What Is ISO 27017? A Complete Guide to Cloud Security and ISO Certification

In today’s digital era, businesses are rapidly migrating to cloud environments to store data, run applications, and manage operations. While the cloud offers flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency, it also introduces unique security challenges. This is where ISO 27017 steps in providing globally recognized guidance for cloud security.

Whether you're a cloud service provider or a business that uses cloud-based services, ISO certification under ISO 27017 can help strengthen your data protection practices and boost client trust.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ISO 27017, how it supports cloud security, and why it’s essential for your organization.

Table of Contents

• What Is ISO 27017?
   
• Why Is ISO 27017 Important for Cloud Security?
   
• Key Principles of ISO 27017
   
• ISO 27017 vs ISO 27001: What’s the Difference?
   
• Who Should Get ISO 27017 Certified?
   
• Benefits of ISO 27017 Certification
   
• How to Get ISO 27017 Certified
   
• ISO 27017 and Regulatory Compliance
   
• Final Thoughts

 

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What Is ISO 27017?

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international standard developed by ISO and IEC that provides guidelines for information security controls applicable to cloud services. It extends the foundation of ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, tailoring them to the specific needs of cloud service providers and cloud service customers.

ISO 27017 focuses on:

• Protecting information in cloud environments
   
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities between cloud providers and customers
   
• Addressing shared responsibility models in the cloud
   

While ISO 27001 provides a framework for an Information Security Management System (ISMS), ISO 27017 adds cloud-specific controls and best practices.

For official documentation, you can visit the ISO website.

Why Is ISO 27017 Important for Cloud Security?

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, securing digital assets becomes critical. Traditional security frameworks may not fully address the complexities of cloud environments. That's where ISO 27017 shines.

It addresses:

• Virtualization risks
   
• Data location and jurisdiction concerns
   
• Responsibility sharing between cloud provider and customer
   
• Secure cloud service agreements
   

With ISO 27017 in place, you can prevent:

• Unauthorized access to cloud-stored data
   
• Data breaches from misconfigured cloud settings
   
• Ambiguities in responsibilities during incident response
   

In short, ISO 27017 cloud security certification sends a clear message: your business takes cloud data protection seriously.

Key Principles of ISO 27017

Here are some core principles and controls introduced or emphasized in ISO 27017:

🔐 1. Responsibility Clarification

• Defines roles of cloud service providers vs. cloud service customers
   
• Establishes clear ownership for data security, backups, access controls
   

🔐 2. Virtual Machine Security

• Guidelines for configuring and managing virtual machines securely
   
• Helps mitigate risks related to multi-tenancy and virtualization
   

🔐 3. Administrative Operations Protection

• Ensures privileged access is properly monitored
   
• Prevents misuse of admin rights in cloud consoles
   

🔐 4. Customer Monitoring and Logging

• Encourages real-time activity monitoring
   
• Helps detect unauthorized access or anomalies
   

🔐 5. Data Removal and Deletion Policies

• Secure deletion of data after contract termination
   
• Prevents data leakage after offboarding from the cloud
   

🔐 6. Shared Responsibility Model

• Outlines how responsibilities are divided between CSPs and customers
   
• Avoids miscommunication and security gaps
   

ISO 27017 vs ISO 27001: What’s the Difference?

While both standards are part of the ISO 27000 family, they serve different purposes:

Tip: ISO 27017 doesn’t replace ISO 27001 — it enhances it for cloud environments. Many organizations pursue ISO 27001 certification with ISO 27017 guidance for a robust cloud security framework.

Who Should Get ISO 27017 Certified?

ISO 27017 is beneficial for any organization operating in or with the cloud, including:

• Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): Companies like SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS vendors
   
• Cloud Consumers: Businesses that store sensitive data in the cloud
   
• Managed IT Service Providers: Offering cloud-based infrastructure or support
   
• Data Centres: Hosting virtual environments and cloud-based systems
   
• Tech Startups and Enterprises: That rely on cloud computing for core operations
   

Even if you're not directly offering cloud services, ISO 27017 can help you build client trust and demonstrate security maturity.

Benefits of ISO 27017 Certification

Implementing ISO 27017 delivers both business and technical benefits:

Enhanced Cloud Security

• Identify and mitigate cloud-specific risks
   
• Protect customer and internal data from breaches
   

Compliance with Global Regulations

• Support GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and other compliance efforts
   
• Avoid penalties from improper data handling in cloud systems
   

Competitive Edge

• Differentiate your brand in a crowded cloud marketplace
   
• Appeal to security-conscious enterprise clients
   

Operational Efficiency

• Streamline cloud security policies and responsibilities
   
• Reduce incident response time and miscommunication
   

Stronger Client Confidence

• Show your commitment to protecting data
   
• Build long-term trust with customers and partners
   

How to Get ISO 27017 Certified

ISO 27017 is a guidance standard, which means you don’t get certified to ISO 27017 alone. Instead, you adopt its controls as part of your ISO 27001 certification process.

Here’s a simplified path to certification:

1. Conduct a Gap Assessment

Evaluate your existing cloud security posture against ISO 27017 guidelines.

2. Develop or Update Your ISMS

Incorporate ISO 27017 controls into your Information Security Management System.

3. Train Your Team

Ensure your employees understand cloud-specific risks and responsibilities.

4. Implement Required Controls

Apply necessary technical and organizational controls in cloud environments.

5. Perform Internal Audits

Verify compliance through mock audits and documentation reviews.

6. Get Certified via an Accredited Body

Undergo an official ISO 27001 audit. During this, demonstrate compliance with ISO 27017.

At Reliable Certification, we guide organizations like yours through the full journey — from gap analysis to final certification — with expert support every step of the way.

ISO 27017 and Regulatory Compliance

ISO 27017 helps align with several national and international regulations:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
   
• UK Data Protection Act 2018
   
• NIS Directive for Critical Infrastructure
   
• HIPAA (for healthcare cloud platforms)
   

These regulations demand accountability, transparency, and strong data governance. Implementing ISO 27017 shows that your cloud security practices meet — and often exceed — these requirements.

Final Thoughts

As cloud adoption accelerates, securing cloud-based systems is no longer optional it’s mission-critical. ISO 27017 provides tailored, practical guidance to help businesses protect data, manage responsibilities, and avoid cloud security pitfalls.

Whether you're a cloud provider offering services to thousands or a startup managing client data on the cloud, ISO 27017 gives you the framework to manage risks effectively and earn your clients' trust.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cloud Security?

At Reliable Certification, we help businesses like yours implement and maintain cloud security best practices aligned with ISO certification standards. From ISO 27001 to ISO 27017 guidance, our team ensures you're audit-ready and compliant with confidence.

👉 Visit us at reliablecert.uk to learn more or get in touch with our experts today