What is ISO/IEC 27017:2015-Information technology?

ISO/IEC 27017:2015-Information technology focuses on information security controls for cloud services. The full title of the standard is “ISO/IEC 27017:2015 – Information technology – Security techniques – Code of practice for information security controls based on ISO/IEC 27002 for cloud services.”

ISO 27017 provides guidance and best practices for both cloud service providers and cloud service customers to ensure the security of information in the cloud environment. It is an extension of the ISO/IEC 27002 standard, which is a widely recognized framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS).

The standard addresses specific security issues that are relevant to cloud computing. It covers a range of topics, including:

• Information security policies and procedures for cloud-based services.
• Roles and responsibilities of cloud service providers and customers.
• Protection of information assets in the cloud, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Access control mechanisms for cloud services.
• Incident management and response in the cloud environment.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Continuity and disaster recovery planning for cloud-based services.
• Monitoring and auditing of cloud service providers.

Therefore, organizations can enhance the security of their cloud services, mitigate risks, and demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information stored and processed in the cloud as this standard helps promote trust, transparency, and confidence in cloud-based solutions.

Requirements of ISO/IEC 27017:2015-Information technology

Cloud-specific security policies: Develop and implement information security policies and procedures that are specific to cloud-based services. These policies should address the unique risks and considerations associated with cloud computing.

Roles and responsibilities: Define and document the roles and responsibilities of both cloud service providers and cloud service customers. This includes clearly defining accountability for the security of data and systems in the cloud.

Asset management: Identify and manage information assets within the cloud environment, including data classification, ownership, and protection requirements.

Access controls: Implement appropriate access controls to protect data and systems in the cloud. This includes mechanisms for user authentication, authorization, and access monitoring.

System acquisition, development, and maintenance: Establish security requirements and controls throughout the lifecycle of cloud services, including secure development practices, secure configuration management, and regular updates and patches.

Incident management: Develop an incident response plan specifically for cloud-based services. This should include procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding to security incidents in the cloud environment.

Business continuity and disaster recovery: Plan and implement measures to ensure the availability and continuity of cloud services in the event of disruptions or disasters. This includes regular backups, redundancy, and testing of recovery procedures

Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements relevant to the cloud services being provided. This may include data protection regulations, industry-specific compliance standards, and contractual obligations.

Monitoring and auditing: Implement monitoring and auditing mechanisms to detect and respond to security events in the cloud environment. This includes regular review and analysis of security logs and records.

Overall, ISO/IEC 27017-Information technology-Security techniques provides a framework and guidance for implementing security controls in cloud services, but the specific requirements may vary depending on the nature of the cloud deployment, the type of data being stored or processed, and other factors specific to each organization.

Benefits of ISO/IEC 27017:2015

Enhanced security in the cloud: The standard provides a comprehensive set of security controls specifically designed for cloud computing environments. By implementing these controls, organizations can improve the security posture of their cloud-based services, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting against unauthorized access or breaches.

Risk mitigation: ISO/IEC 27017:2015-Information technology helps organizations identify and assess the risks associated with cloud services and provides guidance on implementing appropriate controls to mitigate those risks. This proactive approach to risk management helps organizations make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood and impact of security incidents.

Compliance with regulations and industry standards: The standard aligns with other well-known information security frameworks and can assist organizations in meeting regulatory requirements and industry-specific compliance standards. Compliance with ISO/IEC 27017 demonstrates a commitment to security and provides a basis for organizations to demonstrate compliance to auditors and regulators.

Improved trust and confidence: This standard promotes transparency and accountability in cloud services. By implementing the recommended security controls, organizations can enhance trust and confidence among their customers, partners, and stakeholders. It demonstrates a commitment to protecting information assets and provides assurance that security risks are being effectively managed.

Clarity in roles and responsibilities: It helps clarify the roles and responsibilities of both cloud service providers and customers in terms of information security. This clarity fosters better collaboration and communication between the parties, ensuring that everyone understands their obligations and actively contributes to a secure cloud environment.

Continual improvement: The standard emphasizes the importance of continual improvement in information security controls for cloud services. By following the guidelines and regularly reviewing and updating security practices, organizations can adapt to evolving threats and technologies, maintaining a strong security posture over time.

