Overview
Cloud Security provides guidelines and additional controls for information security in cloud services. It helps both Cloud Service Providers and customers manage shared responsibilities, data protection, virtual environments and asset lifecycle in the cloud, ensuring better data security and compliance.
Cloud Privacy provides guidelines for protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in public cloud environments. It acts as a code of practice for cloud service providers handling data on behalf of organisations, offering specific controls and processes to ensure data privacy, transparency and security, aligning with global regulations like GDPR and enhancing trust.
What it delivers
- Cloud-appropriate security controls beyond the basics.
- Clear ownership of responsibilities between you and your provider.
- Demonstrated protection of personal data in the cloud.
- Alignment with global privacy regulations and greater customer trust.
What Are ISO 27017 and ISO 27018?
ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 are the two leading international standards for security and privacy in cloud computing. ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security controls and guidance for both cloud providers and cloud customers. ISO 27018 focuses on protecting personally identifiable information (PII) processed in public cloud environments.
Both build on the ISO 27001 framework, extending it to the particular risks of the cloud, shared responsibility, multi-tenancy, data location and provider access. They are the natural next step for any organisation that runs sensitive workloads or personal data on cloud infrastructure.
Why Cloud Security & Privacy Matters
Moving to the cloud changes the security picture. Responsibility is shared between you and your provider, and it is not always obvious where their duties end and yours begin. ISO 27017 clarifies exactly that, helping you implement the right controls on your side of the line.
For personal data, ISO 27018 demonstrates to customers and regulators that PII in the cloud is handled responsibly, an increasingly important assurance as privacy expectations and regulation tighten worldwide.
How Conformite Assist Helps
- Cloud security gap assessment against ISO 27017 controls.
- Cloud privacy assessment against ISO 27018 for PII protection.
- Clarifying the shared-responsibility model for your providers.
- Implementing cloud-specific controls and configuration hardening.
- Documentation and evidence aligned to ISO 27001, 27017 and 27018.
- Readiness support for certification or customer assurance.
Key benefits
- Stronger, cloud-appropriate security controls.
- Clear ownership of responsibilities between you and your provider.
- Demonstrated protection of personal data in the cloud.
- Greater customer confidence in your cloud services.
- A natural extension of an existing ISO 27001 ISMS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ISO 27017 and ISO 27018?
ISO 27017 provides security controls specific to cloud computing for both providers and customers. ISO 27018 focuses specifically on protecting personal data (PII) in public cloud services. They are complementary and often implemented together.
Do ISO 27017 and 27018 require ISO 27001 first?
They are designed as extensions to ISO 27001 and are normally implemented on top of an ISO 27001 ISMS. Many organisations pursue all three together for complete cloud security and privacy assurance.
Who is responsible for security in the cloud?
Security is shared between you and your cloud provider. The provider secures the underlying infrastructure; you are responsible for how you configure and use the service. ISO 27017 helps define and manage this split clearly.
Why do customers ask about cloud security standards?
Because so much sensitive data now lives in the cloud, customers want assurance it is protected. Alignment with ISO 27017 and 27018 gives them credible, independent evidence that you manage cloud security and privacy properly.