ISO 27018 Certification: Understanding the ISO 27018 Standard for Cloud Privacy and Data Protection

In today’s world, cloud computing is already an important factor within the business world. Consequently, the security of personal statistics which can be stored within the cloud is one of the most essential problems. It is at this juncture that the ISO 27018 widespread becomes beneficial, offering the pointers for CSP’s to shield the privacy in their clients’ information.

Understanding ISO 27018

ISO 27018 is the international standard designed for preserving the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in public cloud computing. This standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization which extends the ISO 27001 in providing general Information Security Management. ISO 27018 standard is specifically developed for addressing the challenges of CSPs in protecting personal data.

Key Objectives of ISO 27018

• Improving the openness of HF operations concerning data management
• Safeguarding the data protection legal requirements
• Preventing invasion and hacking of the system
• Formulating a policy on when data should be retained and when it should be deleted
• Building trust between cloud service providers and their clients

INTERCERT: Your Partner in ISO 27018 Certification

In terms of certification, INTERCERT has been recognized as one of the most effective certification bodies in achieving ISO 27018. INTERCERT is a company experienced in ISO standards and provides assistance to organizations in their certification process. The current team of professionals has immense knowledge of the ISO standard 27018 and hence they can assist organizations implement and observe the requirements in the best manner.

The ISO 27018 Certification Process

INTERCERT’s approach to ISO 27018 Certification involves several key steps:

• Gap Analysis: INTERCERT starts with the evaluation of an organization’s status of implementing adequate Information Security Management measures as required in the ISO 27018 standard.
• Implementation Support: At INTERCERT, the specialists advise on the necessary controls and processes to meet the ISO 27018 requirements of IT assets.
• Documentation Review: INTERCERT provides support in terms of creation and assessment of the required documentation stated in the given standard.
• Internal Audits: That is why before the formal certification audit, INTERCERT assists the organization to conduct internal audits to define the existing shortcomings.
• Certification Audit: INTERCERT’S certified auditors then conduct an assessment to ensure that the company meets all requirements of ISO 27018.

Benefits of ISO 27018 Certification

• Enhanced Customer Trust: Certification also shows willingness to ensure that personal data of the clients is protected hence winning clients and stakeholders.
• Competitive Edge: ISO 27018 Certification makes an organization stand out from the competitors and can bring customers who value their privacy.
• Regulatory Compliance: They legally comply with the data protection laws while also conforming to the standard.
• Improved Risk Management: Applying ISO 27018 controls will assist in predicting security risks that might be in existence.
• Streamlined Processes: In the course of certification, procedures are refined which results into sound and optimal ways of handling the data.

Key Components of the ISO 27018 Standard

• Consent and Choice: The standard points at the need to get prior permission from the data subject on the processing of his or her personal information.
• Purpose Legitimacy and Specification: Companies and institutions must ensure that there is transparency of the objectives for which the personal data is gathered and processed.
• Collection Limitation: ISO 27018 has the principle of collecting personal information to the necessary minimum, therefore either no or minimal personal information is collected.
• Data Retention: It outlines what is acceptable data retention time period, and how to erase data properly.
• Disclosure and Use Limitation: It is strictly regulated to allow the personal data to be disclosed and used basing on the permitted levels that prohibit misuse of the data.
• Accuracy and Quality: Personal data under the management of organisations has to be accurate and of high quality concerning its accuracy at the time of data collection and also for the original or subsequent uses intended.
• Openness, Transparency, and Notice: But one of the most important requirements will be the transparency of information with the data subjects regarding the practices used in data handling.
• Individual Participation and Access: The standard guarantees that individuals should only be allowed the right to data that pertains to them and also gives them the right to edit what is contained in this data.
• Accountability: Compliance with this standard is only possible if the organizations insist on having an audit and assessment of the compliance level.

INTERCERT’s Expertise in ISO 27018 Implementation

The personnel of INTERCERT includes highly qualified specialists who are familiar with the provisions of ISO 27018 as well as with its implementation. The vendors are aware that no two organizations’ requirements are the same and will address each case differently. By leveraging INTERCERT’s expertise, organizations can:

• Effectively determine the weaknesses in the existing measures aimed at data protection
• It is essential to come up with strategies that can help in filling these gaps on an individual basis.
• Gain proper organizational controls that meet the requirements of the ISO 27018.
• Devise clear documentation which is audit capable
• Ensure that certification process is effectively managed without adverse impact on business operations

Challenges in Achieving ISO 27018 Certification

ISO 27018 certification offers numerous advantages, but it can be a tough process. Common obstacles include:

• Resource Constraints: The processes and controls that need to be put in place in order to achieve proper implementation can be costly on the organization.
• Technical Complexity: Cloud architectures are usually intricate and structures have to be well thought of.
• Continuous Compliance: One has to constantly ensure that he or she complies with the standard in question.

Conclusion

ISO 27018 Certification is one of the ways through which cloud service providers can ensure that data privacy is kept tight amidst the increasing incidents of cybersecurity breaches. Organizations that decide to use INTERCERT for acquiring the ISO 27018 Certification can effectively prove their responsibility towards clients’ personal data, competitive advantage over counterparts, as well as enhanced relations with customers.

The process of obtaining ISO 27018 Certification is not an easy one, but with the help of INTERCERT, this is just another achievable goal. With the further development of the internet and cloud technologies, those who adhere to the approaches of data protection, for instance, by following the essential standards of ISO 27018, will have a competitive advantage in the future.