ITIL
Best practices framework for IT service management
ISO 27018
International code of practice for PII protection in public clouds.
Quick Verdict
ITIL provides flexible ITSM best practices for aligning IT with business globally, while ISO 27018 offers cloud-specific PII protection controls for processors. Companies adopt ITIL for service efficiency and ISO 27018 for privacy compliance assurance.
ITIL
ITIL 4: IT Service Management Framework
Key Features
- Service Value System enabling value co-creation
- 34 flexible practices across management categories
- Seven guiding principles for decision-making
- Four dimensions for holistic service management
- Embedded continual improvement model
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII in public clouds
Key Features
- Privacy-specific controls for public cloud PII processors
- Subprocessor transparency and location disclosures
- Prohibits secondary PII use like advertising without consent
- Requires breach notification to PII controllers
- Supports data subject rights like access and erasure
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ITIL Details
What It Is
ITIL 4 is a globally recognized best-practices framework for IT Service Management (ITSM). Originally from the UK's CCTA in the 1980s, it evolved from prescriptive processes to a flexible, value-driven approach. Its primary purpose is aligning IT services with business objectives across the full service lifecycle, emphasizing value co-creation via the Service Value System (SVS).
Key Components
- SVS core: guiding principles, governance, service value chain, 34 practices (general, service, technical), continual improvement.
- Seven guiding principles (e.g., Focus on Value, Progress Iteratively).
- **Four dimensionsorganizations/people, information/technology, partners/suppliers, value streams/processes.
- Certifications from Foundation to Managing Professional via PeopleCert.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives cost efficiencies, reduced downtime, 87% adoption rate, risk mitigation (e.g., cyber resilience), DevOps integration. Builds stakeholder trust, enhances satisfaction, boosts careers; voluntary but aligns with ISO 20000.
Implementation Overview
Phased ten-step roadmap: assessment, gap analysis, tailoring practices, training. Suits all sizes/industries; tools like CMDB, Jira. Focus incremental adoption, cultural shift for SMEs to enterprises.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds where providers act as PII processors. It extends ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS and ISO/IEC 27002 with privacy-specific, cloud-tailored controls. The risk-based methodology integrates into existing security frameworks, addressing multi-tenancy and global data flows.
Key Components
- ~25-30 additional controls mapped to Annex A themes (Organizational, People, Physical, Technological).
- Core principles: consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, retention/disclosure limits, security, transparency, accountability.
- No standalone certification; assessed via ISO 27001 audits and Statement of Applicability.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR Article 28/HIPAA processor duties, reduces risk/contract friction, improves insurance terms, and differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.
Implementation Overview
Conduct gap analysis, integrate into ISMS/SoA, update contracts for subprocessors/breaches/rights support. Applies to CSPs all sizes; involves third-party audits tied to ISO 27001 (annual surveillance, 3-year recertification).
Key Differences
| Aspect | ITIL | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IT Service Management best practices, full lifecycle | PII protection in public clouds for processors |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any organization size | Cloud service providers globally, all sizes |
| Nature | Voluntary best-practice framework, no certification | Voluntary code of practice, extends ISO 27001 cert |
| Testing | No formal audits, self-assessment and training | ISO 27001 audits include 27018 controls annually |
| Penalties | No penalties, loss of best practices benefits | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ITIL and ISO 27018
ITIL FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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