Competitive advantage: ISO/IEC 27017 certification or adherence to its guidelines can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It demonstrates an organization’s commitment to information security and its ability to protect customer data, which can be a significant factor in winning and retaining business, particularly in industries that heavily rely on cloud services.

Moreover, ISO/IEC 27017-Information technology-Security techniques provides a recognized framework for ensuring the security of cloud-based services, enabling organizations to proactively address security risks, comply with regulations, and instill trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Audit checklist for ISO/IEC 27017:2015–Information technology — Security techniques

Documentation and Policies:

• Verify the existence and adequacy of information security policies and procedures specific to cloud services.
• Review the documentation of roles and responsibilities for both cloud service providers and customers

Asset Management:

• Assess the identification and classification of information assets within the cloud environment.
• Verify the implementation of controls to protect information assets in the cloud

Access Controls:

• Evaluate the implementation of access controls, including user authentication and authorization mechanisms for cloud services.
• Review access control policies and procedures, as well as user access management processes.
• System Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance:
• Assess the implementation of security requirements and controls throughout the lifecycle of cloud services.
• Review secure development practices, secure configuration management, and change management processes specific to cloud services

Incident Management:

• Review the incident response plan for cloud-based services, including procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding to security incidents.
• Verify the adequacy of incident management processes within the cloud environment

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:

• Evaluate the availability and continuity measures in place for cloud services, including backup, redundancy, and recovery procedures.
• Review the testing and maintenance of business continuity and disaster recovery plans specific to the cloud environment.

Compliance:

• Assess compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements applicable to the cloud services.
• Review processes for data protection, privacy, and other industry-specific compliance obligations

Monitoring and Auditing:

• Verify the implementation of monitoring and auditing mechanisms to detect and respond to security events in the cloud environment.
• Assess the review and analysis of security logs and records for cloud services

Vendor Management:

Evaluate the organization’s vendor management processes, including due diligence and ongoing monitoring of cloud service providers.

Review contractual obligations and service level agreements related to security controls in the cloud environment

Training and Awareness:

• Assess the training and awareness programs for employees and users regarding information security controls and best practices in the cloud.

Who needs ISO/IEC 27017:2015-Information technology?

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is beneficial for both cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud service customers (CSCs) who want to enhance the security of their cloud-based services. Here are the key stakeholders who can benefit from ISO/IEC 27017:

Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): CSPs play a crucial role in delivering cloud services to organizations and individuals. Implementing ISO/IEC 27017 helps CSPs establish a robust information security framework specifically designed for cloud environments. It allows CSPs to demonstrate their commitment to security, differentiate themselves in the market, and build trust with their customers.

Cloud Service Customers (CSCs): Organizations or individuals that use cloud services as consumers can benefit from the standard. It provides guidance and criteria for evaluating the security practices of CSPs and selecting trustworthy cloud service providers. CSCs can use ISO/IEC 27017 as a reference when negotiating contracts, ensuring that their data and systems are adequately protected in the cloud.

Regulatory Bodies and Auditors: Regulatory bodies and auditors can reference ISO/IEC 27017 as a recognized standard for assessing the security of cloud services. Compliance with ISO/IEC 27017 can demonstrate that CSPs and CSCs have implemented appropriate security controls and are aligned with industry best practices.

Industry Associations and Standards Organizations: Industry associations and standards organizations can adopt the standard as a reference framework or incorporate its guidelines into their own industry-specific standards. This helps promote consistent and standardized security practices across various sectors and cloud service offerings.

Consultants and Security Professionals: This standard provides a valuable resource for consultants and security professionals who assist organizations in implementing and improving their cloud security practices. They can leverage the standard’s guidelines and controls to advise clients on risk management, compliance, and security enhancement strategies specific to cloud computing.

Overall, applicability of the standard may vary depending on the size and nature of the organization, the sensitivity of the data being processed or stored in the cloud, and the specific regulatory or contractual requirements. Organizations should assess their individual needs and consult with experts to determine the relevance and value of the standard in their cloud security initiatives.

At last, Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, if you need for more support with ISO/IEC 27017:2015 , please contact us at  support@pacificcert.com or +91-8595603096

Read About : ISO 27001:2022