ISO 27018 Certification | Protecting Personally Identifiable Information in the Cloud
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a globally recognized standard within the ISO 27000 family that focuses on safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in public cloud environments. It provides a comprehensive framework for cloud service providers to implement robust privacy controls when processing personal data on behalf of customers, ensuring security, compliance, and trust.
Organizations that adopt ISO/IEC 27018 certification aim to:
- Strengthen PII Protection: Implement privacy controls aligned with ISO/IEC 29100 to safeguard personal data through strong governance, security measures, and privacy practices.
- Demonstrate Compliance and Expertise: Achieve certification from an accredited body, validating their ability to manage sensitive data within cloud infrastructures.
- Address Cloud-Specific Security Risks: Establish targeted safeguards for unique cloud challenges and emerging data protection threats.
- Build Trust and Accountability: Showcase a commitment to responsible data handling and transparency, reinforcing stakeholder confidence.
ISO/IEC 27018 helps cloud providers operate as trusted custodians of personal data, ensuring regulatory compliance and secure cloud operations.
Why ISO/IEC 27018 is Superior to Other Controls
ISO/IEC 27018 goes beyond standard information security controls by focusing specifically on privacy in cloud environments. Key pillars include:
1. Usage Consent
Cloud providers must not use clients’ PII for advertising, marketing, or any other purposes without explicit consent from the data controller. Personal data must be processed strictly according to the instructions provided, ensuring privacy protection and maintaining customer trust.
2. Data Transparency
Providers must maintain full transparency in data processing, particularly when using subcontractors. Customers should be informed of:
- The nature of the processing activities
Any changes to subcontracting arrangements must be communicated promptly, ensuring accountability and building trust. - Where data is processed
- The role and function of any sub-processors
3. Data Disclosure
Cloud providers must disclose the geographic location of data storage and processing. They must also give data controllers the ability to restrict where data is stored and processed, helping meet regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and data sovereignty considerations.
4. Robust Security Measures
Providers are required to implement strong technical and organizational security controls to protect PII from accidental loss, unauthorized modification, unlawful disclosure, or access. This ensures personal data remains secure throughout its lifecycle.
5. Data Breach Notifications
In case of a data breach, providers must promptly notify the data controller and maintain policies and procedures to detect, manage, and report incidents. This enables timely mitigation and reinforces transparency.
6. Secure Data Handling
At the end of a contractual relationship, cloud providers must return, transfer, or securely delete PII according to the instructions of the data controller. This ensures data is protected and responsibly managed even after service termination.
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 establishes clear, internationally recognized guidelines for privacy in cloud computing, offering a framework that strengthens data protection, enhances transparency, and builds long-term trust with customers. By adopting this standard, cloud providers demonstrate accountability, regulatory compliance, and a strong commitment to safeguarding personally identifiable information.
