ISO 27018 Certification

What is ISO/IEC 27018?

ISO/IEC 27018 is an internationally recognized standard that focuses on protecting personal data in the cloud. It is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 series and specifically provides guidelines for cloud service providers to handle Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in a secure and transparent way.

The standard builds upon the broader ISO/IEC 27001 framework and provides specific implementation guidance tailored to public cloud environments. With the increasing use of cloud services, ISO 27018 certification is a crucial step toward ensuring data privacy and compliance with global data protection laws.

Why ISO 27018 Certification Matters

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding customer data is a top priority. ISO 27018 certification demonstrates that your organization is committed to protecting PII stored or processed in the cloud. This is especially important for companies handling sensitive information such as healthcare data, financial records, or customer databases.

Key Benefits of ISO/IEC 27018 Certification:

  • Enhanced trust: Clients and stakeholders gain confidence in your data privacy practices.
  • Regulatory compliance: Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements like GDPR.
  • Competitive advantage: Stand out in the market with a globally recognized certification.
  • Improved cloud security: Strengthens internal controls and risk management for cloud-based systems.

Who Needs ISO 27018 Certification?

ISO 27018 is highly relevant for:

  • Cloud service providers (CSPs)
  • SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS companies
  • IT and data management firms
  • Healthcare, finance, and eCommerce sectors

Any organization that processes personal data in cloud environments can benefit from ISO 27018 certification, both in terms of legal protection and business growth.

Key Requirements of ISO/IEC 27018

To achieve ISO 27018 certification, an organization must:

  • Implement specific controls to protect PII in the cloud
  • Ensure transparency in data processing activities
  • Provide clear agreements with cloud customers about data handling
  • Enable mechanisms for data subject rights, such as access and deletion
  • Conduct regular audits and assessments

ISO 27018 also stresses the importance of:

  • Limiting access to PII only to authorized personnel
  • Encrypting and anonymizing data when possible
  • Not using PII for marketing or advertising purposes without consent

How Kingsman Consultancy Services (KCS) Helps You Get Certified

At Kingsman Consultancy Services (KCS), we specialize in helping businesses across various industries achieve ISO/IEC certifications, including ISO 27018. Our team of experienced consultants provides end-to-end support — from initial assessment to final certification.

Our ISO 27018 Certification Services Include:

  • Gap analysis: Evaluate your current systems and identify areas for improvement.
  • Policy development: Create and implement policies aligned with ISO/IEC 27018 requirements.
  • Staff training: Educate your team on best practices for handling personal data in the cloud.
  • Internal audits: Prepare your organization for the final certification audit.
  • Certification support: Guide you through the process until you successfully achieve ISO 27018 certification.

Our Process: Step-by-Step Guidance

KCS follows a structured and client-focused approach to help you obtain ISO 27018 certification:

  1. Initial Consultation: Understand your business needs and data privacy objectives.
  2. Gap Assessment: Review your current data handling practices and cloud infrastructure.
  3. Implementation: Deploy the necessary security and privacy controls.
  4. Training & Awareness: Ensure your staff are well-informed and compliant.
  5. Internal Audit: Validate your readiness for the external audit.
  6. Certification: Coordinate with certification bodies and support you through the audit.
  7. Ongoing Support: Provide post-certification services to maintain compliance.

Why Choose KCS for ISO 27018 Certification?

  • Proven expertise: We’ve helped numerous organizations achieve ISO/IEC certifications efficiently.
  • Tailored approach: We customize our solutions based on your business and industry.
  • Comprehensive support: From documentation to training, we’ve got everything covered.
  • Client satisfaction: We’re committed to delivering real value through compliance.

ISO/IEC 27018 vs ISO/IEC 27001: What’s the Difference?

While ISO/IEC 27001 is a broader Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard, ISO 27018 focuses specifically on protecting personal data in the cloud. It is designed as an add-on to ISO/IEC 27001, providing cloud-specific guidelines for data privacy.

Organizations often pursue ISO 27018 after implementing ISO 27001 to demonstrate a higher level of commitment to data protection.

Common Questions About ISO 27018 Certification

  1. Is ISO 27018 mandatory? No, but it is highly recommended for cloud service providers to demonstrate data privacy compliance.
  2. How long does it take to get certified? Depending on your current setup, it can take 3 to 6 months to complete the entire process.
  3. Can small businesses get ISO 27018 certified? Absolutely. The standard is scalable and suitable for organizations of all sizes.
  4. Do I need ISO 27001 before getting ISO 27018? Yes, ISO 27018 is based on ISO/IEC 27001. You must first implement ISO 27001 or do it alongside ISO 27018.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to strengthen your cloud data privacy and gain a competitive edge, Kingsman Consultancy Services (KCS) is here to help. Let us guide you through the ISO 27018 certification journey with expert advice, professional support, and a commitment to excellence.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward ISO/IEC 27018 certification.

Scroll to Top