ISO/IEC 27018:2019 - Information Technology Security Techniques

ISO/IEC 27018:2019 is an international standard that focuses on the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud computing environments. It provides guidelines for cloud service providers (CSPs) to enhance data privacy, security, and transparency when handling PII. The standard offers clear controls to ensure that PII is managed with care and accountability, helping businesses maintain the trust of their customers.

About The Standard ISO/IEC 27018:2019

ISO/IEC 27018:2019 builds upon the existing ISO/IEC 27001 framework, with a specific focus on cloud services and PII protection. It provides guidance on how cloud service providers can implement processes that protect sensitive data in public cloud environments. The standard emphasizes transparency by requiring CSPs to disclose data handling practices and ensures that customers have control over their data, with the ability to access, modify, or delete their PII when necessary.

Benefits of ISO/IEC 27018:2019

Adopting ISO/IEC 27018:2019 offers several advantages, including:

1. Improved Data Security: The standard sets strict guidelines for securing PII, ensuring that data is protected during storage, processing, and transmission.
2. Increased Transparency: Cloud providers are required to disclose how PII is handled, which builds customer trust and ensures ethical practices.
3. Regulatory Compliance: ISO/IEC 27018:2019 helps businesses meet global privacy regulations such as GDPR by providing a solid framework for data protection.
4. Customer Confidence: Certification under ISO/IEC 27018:2019 assures customers that their data is being managed responsibly and securely.
5. Efficient Breach Management: The standard requires CSPs to notify customers promptly in case of a data breach, ensuring swift response and damage mitigation.

Who Can Apply?

ISO/IEC 27018:2019 is applicable to all cloud service providers that handle personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud environments. This includes:

• Public cloud service vendors
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers
• Data centers and cloud hosting companies
• Organizations that use cloud services to store and process sensitive data

How Can You Apply?

To apply for ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification, cloud service providers should follow these steps:

1. Assess Current Systems: Conduct an internal audit to evaluate current security controls and compare them against the requirements of ISO/IEC 27018:2019.
2. Implement Necessary Controls: Introduce or enhance security measures for PII protection, focusing on data access, processing, and storage in the cloud.
3. Compliance Review: Ensure that your company complies with relevant legal and regulatory standards for data privacy in your jurisdiction.
4. Internal Audit: Perform internal audits to assess the effectiveness of your implemented controls.
5. Engage a Certification Body: Work with an accredited certification body to conduct an external audit and receive ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification.

YouTube Video

For a more detailed explanation of ISO/IEC 27018:2019 and its importance in cloud security, check out this YouTube video: