ISO 27018 Certification-cloud-specific privacy information standard

The certification ISO/IEC 27018:2019 offers a systematic framework for safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) handled in public cloud settings. This standard adds more controls to ISO/IEC 27001 to address privacy and data protection needs, and it was created especially for cloud service providers who process personally identifiable information. In addition to guaranteeing responsibility, openness, and adherence to relevant privacy rules and regulations, it focuses on protecting the privacy of the people whose data is being handled.
Achieving ISO/IEC 27018 accreditation shows stakeholders and customers that a company is dedicated to strong data privacy standards. This certification is especially helpful for cloud service providers who want to set themselves apart from the competition by demonstrating that they follow globally accepted privacy protection guidelines.

Structure of the ISO 27018 Standard

The ISO/IEC 27018:2019 standard is structured into a series of clauses and controls designed to guide cloud service providers in implementing and maintaining robust data privacy measures. The key sections of the standard include:
• Clause 1 (Scope): Defines the standard’s focus on privacy protection for PII processed in public cloud environments.
• Clause 2 (Normative References): Lists related standards and references that support the implementation of ISO/IEC 27018.
• Clause 3 (Terms and Definitions): Provides precise definitions for key terms related to privacy, cloud computing, and PII processing.
• Clause 4 (Context of the Organization): Addresses the external and internal factors influencing privacy protection, including regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Clause 5 (Leadership and Commitment): Focuses on the role of leadership in establishing a privacy-respecting culture and policies within the organization.
• Clause 6 (Planning): Guides the identification of risks to PII and the establishment of objectives and strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Clause 7 (Support): Emphasizes resource allocation, staff training, and awareness programs to ensure effective privacy management.
• Clause 8 (Operational Controls): Details operational practices for managing PII in public cloud environments, including access control, encryption, and data segregation.
• Clause 9 (Performance Evaluation): Focuses on monitoring, measuring, and auditing the effectiveness of privacy controls.
• Clause 10 (Improvement): Requires organizations to continuously improve their privacy
protection measures based on audit findings, incidents, and regulatory changes. This detailed structure ensures that organizations can systematically address privacy risks and enhance their data protection capabilities

Who Should Apply for ISO 27018 Certification

ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification is specifically designed for cloud service providers acting as PII processors. Organizations across various industries that process Personally Identifiable Information in public cloud environments can benefit from this certification. Key sectors include:
• Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): Public cloud providers offering Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) can demonstrate their commitment to protecting client data.
• Healthcare: Cloud providers serving hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies managing sensitive patient data.
• Financial Services: Organizations processing financial transactions and customer data in the cloud can enhance their data privacy measures.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers using cloud-based solutions to store and process customer data.
• IT and Technology Firms: Businesses developing cloud-based applications and platforms that involve PII processing.
• Government Agencies: Public sector organizations utilizing cloud solutions for data storage and management can ensure regulatory compliance.
• Education and Research Institutions: Universities and research organizations using cloud platforms to manage student and research data securely.
By achieving ISO/IEC 27018 certification, cloud service providers can improve their competitive positioning, demonstrate compliance with privacy regulations, and build customer trust.

Benefits of ISO 27018 Certification

The ISO/IEC 27018 certification delivers several key benefits to organizations processing PII in public cloud environments:
• Enhanced Data Privacy: Implements internationally recognized best practices to protect PII from unauthorized access, loss, or breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations align with global privacy laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, reducing legal risks.
• Customer Confidence: Demonstrates a commitment to protecting client data, building trust and confidence among customers.
• Operational Efficiency: Standardizes privacy processes, reducing redundancies and improving the efficiency of data management systems.
• Competitive Advantage: Differentiates certified organizations from competitors by showcasing their commitment to robust privacy practices.
• Transparency: Promotes clear and consistent communication about privacy policies and practices, ensuring transparency with stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourages regular evaluation and enhancement of privacy protection measures based on audits, incidents, and evolving risks.
• Global Recognition: Aligns organizations with internationally recognized standards, enhancing credibility in global markets.

Eligibility Criteria for ISO 27018 Certification

To achieve ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification, organizations must establish robust privacy and security practices for processing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in public cloud environments. A foundational requirement is an established Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, incorporating privacy-specific controls outlined in ISO/IEC 27018. Organizations must also conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities related to PII. Leadership commitment plays a crucial role, requiring top management to allocate resources, implement privacy-focused policies, and ensure a culture of accountability and compliance. Key Requirements:
• Established ISMS: Aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, incorporating privacy-specific controls for PII protection.
• Comprehensive Risk Assessments: To identify and address vulnerabilities in public cloud environments.
• Operational Controls: Implementation of encryption, access management, and incident response procedures.
• Performance Monitoring: Regular evaluation and improvement of privacy protection practices

Cost of ISO 27018 Certification

The cost of ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification varies depending on factors such as the size of the organization, the complexity of cloud operations, and the geographical location. Major cost components include implementation costs, which involve developing and integrating cloud-specific privacy controls; audit fees, which cover charges for initial and surveillance audits; and certification fees, which include administrative expenses for issuing the certificate. For a customized quotation, organizations can submit the application form F-01 available on the TNV website. For further details, contact TNV at info@isoindia.orgor submit inquiries through the website portal.

Integration of ISO 27018 with Other Standards

ISO/IEC 27018:2019, a cloud-specific privacy information standard, can be integrated with other management system standards to create a unified framework for organizational management. For instance, integrating ISO/IEC 27018 with ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management System) enhances privacy protection by aligning general information security practices with privacy-specific controls, ensuring a robust overall privacy and security posture. Integration with ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management System) supports organizations in managing cloud-related privacy obligations, reducing risks of data breaches and regulatory non-compliance. Similarly, integrating ISO/IEC 27018 with ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management System) ensures that cloud services maintain privacy protections during disruptions, safeguarding business resilience. By combining ISO/IEC 27018 with other standards, organizations can streamline processes, minimize redundancies, and achieve comprehensive management objectives that support privacy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Other Standards for Integration:
Integration of these standards provides a holistic approach to managing privacy, security, quality, and compliance, enabling organizations to meet diverse stakeholder expectations and achieve their strategic objectives effectively.