ISO 27017 Explained: Cloud Security Controls, Scope & Certification Guide

ISO 27017 is a cloud-specific security standard that provides practical guidance for securing information in cloud environments. Cloud adoption is at an all-time high—with about 94% of organizations now leveraging cloud services, the need for structured cloud security has become critical.

In 2025, 61% of organizations reported at least one cloud-related security incident, highlighting gaps tied to shared responsibility, multi-tenancy, and data isolation. 

In this blog, we will explore how ISO 27017 addresses these risks through clear, cloud-focused controls that help organizations enhance their security posture and build trust with customers.

What is an ISO 27017 certification?

ISO/IEC 27017 is a cloud-specific security standard designed to help organizations implement stronger controls for data protection in cloud environments. It expands on ISO 27001 and builds directly on the control framework defined in ISO 27002, using it as the foundational guideline for selecting, applying, and governing security controls.

Where ISO 27001 defines the management system and ISO 27002 provides security control guidance, ISO 27017 applies those principles to real-world cloud scenarios such as multi-tenant infrastructure, shared responsibility, virtual machines, and cloud-based data access.

When an organization is ISO 27017 certified, it demonstrates that it has:

• Applied the ISO 27002 control framework to cloud-specific threats
• Implemented robust safeguards for storing, processing, and accessing cloud-hosted data
• Established a clear shared-responsibility model between cloud provider and customer
• Defined policies for identity management, encryption, logging, monitoring, and data lifecycle management in the cloud
• Proven its adherence through external audit and ongoing compliance

What is the scope of ISO/IEC 27017?

The scope of ISO/IEC 27017 focuses on strengthening information security for cloud services. It defines how both cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud customers should apply security controls to protect data in cloud environments. Because it builds on ISO 27002, it uses the same control categories but with additional cloud-specific guidance.

ISO 27017 covers areas such as:

• Roles and responsibilities in the cloud: Clarifies the shared-responsibility model between provider and customer—who manages what security tasks.
• Protection of cloud-stored data: Controls for confidentiality, integrity, encryption, data residency, and backup.
• Cloud access and identity management: Policies for authentication, authorization, privileged access, and segregating customer accounts in multi-tenant environments.
• Cloud service monitoring and logging: Requirements for logging events, tracking access, and maintaining audit trails.
• Virtualized and multi-tenant infrastructure security: Safeguards for virtual machines, containers, shared storage, and logical separation between customers.
• Cloud service lifecycle management: Includes onboarding, secure provisioning, configuration, and secure deletion of customer data upon contract termination.
• Compliance and governance for cloud operations: Ensures cloud services follow consistent and auditable controls derived from ISO 27002.

Also check: How to Get ISO 27001 For Startups (Free Guide)

ISO 27017 vs ISO 27001: Key differences

Since both ISO 27017 and 27001 standards are often mentioned together, it’s helpful to understand how they differ. ISO 27001 defines the overall security management system, while ISO 27017 adds cloud-specific controls on top of that framework. Here’s how they compare:

Key Aspects	ISO/IEC 27017	ISO/IEC 27001
Purpose and scope	It is an extension of ISO 27001 that deals with cloud security. The code of practice provides guidelines for cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud customers.	It’s a comprehensive ISMS standard that helps organizations establish, implement, maintain, and improve their ISMS.
Applicability	It is primarily applicable to CSPs and cloud customers.	It can be applied to any organization irrespective of size, industry, or nature.
Controls	It includes 7 unique cloud security controls as well as 37 additional controls mentioned in ISO 27002.	It contains 114 controls divided into 14 domains.

