What is ISO 55018:2016?

ISO 55018:2016 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the processes, management systems, and controls for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud computing environments. It focuses on specifying requirements and means to ensure the security and privacy of PII processed by cloud service providers. This article will explore the key aspects of ISO 55018:2016 and its significance in the context of cloud computing.

The Scope of ISO 55018:2016

The standard applies to any organization acting as a cloud service provider and processing PII on behalf of their customers. It covers various aspects such as PII collection, storage, access control, confidentiality, integrity, availability, and incident management. ISO 55018:2016 provides a set of guidelines that cloud service providers can follow to establish and maintain effective PII protection measures.

Key Principles of ISO 55018:2016

ISO 55018:2016 is built upon several key principles that aim to ensure the protection of PII in cloud computing environments:

Consent and purpose limitation: Cloud service providers must obtain the consent of individuals before collecting and processing their PII. The purpose of PII collection must be clearly defined and communicated.

Transparency and accountability: Cloud service providers must be transparent about their data processing practices and be accountable for complying with relevant privacy laws and regulations.

Information security: ISO 55018:2016 emphasizes the implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect PII against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Individual participation and rights: Cloud service providers must respect the rights of individuals regarding access, rectification, erasure, and restriction of their PII. Adequate mechanisms should be in place to facilitate these rights.

Benefits of ISO 55018:2016 Compliance

Complying with ISO 55018:2016 brings several benefits to cloud service providers:

Enhanced customer trust: ISO 55018:2016 demonstrates an organization's commitment to protecting customer's privacy, thereby enhancing trust in their services.

Improved security posture: Following ISO 55018:2016 guidelines helps organizations establish robust security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to PII.

Regulatory compliance: ISO 55018:2016 aligns with many privacy laws and regulations worldwide, making it easier for cloud service providers to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.

Competitive advantage: ISO 55018:2016 certification can provide a competitive edge by differentiating a cloud service provider as one that prioritizes data protection.