cloud processors.
Quick Verdict
ISO 30301 establishes governance for records management systems across organizations, while ISO 27018 provides cloud-specific PII protection controls for processors. Companies adopt ISO 30301 for evidence-based accountability and ISO 27018 for privacy assurance in public clouds.
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements for Management System for Records (MSR)
- High-Level Structure (HLS) clauses 4-10 for governance integration
- Normative Annex A records operational controls
- Explicit records requirements identification (Clause 4.1.2)
- Three conformity pathways: self-declaration, confirmation, certification
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds
Key Features
- PII protection for public cloud processors
- Consent and purpose limitation enforcement
- Sub-processor transparency and management
- Secure PII deletion and return on termination
- Breach notification and auditability requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is the international certifiable standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a structured framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records processes ensuring authoritative evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, PDCA management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- **Clauses 4-10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Clause 8 and Annex A (normative)Records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
- Core principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Organizations adopt ISO 30301 for compliance assurance, risk mitigation (e.g., evidence loss, regulatory fines), operational efficiency, and stakeholder trust. It supports auditability, transparency, and integration with other MSS, enhancing governance and decision traceability.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, policy development, operational controls design, training, internal audits. Scalable for any size/sector; certification optional via accredited bodies.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud environments where providers act as PII processors. Its primary scope targets cloud service providers handling customer PII, using a risk-based, control-overlay approach on an ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Core themes: consent/purpose limitation, transparency, data minimization, subcontractor management, logging/auditability, breach notification, secure deletion.
- Builds on ISO/IEC 27002:2022's 93 controls with ~25-30 privacy-specific additions and Annex B guidance.
- Assessed via ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets processor obligations under GDPR-like laws; enhances due diligence.
- Builds trust with customers via transparency and audit evidence.
- Reduces procurement friction; supports multi-framework compliance (e.g., SOC 2).
- Mitigates cloud PII risks like multi-tenancy, cross-border transfers.
Implementation Overview
- Layer onto existing ISO 27001 ISMS via gap analysis, control mapping.
- Key activities: policy updates, cloud monitoring setup, vendor management.
- Suits cloud/SaaS providers globally; uses GRC tools for automation.
- Requires annual surveillance audits within ISO 27001 cycle.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 30301 | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Records management systems governance | PII protection in public cloud processors |
| Industry | All organizations worldwide | Cloud service providers globally |
| Nature | Certifiable management system standard | Code of practice extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Self-declaration or third-party certification | Integrated ISO 27001 audits and surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | No direct penalties, certification withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 30301 and ISO 27018
ISO 30301 FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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