ISO 27018
A Complete Guide to ISO 27018 - Protection of Personally Identifiable Information in the Public Cloud
Protect Personal Data in the Cloud with ISO 27018
ISO 27018 helps organisations handling personal data in the cloud prove they’re doing it properly, securely, and transparently.
At iso360, we guide you through ISO 27018 without overcomplicating it, so you can strengthen trust, meet client expectations, and stay ahead of regulation.
Talk to us about ISO 27018 certification:
- Trusted by growing UK and European businesses
- Deep expertise across ISO 27001 and cloud security standards
- Auditor-aligned approach with practical, real-world delivery
- No box-ticking or off-the-shelf templates
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What is ISO 27018?
ISO 27018 is an international standard which exists for the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in public cloud services.
More specifically, it provides a framework for cloud service providers (and those using cloud services) to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII).
If ISO 27001 sets the foundation for information security, ISO 27018 builds on it with clear guidance on how personal data should be handled in cloud environments.
Essentially, it shows your customers you take their data seriously.
What are the benefits of ISO 27018?
Cloud adoption has moved fast, and expectations around data privacy have moved faster.
ISO 27018 helps you:
- Build trust with clients handling sensitive personal data
- Demonstrate accountability and transparency
- Align with GDPR and wider data protection expectations
- Reduce the risk of breaches, misuse, or data exposure
- Stand out in competitive, compliance-driven markets`
Requirements for ISO 27018 - PII in Public Clouds
ISO 27018 focuses on how personal data is processed, stored, and managed in the cloud.
Key areas include:
- Clear roles and responsibilities for data controllers vs processors
- Transparency around how personal data is used
- Restrictions on data use for marketing or profiling
- Secure data deletion and return processes
- Breach notification procedures
- Strong access controls and encryption practices
It works alongside ISO 27001, so most of our clients implement it as an integrated project or an extension rather than starting from scratch.
HOW iso360 HELPS
We work alongside your team and set up something that works for your organisation.
Our approach is:
- Collaborative, not prescriptive
- Built around your existing systems and cloud setup
- Focused on real risk within your organisational context
- Aligned with how auditors actually assess compliance.
We translate ISO 27018 into practical, usable processes your team understands and sticks to.
Your roadmap to PII compliance
A typical ISO 27018 journey looks like this:
1. Discovery & gap analysis
Understand your current cloud environment and data handling practices
2. Scoping & planning
Define where ISO 27018 applies and what needs to change
3. Implementation
Introduce controls, policies, and processes aligned to the standard
4. Integration with ISO 27001
Ensure everything works together seamlessly
5. Audit preparation
Get you ready with evidence, clarity, and confidence
6. Certification support
Support you through the audit process and beyond
Who is ISO 27018 for?
ISO 27018 is particularly relevant for:
- Cloud service providers (SaaS, hosting, data platforms)
- Businesses storing or processing customer data in the cloud
- Organisations working with regulated or privacy-sensitive data
- Companies already ISO 27001 certified looking to strengthen privacy controls
Whatever stage you’re at when you embark on this process, we fit around how you work and give you the confidence to move forward.
Deliverables
Depending on your needs, we provide:
- ISO 27018 gap analysis and readiness assessment
- Policy and process development
- Data protection control frameworks tailored to cloud environments
- Evidence and documentation aligned to audit expectations
- Ongoing support and improvement planning
FAQs
What is ISO 27018?
ISO 27018 is a cloud security standard focused on protecting personal data (PII) in cloud environments.
Do I need ISO 27001 first?
Yes, ISO 27018 is typically implemented as an extension of ISO 27001.
Is ISO 27018 required for GDPR?
It’s not mandatory, but it strongly supports GDPR compliance and demonstrates best practice.
Who needs ISO 27018?
Any organisation handling personal data in the cloud, especially service providers and SaaS companies.
How long does it take to implement?
It depends on your starting point, but most organisations can layer it onto an existing ISO 27001 framework efficiently.
Related resources & frameworks
More insights On ISO 27018
Make cloud privacy a strength and differentiator
If you’re handling personal data in the cloud, ISO 27018 helps you prove you’re doing it right.
Show your customers and stakeholders how seriously you take cloud security by protecting PII in your organisation.