What is ISO/IEC 27018:2019 – Code of practice for protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds acting as PII processors?

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. As more businesses move their operations to the cloud, safeguarding sensitive data against unauthorized access and breaches is critical. The ISO/IEC 27018:2019 standard provides a robust framework for protecting PII in public clouds, specifically designed for PII processors.

ISO/IEC 27018 is an international standard that offers guidelines for public cloud service providers on how to manage and protect PII effectively. It is an extension of the ISO/IEC 27001 framework, which is widely recognized for establishing a comprehensive information security management system (ISMS). ISO/IEC 27018:2019 focuses specifically on cloud environments, providing controls and measures to ensure that cloud service providers (CSPs) handle PII with the utmost care and security.

Interested in achieving ISO/IEC 27018 certification? Reach out to our team at support@pacificcert.com or call us at +91-8595603096 for expert guidance and support.

What are the Requirements for ISO/IEC 27018:2019?

Achieving compliance with ISO/IEC 27018:2019 involves meeting a set of specific requirements that address various aspects of data protection in the cloud. These requirements are designed to ensure that PII is handled securely and responsibly by cloud service providers. Below are the key areas covered by the standard:

Consent and Purpose Limitation: Cloud service providers must obtain clear and explicit consent from their customers (data controllers) for the processing of PII. Additionally, PII should only be processed for the specific purposes for which it was collected. This requirement ensures that PII is not used for unauthorized purposes, maintaining the privacy and trust of individuals.

Transparency: CSPs are required to be transparent about their data processing activities. This includes providing clear information about how PII is processed, stored, and protected. Transparency also involves notifying customers of any significant changes to the service that may impact data privacy.

Data Subject Rights: ISO/IEC 27018 emphasizes the importance of upholding the rights of data subjects (individuals whose PII is being processed). Cloud service providers must implement mechanisms that allow data subjects to access, correct, and delete their PII as required by law or contractual obligations.

Data Minimization: The standard mandates that only the minimum necessary amount of PII should be collected and processed. This principle reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps to limit the impact of any potential data breaches.

Accountability: CSPs must implement measures to demonstrate their compliance with ISO/IEC 27018:2019. This includes maintaining records of data processing activities, conducting regular audits, and implementing effective security controls.

Data Breach Notification: In the event of a data breach, cloud service providers are required to promptly notify the affected parties, including their customers and relevant authorities. This requirement ensures timely responses to breaches and helps mitigate potential damage.

Security Controls: ISO/IEC 27018:2019 outlines specific security controls that CSPs must implement to protect PII. These controls include encryption, access controls, monitoring, and incident management processes. The goal is to safeguard PII against unauthorized access, disclosure, and destruction.

Third-Party Management: CSPs often rely on third-party vendors to provide various services. ISO/IEC 27018:2019 requires that cloud providers ensure these third parties comply with the same data protection standards. This involves conducting due diligence and establishing contracts that include data protection clauses.

Ready to protect your cloud data with ISO/IEC 27018:2019? Contact us today at support@pacificcert.com or give us a call at +91-8595603096 to start your certification process!

What are the Benefits of ISO/IEC 27018:2019?

Implementing ISO/IEC 27018 offers numerous advantages to cloud service providers and their customers. Here are some of the key benefits:

• By adhering to the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27018, cloud service providers can significantly improve their data protection measures.
• The standard ensures that PII is handled securely, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
• ISO/IEC 27018 helps organizations comply with various data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and similar laws worldwide.
• Achieving ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification demonstrates to customers that their data is being handled responsibly and securely.
• ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification can set a cloud service provider apart from competitors.
• The standard provides a structured approach to identifying and managing risks associated with the processing of PII in the cloud.
• ISO/IEC 27018 is an internationally recognized standard, making it easier for cloud service providers to operate in multiple jurisdictions.
• Implementing the controls and processes required by ISO/IEC 27018:2019 can lead to greater operational efficiency.

Need help with ISO/IEC 27018 certification? We’re here to assist! Email us at support@pacificcert.com or phone us at +91-8595603096!

Who Needs ISO/IEC 27018:2019?