List of ISO 27017 unique controls

ISO/IEC 27017 introduces seven additional controls specific to cloud security, supplementing the ISO 27001 Annex A controls. These are:

1. CLD.6.3.1: Shared roles and responsibilities within a cloud computing environment–Defines security responsibilities between Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and the customer.
2. CLD.8.1.5: Removal of cloud service customer assets–Ensures secure removal of customer assets from cloud systems.
3. CLD.9.5.1: Segregation in virtual computing environments–Requires isolation of customer data in virtualized cloud environments.
4. CLD.9.5.2: Virtual machine hardening–Mandates secure configuration of virtual machines to reduce vulnerabilities.
5. CLD.12.1.5: Administrator’s operational security–Specifies security practices for administrative operations in cloud systems.
6. CLD.12.4.5: Monitoring of cloud services–Requires monitoring and logging of cloud activities for security oversight.
7. CLD.15.1.3: Alignment of security management for virtual and physical networks–Ensures consistent security across virtual and physical cloud infrastructure.

Who needs to implement ISO/IEC 27017?

ISO/IEC 27017 is relevant for any organization that provides or uses cloud services and needs to ensure secure handling of data in cloud environments. Because it directly addresses cloud-specific security risks, it’s most beneficial for:

• Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)
• SaaS Companies
• Organizations outsourcing data hosting to the cloud
• Enterprises dealing with sensitive or regulated data
• Companies undergoing security audits or vendor assessments
• Businesses aiming for ISO 27001 certification with cloud focus

How ISO 27017 Certification Actually Works

Unlike traditional management standards, ISO 27017 functions as a code of practice rather than a standalone certification framework. Companies cannot obtain a separate ISO 27017 certificate through independent auditing processes.

Instead, organizations can incorporate ISO 27017’s cloud-specific controls into their existing ISO 27001 certification process.

7 Steps to Get ISO 27017 Certified

Now that the role of ISO 27017 is clear, here are the steps that organizations follow to get ISO 27017 certification, starting with ISO 27001 and extending it with cloud-focused safeguards from ISO 27017:

1. Determine your current state and conduct risk assessment

Conduct a thorough study of your current cloud security policies. An honest assessment of applicable cloud and security controls can help companies determine where their measures are falling short and what needs to be addressed. 

At this point, it’s important to note, in detail, all the risks that could effect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability and ownership of assets and system and determine the impact and likelihood of these risks. Thorough risk management also helps the company determine the controls within ISO/IEC 27002 that fall within the scope of the exercise. 

2. Form a team and assign responsibilities

Responsibilities are a crucial part of getting ISO certified. Create a team of security and control specialists that can help you choose the right ISO 27002 controls that are relevant to your organization and carry out the unique control requirements. Clearly define a timeline and an action plan for implementation.

3. Implement new controls 

Implement controls and security guidelines outlined in this framework. This is an ongoing effort that takes a significant bulk of time. ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are typically deployed together, there may be a number of controls that are already implemented. The unique controls, however need to be rolled out from scratch.

4. Conduct staff training

Once controls are implemented, it’s important to educate your employees of effective management. Ensure your internal teams receive sufficient awareness and role-oriented training and updates so they can carry out their duties efficiently. Areas such as data handling, incident reporting, etc. need to be given special attention since they can impact both certifications. 

5. Document your processes

ISO 27017, like any security framework is heavy on documentation. Create SOPs and take special care to document your business processes and controls along the way. These will not only function as evidence but also as guidelines for repeat certifications. 

6. Conduct an internal audit in tandem with ISO 27001

As mentioned earlier, the ISO 27017 certification happens in tandem with ISO 27001. Therefore, it’s important to conduct a thorough internal audit that assesses both ISMS implementation as well as controls relevant to cloud services. An effective internal audit undergoes three stages of review—documentation, field review (which generates an internal audit assessment report), as well as a management review. The findings from the assessment report need to be implemented and tested before considering a formal external audit. 

7. Undergo an external audit

The first course of action is to notify the auditor of the scope of assessment to include the criteria of ISO/IEC 27017 in addition to ISO 27001. The external certification audit typically happens in two stages. The first stage entails auditing evidence of implementation and sufficiency. The auditor will also thoroughly review documentation of processes, SOPs, and practices in place as well as the systems that fall within the scope of the ISMS. The auditor then presents an assessment report of the findings which the company is required to act on.  

