ISO/IEC 27017 & ISO/IEC 27018 Cloud Security Certification
Strengthen Cloud Security and Protect Personal Information with Internationally Recognized Certification
As organizations increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure and software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, customers expect independent assurance that cloud environments are secure and personal information is properly protected. MHM provides ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 certification audits that help organizations demonstrate cloud security best practices and effective protection of personally identifiable information (PII).
These internationally recognized standards extend ISO/IEC 27001 by introducing cloud-specific security controls and privacy requirements for cloud service providers and organizations operating in cloud environments.
What Are ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018?
ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 are internationally recognized standards that extend ISO/IEC 27001 to address the unique security and privacy challenges associated with cloud computing. They provide additional guidance for both cloud service providers and organizations using cloud services, helping clarify security responsibilities and strengthen controls within shared cloud environments.
While ISO/IEC 27001 establishes the Information Security Management System (ISMS), ISO/IEC 27017 provides additional controls for securing cloud services, and ISO/IEC 27018 introduces privacy controls designed to protect personally identifiable information processed in public cloud environments.
Together, these standards help organizations strengthen cloud governance, improve customer confidence, and demonstrate internationally recognized security and privacy practices.
ISO/IEC 27017: Cloud Security Controls
ISO/IEC 27017 focuses on cloud security practices and clarifies how security controls apply in shared cloud environments. It addresses areas such as shared responsibility between cloud providers and customers, secure configuration of virtual environments, and cloud-specific operational controls.
The standard helps organizations address the unique challenges of cloud computing, including shared responsibility models, virtualization, and the management of cloud-based services.
Key Focus Areas of ISO/IEC 27017
Shared responsibility between cloud provider and customer
Secure configuration of cloud services and environments
Protection against unauthorized access in cloud systems
Monitoring and logging of cloud activity
Secure management of cloud resources and virtual environments
ISO/IEC 27018: Cloud Privacy Controls
ISO/IEC 27018 focuses specifically on the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud environments. It introduces additional privacy-focused controls around how personal data is collected, processed, stored, accessed, and protected by cloud service providers.
Key Focus Areas of ISO/IEC 27018
Protection of personal data in accordance with customer instructions
Restrictions on the use of PII for provider purposes
Transparency in how personal data is processed and disclosed
Controls over sub-processors and third-party access to data
Support for data subject rights, including access, correction, and deletion
Benefits of Certification
ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 help organizations demonstrate that their cloud services are managed using internationally recognized security and privacy practices. By extending an existing ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS), these standards provide additional assurance to customers, business partners, and other stakeholders that cloud environments and personal information are appropriately protected.
Organizations that pursue ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 certification can benefit from:
Build Customer Trust
Demonstrate your commitment to cloud security and privacy through internationally recognized certification.
Strengthen Cloud Security
Implement cloud-specific controls that enhance the security of cloud services and environments.
Protect Personal Information
Show that personal information is managed using recognized privacy practices for public cloud services.
Extend Your ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
Expand your existing Information Security Management System with cloud security and privacy controls.
Differentiate Your Organization
Demonstrate independently verified cloud security and privacy practices to customers and business partners.
Meet Customer & Regulatory Requirements
Provide independent assurance that supports customer security and privacy expectations.
Certification and Relationship to ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 are not standalone management system standards. Instead, they build upon an organization's existing ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS).
ISO/IEC 27001 establishes the governance framework, risk management processes, and core security controls. ISO/IEC 27017 enhances those controls by providing cloud-specific implementation guidance, while ISO/IEC 27018 introduces additional requirements for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) processed within public cloud services.
Organizations pursuing these certifications are typically assessed during their ISO/IEC 27001 certification, surveillance audits, or recertification audits, allowing cloud security and privacy controls to be evaluated as part of a coordinated certification program.
Ready to Get Started
If your organization is pursuing ISO/IEC 27001 certification or looking to extend your existing Information Security Management System (ISMS) with ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018, MHM can guide you through the certification process.
As an accredited certification body, MHM provides independent certification audits that help organizations demonstrate internationally recognized cloud security and privacy practices. For organizations pursuing multiple certifications, we can also deliver coordinated audits across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, and ISO/IEC 42001, helping streamline audit activities and reduce duplication across multiple certification engagements.
Contact MHM today to discuss how ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 certification can strengthen your cloud security and privacy program.