ISO 27017 vs ISO 27018: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

As more companies start using cloud services, keeping data safe and private is more important than ever. That’s where two key international standards come in ISO 27017 and ISO 27018. Both help businesses protect data in the cloud, but they focus on different things. Even though they’re often mentioned together, each one plays a unique role in cloud security and privacy.

This blog will walk you through the differences, benefits, and usage of ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, helping you understand why adopting both can enhance your organization’s cloud compliance strategy.

Understanding ISO Certification in the Cloud Context

Before diving into the comparison, let’s briefly touch on ISO certification and why it's important for businesses operating in the cloud.

ISO certification refers to a formal recognition that an organization complies with a specific international standard, such as ISO 27001 for information security. Standards like ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 are extensions of ISO 27001, tailored to address cloud security and personal data privacy in cloud services.

These certifications:

• Build customer trust
   
• Improve security posture
   
• Ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR
   
• Differentiate yourself from competitors
   

What Is ISO 27017?

ISO 27017 is a standard that provides guidelines for cloud-specific information security controls. It is designed for both cloud service providers and cloud service customers, helping them ensure that cloud environments are protected from cyber threats.

Key Features of ISO 27017:

• Focuses on cloud-specific threats
   
• Offers controls for cloud-based operations
   
• Addresses issues like virtual machine configuration, administrative access, and service agreements
   
• Builds upon ISO 27001 controls with cloud-centric enhancements
   

Who Should Use ISO 27017?

• Cloud service providers (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
   
• Organizations managing sensitive data in cloud platforms
   
• Businesses looking to enhance cloud security

What Is ISO 27018?

ISO 27018 is a set of guidelines that helps protect personal information like names, emails, or ID numbers when it’s stored or handled in public cloud services. It’s designed for organizations that act as data processors, helping them maintain the privacy of data in compliance with regulations like the GDPR.

Key Features of ISO 27018:

• Provides privacy principles for handling PII in the cloud
   
• Ensures transparency, accountability, and data subject rights
   
• Helps with consent management, data minimization, and access controls
   
• Supports cloud providers in establishing client trust
   

Who Should Use ISO 27018?

• Cloud-based organizations processing personal data
   
• Businesses with customers in privacy-regulated jurisdictions (like the EU)
   
• Cloud providers offering services to the public or enterprise clients
   

ISO 27017 vs ISO 27018: Key Differences

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to clarify how these two standards differ:

 

 

Why You Need Both Standards

1. Comprehensive Cloud Security and Privacy

Using both ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 ensures your organization addresses not only technical cloud risks but also personal data privacy a complete package for cloud compliance.

2. Regulatory Compliance

These standards help you align with global privacy laws like:

• GDPR
   
• CCPA
   
• HIPAA
   

Implementing both can serve as strong evidence during regulatory audits.

3. Client Trust and Market Advantage

By aligning with ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, you:

• Demonstrate commitment to security and privacy
   
• Win trust from customers and stakeholders
   
• Differentiate your services in a competitive cloud market
   

4. Supports ISO 27001 Implementation

Both standards are based on ISO 27001, enhancing its core controls with cloud-specific requirements. Together, they offer a tailored approach for businesses operating in digital infrastructure.

Real-World Application: Microsoft Azure & ISO 27017/27018

Major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) align with ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 to ensure secure and privacy-compliant services.

For example, Microsoft has implemented these standards across their cloud services to offer a trustworthy cloud for businesses around the world.

🔗 Read Microsoft’s ISO 27018 compliance overview

How to Put ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 into Action: Step-by-Step

If you’re ready to enhance your cloud security and privacy, here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Conduct a Risk Assessment

Identify where your cloud systems may be vulnerable to security or privacy risks.

Step 2: Achieve or Align with ISO 27001

Both ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 rely on the ISO 27001 framework for implementation.

Step 3: Define Your Cloud Roles

Clarify whether you’re a data processor (ISO 27018 focus) or cloud provider/customer (ISO 27017 focus), or both.

Step 4: Develop and Document Controls

Update your privacy and security policies to reflect the guidance from both standards.

Step 5: Train Your Team

Educate your staff about data handling, security best practices, and client transparency.

Step 6: Monitor, Audit, and Improve

Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement in your cloud compliance program.

How Reliable Certification Can Help

At Reliable Certification, we specialize in helping organizations become ISO-compliant through structured assessments, audits, and support. Whether you're aiming for ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, or all three with the updated standards version, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Contact us today to get started on your ISO certification journey for secure, privacy-compliant cloud services