The second phase of the audit takes place within six months of phase one. The auditor evaluates the ISMS on a sample basis to determine if the company’s ISMS is operating within ISO standards. The audit will finally assess the corrective and preventive actions the company has taken mentioned in phase one. They then present a list of observations that highlights major and minor non-conformities as well as opportunities for improvement. Major concerns will have to be addressed, and the evidence will need to be shared with the auditor.  

Compliance is not a one-time thing. Companies are expected to monitoring their ISMS, conduct regular surveillance audits, and keep their systems updated regularly. 

Benefits of ISO 27017

ISO 27017 as a framework is designed specifically to help companies that operate largely on the cloud and focus on providing their customers with secure cloud services. The following are a few benefits of implementing the framework:

1. Standardized cloud security

ISO 27017 is a well-thought-out framework focused on reducing cloud-related risks and ensuring a standardized implementation of cloud-based security measures.

2. Complements ISMS implementation

ISO 27017 is deployed in tandem with other frameworks within the series. So implementing ISO 27017 ensures that the cloud element of operations complements the organization’s ISMS.

3. Brings together service providers and customers

ISO 27017 is explicit in the way it defines security roles and responsibilities for customers as well as service providers to ensure a high standard of protection. 

4. Sustained approach to strategy

Implementing ISO 27017 ensures a long-term approach to data security strategy. The standards helps organizations stand out from the competition and enable sustained development. 

Reduced reputational risk

Companies that are ISO 27017 certified are able to greatly mitigate the risk related to data breaches. They are also able to enable better transparency of their cloud operations and build customer trust and strong business relationships. 

Challenges of implementing ISO/IEC 27017

As with every framework, implementing ISO 27017 can have some challenges. The following are some of the most common challenges companies may face while doing so:

1. Changing landscape

The nature of cloud computing is constantly changing. And so, sufficiently interpreting requirements and keeping up to date with the latest threat landscape. 

2. Service provider inconsistency

ISO 27017 heavily hinges on how effectively cloud service providers implement controls and requirements. Customers may face risk exposure if cloud service providers do not consistently apply the standard.

3. Increased complexity

Since this framework does not have an independent certification, companies will want to deploy it along with complementary standards. But implementing this standard and integrating it with other standards is not straightforward. 

What standards can ISO 27017 be integrated with? 

ISO 27017 doesn’t operate in isolation, it’s designed to work alongside and enhance existing standards such as:

ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)

ISO 27017 extends ISO 27001’s foundational management framework by adding cloud-specific controls. While ISO 27001 provides policies, risk assessment, and governance structures, ISO 27017 addresses the unique challenges of shared responsibility in cloud environments.

ISO/IEC 27002 – Code of Practice for Information Security Controls

Building on ISO 27002’s implementation guidance, ISO 27017 tailors traditional security controls specifically for cloud service providers and customers, ensuring established best practices remain effective in cloud computing scenarios.

Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) – Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM)

ISO 27017 aligns closely with CSA’s Cloud Controls Matrix, enabling organizations to map controls between frameworks. This compatibility helps meet diverse customer and regulatory expectations while maintaining consistent cloud security implementations.

NIST Frameworks

ISO 27017 complements NIST SP 800-53 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework through significant control overlap. Organizations can implement harmonized approaches that satisfy multiple compliance requirements simultaneously.

GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation

Though GDPR is a legal regulation, ISO 27017 supports compliance by addressing data protection in cloud environments, clarifying processor/controller roles, and providing technical measures required under Article 32’s security of processing provisions.

Get ISO 27017 certified with Sprinto

Achieving ISO 27017 doesn’t have to be complicated. Sprinto helps you implement cloud-specific controls, map them to your cloud stack, and maintain continuous compliance with minimal manual work. The platform automates evidence collection, monitors your cloud environments in real time, and flags gaps early so you stay audit-ready.

With Sprinto AI, teams get intelligent recommendations on cloud controls, automated risk insights, faster documentation prep, and AI-assisted workflows that remove guesswork from the certification process. Combined with guided checklists and pre-mapped cloud controls, Sprinto provides a faster, more reliable, and scalable way to achieve ISO 27017 certification with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions