What is ISO-IEC 27018:2017?

ISO-IEC 27018:2017, also known as the Code of Practice for Protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in Public Clouds Acting as PII Processors, is an internationally recognized standard that provides guidelines and best practices for managing privacy risks related to cloud computing.

Protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

PII refers to any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as their name, address, phone number, or social security number. With the increasing adoption of cloud computing services, it becomes crucial to ensure that PII is adequately protected when stored or processed by cloud service providers.

ISO-IEC 27018:2017 serves as a tool to help organizations implement effective controls and measures to safeguard PII in the cloud environment. It provides specific guidelines for public cloud service providers acting as PII processors, addressing areas such as consent, data retention, access controls, and incident response.

The Benefits of ISO-IEC 27018:2017

By adhering to ISO-IEC 27018:2017, cloud service providers can gain several advantages. Firstly, compliance with this standard demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer privacy and helps build trust with clients. It assures customers that their PII will be handled securely and in accordance with recognized best practices.

Secondly, ISO-IEC 27018:2017 promotes transparency, as it requires cloud service providers to provide clear information regarding the types of personal data they collect, the purposes for which it is processed, and how long it will be retained. This transparency enables customers to make informed decisions about the use of cloud services.

Lastly, ISO-IEC 27018:2017 facilitates compliance with relevant data protection regulations, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By implementing the recommended controls and measures outlined in this standard, cloud service providers can align their processes with legal requirements and avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.

Conclusion

ISO-IEC 27018:2017 is a valuable resource for cloud service providers seeking to protect PII and ensure privacy in their operations. By following its guidelines and implementing the recommended controls, organizations can enhance customer trust, promote transparency, and achieve compliance with data protection regulations.