ISO/IEC 27018 is particularly relevant for organizations that provide cloud services and act as PII processors. However, its applicability extends beyond just cloud service providers. Here’s a breakdown of who should consider obtaining ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification:

Public Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)

Organizations that offer public cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), should pursue ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification.

Data Processors

Companies that process PII on behalf of other organizations (data controllers) should consider ISO/IEC 27018:2019. This includes cloud providers, data centers, and any third-party service that handles PII.

Organizations Handling Sensitive PIl

Businesses in sectors like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce that manage sensitive PII are ideal candidates for ISO/IEC 27018:2019 certification. Protecting PII is critical for these organizations, and certification can help them meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Multinational Corporations

Companies operating in multiple countries must comply with various local and international data protection laws. ISO/IEC 27018 provides a unified framework that helps ensure compliance across different jurisdictions.

Businesses Seeking Customer Trust

Any organization that prioritizes customer trust and data protection should consider ISO/IEC 27018. Certification can enhance a company’s reputation and build confidence among customers and partners.

SMEs and Startups in the Cloud Industry

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that are entering the cloud service industry can benefit from ISO/IEC 27018 certification.

Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 27018:2019. Contact Pacific Certifications at support@pacificcert.com or call +91-8595603096 to learn more about our certification services.

How We Can Help

At Pacific Certifications, we specialize in auditing and certifying organizations to various international standards, including ISO/IEC 27018. Our experienced auditors work with cloud service providers and data processors to assess their compliance with the standard and guide them through the certification process.

What We Offer:

Our auditors conduct thorough assessments of your organization’s processes, security controls, and data protection measures to ensure they align with ISO/IEC 27018 requirements.

Certification Issuance: Once your organization meets the requirements, we issue the ISO/IEC 27018 certification, validating your commitment to protecting PII in the cloud.

Ongoing Support: After certification, we offer ongoing support to help you maintain compliance with ISO 27018:2019 through regular audits and updates on any changes to the standard.

By choosing Pacific Certifications, you can trust that your certification process will be handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise. We are dedicated to helping organizations achieve and maintain the highest standards of data protection.

Take the next step towards ISO/IEC 27018 certification. Contact us at support@pacificcert.com or reach us by phone at +91-8595603096 for more information!

Certification Process: ISO/IEC 27018:2019

Obtaining ISO/IEC 27018 certification involves a systematic process that ensures your organization complies with all the necessary requirements. Below is an overview of the certification process with Pacific Certifications:

The process begins when you contact Pacific Certifications to express your interest in ISO/IEC 27018 certification. We will provide you with an overview of the certification requirements and discuss your organization’s specific needs.

Application Submission: Once you decide to proceed, you will need to submit an application detailing your organization’s scope of services and data processing activities.

Stage 1 Audit – Documentation Review: The first stage of the audit involves a review of your organization’s documentation, including policies, procedures, and controls related to PII protection.

Stage 2 Audit – On-Site Assessment: In the second stage, our auditors will conduct an online or on-site assessment of your organization’s data protection practices. This step includes evaluating your security controls, interviewing key personnel, and verifying that your processes align with the standard.

Audit Report and Findings: After the on-site assessment, we will compile an audit report detailing our findings. If there are any non-conformities, you will need to address them before the certification can be issued.

Certification Decision: Once all non-conformities are resolved, we will make a certification decision. If your organization meets the requirements, we will issue the ISO/IEC 27018 certification, which is valid for three years.

Surveillance Audits: To maintain your certification, Pacific Certifications will conduct annual surveillance audits.

Recertification: After three years, your certification will need to be renewed. We will conduct a recertification audit, which involves a thorough review of your entire system to ensure ongoing compliance.

Protecting Personally Identifiable Information in the cloud is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a commitment to your customers and their trust in your services.

Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, in case you need support with ISO/IEC 27018:2019 for your business, please contact us at support@pacificcert.com or +91-8595603096.

FAQs: ISO 27018:2019

For more information or to begin the certification process, please reach out to us:

Email: support@pacificcert.com
Phone: +91-8595603096

Our team at Pacific Certifications is ready to assist you with all your certification needs.

Also Read: What is ISO/IEC 27017:2015?