Understanding ISO 27018: Protecting Personal Data in the Cloud

As more organizations adopt cloud-based infrastructure, protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) has become a strategic priority and a key regulatory concern. In order to meet these new demands, ISO 27018 was developed as a standalone international standard to safeguard PII in public cloud computing. As cybersecurity threats continue to increase and data protection laws become more stringent, compliance with this standard is now a crucial part of sound cloud adoption and risk management.  

What is ISO 27018?

ISO 27018 outlines the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) code of practice to protect personal data for cloud service providers as data processors. The standard draws from the ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002, both of which are universally accepted, along with additional controls that are focused on data privacy and trust of the customer. 

The model is particularly relevant to public cloud computing service providers that process information for their customers, as it creates distinctive obligations around data disclosures, consent, breach notification and transparency.

Core Principles of ISO 27018

The standard has some important privacy principles that service providers use in upholding data integrity and compliance with the law:

• Control and Consent: Ensures that PII is processed only with the explicit consent of the data subject.
• Transparency: Requires that cloud consumers be informed of data processing methods.
• Accountability: Requires adequate controls and documentation to maintain compliance.
• Security Controls: Recommends technical and organizational controls to safeguard information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
• Regulatory Alignment: Facilitates compliance with global privacy legislation, including the GDPR and HIPAA.

Benefits of ISO 27018 Certification

Obtaining certification has various operational and strategic benefits. The biggest benefits of ISO 27018 Certification are establishing customer trust in cloud services. It proves that a provider is committed to protecting data and reducing the risk of legal exposure and reputational loss.

Some other benefits of ISO 27018 Certification are:

• Competitively differentiating in the cloud services space.
• Efficient contractual negotiations through inherent trust.
• More effective data governance processes.
• Active risk management and incident response planning.
• Improved compliance with new privacy regulations in jurisdictions.

For users of third-party cloud providers, utilizing certified providers can be a crucial step in mitigating compliance risk and implementing robust data privacy procedures.

Why Work with INTERCERT? 

INTERCERT offers internationally accredited audit, certification, and training services for ISO standards, including ISO 27018. Our auditors are senior professionals with deep industry experience. They bring practical knowledge and follow internationally accepted practices to ensure objective, high-quality certification assessments. As a cloud service provider or a business seeking assurance from your suppliers, INTERCERT ensures that your certification process is professional, reliable, and aligned with global best practices. Contact INTERCERT to learn more about our ISO certification services and how we help demonstrate your organization’s commitment to data privacy.

Let’s Conclude 

In an era where data privacy is a business im perative, adopting ISO 27018 positions your company as a good custodian of customers' data. The benefits of ISO 27018 certification extend beyond compliance, offering advantages that enhance brand reputation, foster customer trust, and promote operational excellence in cloud environments. With growing cloud reliance, adopting this standard is a long-te rm investment in security, legal compliance, and digital trustworthiness.