What is ISO/IEC 27017:2015?
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international standard developed to enhance the security of cloud computing environments. It provides specific guidelines for implementing information security controls in cloud services based on ISO/IEC 27002, with additional cloud-specific guidance for both cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud service customers (CSCs). As organizations increasingly migrate critical operations and sensitive data to the cloud, this standard plays a key role in addressing new security risks and clarifying responsibilities in the cloud computing ecosystem.
It is designed to be used alongside ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002, offering additional clarity in applying security practices in cloud contexts such as data separation, cloud-specific logging, and virtual machine protection.
To initiate ISO/IEC 27017 implementation or certification, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Scope and Applicability
ISO/IEC 27017 applies to any organization involved in cloud services, whether as a provider or a customer. The standard supports the implementation of controls specific to cloud environments, addressing responsibilities that are often shared between parties.
This includes:
- Cloud service providers (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Organizations consuming or integrating cloud services
- Managed service providers offering cloud-based tools
- Data centers and third-party hosting vendors
The standard covers issues such as multi-tenancy risks, data ownership and location, cloud customer isolation, and secure virtual environment management.
Certification Process and Procedure
- Conduct a gap analysis to compare current practices against ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27002 controls
- Identify roles (provider vs. customer) and shared responsibilities in the cloud relationship
- Update or develop policies specific to cloud security, such as VM configuration, log management, and customer access controls
- Assess compliance with data localization, privacy, and jurisdictional requirements in the cloud
- Implement selected controls across infrastructure, platform, and application layers
- Train staff and cloud administrators in cloud-specific risks and mitigations
- Undergo a third-party audit in conjunction with ISO/IEC 27001 (as ISO/IEC 27017 is a code of practice and not certifiable on its own)
Begin your cloud security enhancement project contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Documentation Required
To support implementation and audit readiness, organizations should maintain:
- Cloud service responsibility matrix (provider vs. customer roles)
- Information security policy with cloud-specific clauses
- Access control and authentication configuration for cloud platforms
- Encryption and data masking procedures for cloud-stored information
- Backup and recovery plans for cloud environments
- Incident response and logging strategies for cloud-hosted systems
- Virtual machine image management and configuration control records
- Vendor risk assessments and SLAs with CSPs
Need help building your ISO/IEC 27017 documentation? Contact us today at support@pacificcert.com!
Eligibility Criteria
Any organization that uses, offers, or manages cloud computing services can implement ISO/IEC 27017, including:
- Startups running SaaS platforms
- Enterprises with hybrid cloud infrastructure
- Government agencies using public cloud services
- CSPs operating regional or global cloud infrastructure
A strong foundation in information security (preferably ISO/IEC 27001 certified) is recommended.
Certification Costs
Costs depend on:
- The number of cloud services or vendors in use
- Internal vs. outsourced cloud environments
- Current ISO/IEC 27001 maturity
- Number of users and geographic regions supported
Request your tailored quote at support@pacificcert.com, our professionals will assist you with your certification related queries!
Certification Timeline
- Cloud Security Gap Assessment: 2–3 weeks
- Cloud Policy and Control Implementation: 3–5 weeks
- Internal Readiness Review and Risk Treatment: 2–3 weeks
- Final ISO/IEC 27001 audit (with ISO/IEC 27017 controls included): 1–2 weeks
Typical certification timeline: 8–12 weeks
Requirements of ISO/IEC 27017:2015
ISO/IEC 27017 builds on ISO/IEC 27002’s 114 controls, it introduces additional guidance specific to cloud service security:
- Responsibility Clarification: Assign and document roles and responsibilities between provider and customer for each control
- Removal of Cloud Assets: Define secure processes for cloud resource decommissioning and data erasure
- Virtual Machine Security: Apply hardened templates and secure configurations for VM provisioning
- Cloud Customer Isolation: Ensure effective segregation controls to prevent tenant-to-tenant interference
- Administrative Operations Protection: Secure and monitor CSP administrative interfaces and activities
- Monitoring and Logging in the Cloud: Maintain log integrity and ensure audit trails meet compliance expectations
- Virtual Network Security: Enforce firewall policies, segmentation, and secure API access within virtualized environments
Benefits of ISO/IEC 27017 Implementation
- Clarifies roles and accountability between cloud providers and customers
- Increases confidence in cloud security posture during vendor audits
- Enhances regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) for cloud-hosted data
- Enables better risk management of third-party and multitenant cloud environments
- Supports ISO/IEC 27001 compliance with cloud-specific safeguards
- Improves resilience against evolving cloud security threats
As cloud adoption accelerates across sectors, so does concern over data breaches, vendor lock-in, and compliance in outsourced infrastructures. ISO/IEC 27017 addresses this gap by defining how traditional information security practices should adapt to virtualized, decentralized cloud models.
Global regulators increasingly expect organizations to have documented cloud risk management strategies. ISO/IEC 27017 provides a globally accepted framework, facilitating secure cross-border data flows, multi-cloud governance, and vendor due diligence.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help
Pacific Certifications supports clients in adopting ISO/IEC 27017 controls as part of their broader information security and cloud governance initiatives.
Our services include:
- ISO/IEC 27017 readiness assessments
- Policy development for hybrid and multicloud environments
- Cloud control design and implementation
- Security awareness training for cloud operations teams
- ISO/IEC 27001 certification with ISO/IEC 27017 control extension audits
Let’s make your cloud environments compliant and secure, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ISO/IEC 27017 certifiable on its own?
No, it is a code of practice. Certification occurs under ISO/IEC 27001, with ISO/IEC 27017 referenced in the audit.
Is it relevant for public cloud users?
Yes. Both providers and customers benefit from clarified control responsibilities.
Does ISO/IEC 27017 apply to SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS?
Yes. The controls are relevant across all cloud service delivery models.
How does ISO/IEC 27017 help with GDPR compliance?
It improves transparency and control over cloud data handling and subprocessors.
How long is ISO/IEC 27001 certification (with 27017) valid?
Three years, with annual surveillance audits.
Ready to get ISO 27017 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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