PRINCE2
Structured project management methodology for governance and control
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
PRINCE2 provides structured project governance across industries, while ISO 27017 extends security controls for cloud environments. Companies adopt PRINCE2 for reliable delivery control and ISO 27017 to clarify shared cloud security responsibilities and meet audit needs.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) 7th Edition
Key Features
- Exception-based management using tolerances for oversight
- Continued business justification throughout lifecycle
- Defined roles with project board governance
- Stage-based control with decision gates
- Mandatory tailoring to project context
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud services
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 ISMS audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PRINCE2 Details
What It Is
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based project management framework, now in its 7th Edition. It provides structured governance for projects of any scale, emphasizing controlled delivery through principles, practices, and processes.
Key Components
- **Seven PrinciplesGuiding obligations like continued business justification, manage by exception, and tailoring.
- **Seven PracticesBusiness case, organization, plans, quality, risk, issues, progress.
- **Seven ProcessesStarting up, directing, initiating, controlling stages, product delivery, stage boundaries, closing.
- Certification via Foundation and Practitioner levels.
Why Organizations Use It
Delivers repeatable governance, reduces risks via tolerances and stages, ensures auditability. Strategic benefits include executive efficiency, better ROI through ongoing justification, stakeholder alignment. Enhances reputation in regulated sectors like public services.
Implementation Overview
Phased adoption: gap analysis, tailoring blueprint, training, pilots, rollout. Suits all sizes/industries with scalability; focuses on templates, roles, assurance. No mandatory certification but recommended for competence.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 for cloud services. It provides implementation guidance for 37 existing controls and adds 7 cloud-specific ones, using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS to address shared responsibilities, multi-tenancy, and virtualization risks across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
Key Components
- 37 adapted ISO 27002 controls with cloud guidance
- **7 CLD controlsshared roles (CLD.6.3.1), segregation (CLD.9.5.1), VM hardening (CLD.9.5.2), admin ops, monitoring, asset removal, network alignment
- Builds on ISO 27001; assessed as extension, not standalone certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies CSP/CSC responsibilities, reducing gaps and incidents
- Supports regulatory alignment (GDPR, CCPA) and procurement demands
- Enhances risk management in multi-cloud environments
- Builds stakeholder trust and competitive differentiation for CSPs/CSCs
Implementation Overview
- Integrate via ISO 27001 risk assessment and SoA updates
- Map controls, deploy monitoring/tools, document shared matrices
- Applies globally to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes; joint audits 9-12 months (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | PRINCE2 | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management governance and lifecycle | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | All industries, global, any size projects | Cloud providers/customers, global IT sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary project methodology framework | Voluntary code of practice, ISO 27001 extension |
| Testing | Internal reviews, no formal certification | ISO 27001 audits include 27017 controls |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of governance | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PRINCE2 and ISO 27017
PRINCE2 FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Why applying the NIST CSF Standard is a Life-Saver!
Discover why NIST CSF 2.0 is a life-saver for organizations. This flexible framework's 6 functions—Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover—boost res
The CIS Controls v8.1 Evidence Pack: What Auditors Ask For (and How to Produce Proof Fast)
Fail CIS Controls v8.1 audits due to missing evidence? Get the blueprint: exact artifacts auditors want, repository structure, and automation from security tool
Top 10 Cost-Saving Hacks for CMMC Compliance: Budgeting Blueprints for Small DIB Suppliers
Slash CMMC costs 30-50% with top 10 hacks for small DIB suppliers. Enclave scoping, FedRAMP clouds, automation, POA&M tips & budgeting blueprints for Level 2 co
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
FISMA vs NIST 800-53
Unlock FISMA vs NIST 800-53: Key differences, RMF steps, control baselines & compliance strategies for federal cybersecurity. Achieve risk mastery now!
SAFe vs TISAX
Compare SAFe vs TISAX: Scale enterprise agility with SAFe's Lean-Agile framework or secure automotive supply chains via TISAX assessments. Discover key differences, benefits, and when to choose each for IT success.
APPI vs SQF
APPI vs SQF: Compare Japan's strict personal data law with SQF food safety certification. Unlock compliance strategies, pitfalls, and phased implementation for tech, e-com, food sectors. Master both now!