NIST CSF
Voluntary framework for cybersecurity risk management
ISO 27018
International code for PII protection in public clouds.
Quick Verdict
NIST CSF provides flexible cybersecurity risk management for all organizations globally, while ISO 27018 offers privacy-specific controls for cloud PII processors. Companies adopt NIST CSF for broad risk reduction and ISO 27018 to demonstrate audited cloud privacy compliance.
NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Key Features
- Establishes common language for risk communication
- Govern function elevates cybersecurity governance
- Implementation Tiers assess process maturity
- Profiles enable gap analysis and roadmaps
- Maps to standards like ISO 27001
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds
Key Features
- PII processor controls for public cloud environments
- Subprocessor transparency and disclosure requirements
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Mandates customer breach notification procedures
- Supports data subject rights like erasure/portability
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIST CSF Details
What It Is
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 is a voluntary, risk-based guideline for managing cybersecurity risks. Developed by NIST, it provides flexible, adaptable structure for organizations of all sizes and sectors to identify, protect, detect, respond, recover, and govern cyber risks.
Key Components
- **Six Core FunctionsGovern (new), Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
- **Framework CoreOrganized into 22 Categories and 112 Subcategories with informative references.
- **Implementation TiersFour levels (Partial to Adaptive) for maturity assessment.
- **ProfilesCurrent vs. Target for gap analysis. No formal certification; self-attestation used.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances risk communication via common language, supports compliance, prioritizes investments, builds stakeholder trust. Aligns cyber with enterprise risk, addresses supply chain threats, demonstrates due care without mandates (except U.S. federal agencies).
Implementation Overview
Start with Current Profile assessment, prioritize gaps via Tiers. Involves policy development, training, tooling. Applicable globally, any industry/size; quick starts for SMEs, ongoing for enterprises. Uses mappings to ISO 27001, NIST 800-53.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018 is a 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 purpose is to provide privacy-specific controls addressing cloud risks like multi-tenancy and cross-border data flows. It uses a risk-based approach integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Components
- Privacy controls (~25-30 additional) on consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, transparency, and accountability.
- Mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A themes: Organizational, People, Physical, Technological.
- Built on ISO 29100 principles; assessed via ISO 27001 audits, not standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds customer trust, accelerates procurement, aligns with GDPR/HIPAA processor obligations.
- Reduces security questionnaire friction; favors cyber insurance terms.
- Differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis against existing ISMS, add controls to Statement of Applicability.
- Involves policy updates, subprocessor transparency, training, audits.
- Suited for CSPs of all sizes; requires ISO 27001 base; annual surveillance audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST CSF | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity risk management across organizations | PII protection in public clouds for processors |
| Industry | All sectors, sizes, global | Cloud service providers, privacy-focused |
| Nature | Voluntary framework, no certification | Code of practice, extends ISO 27001 certification |
| Testing | Self-assessment via Profiles and Tiers | Audits within ISO 27001 certification process |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, voluntary adoption | No standalone penalties, tied to ISO 27001 |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST CSF and ISO 27018
NIST CSF FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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