Secure Cloud Operations with ISO/IEC 27017
The international guideline for information security in cloud environments
Cloud applications are indispensable in modern organizations. But who is responsible for securing your data in the cloud? And how do you know if your cloud provider has their security in order? These are crucial questions that concern more and more organizations — and rightly so.
ISO/IEC 27017 is the international guideline for information security in cloud environments. At uComply, we not only help you meet this standard, but above all help you gain control over cloud risks — in collaboration with your suppliers and your own organization.
What is ISO/IEC 27017?
ISO/IEC 27017 is a supplement to ISO/IEC 27001 and specifically focuses on cloud security. The standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is recognized worldwide as the standard for cloud security.
The standard contains additional controls and responsibilities for both cloud providers and cloud customers. This makes ISO 27017 unique: it addresses the shared responsibility inherent in cloud computing.
Key components of ISO 27017
Shared responsibility
Clear agreements on who is responsible for which security controls — cloud provider or customer.
Data location & encryption
Insight into where your data is stored and how it is encrypted and protected.
Cloud access management
Robust identity and access management for cloud environments, including multi-factor authentication and privilege management.
Contractual transparency
Contractual agreements and transparency between customer and provider on security levels and responsibilities.
Virtualization security
Specific controls for securing virtual machines, containers and multi-tenant environments.
Monitoring & logging
Continuous monitoring of cloud environments and structured logging for audit purposes.
At uComply, we translate these technical requirements into clear processes, contractual controls and practical methods that suit your organization.
Why is ISO 27017 important?
Migration to the cloud brings unique security challenges. Traditional security measures are not always sufficient for cloud environments. ISO 27017 specifically addresses these challenges:
- The shared responsibility model clarifies who is responsible for what — no more grey areas
- Enterprise customers increasingly ask for evidence of cloud-specific security alongside ISO 27001
- Regulations like NIS2 and GDPR set requirements for securing data in the cloud
- It prevents vendor lock-in by clearly documenting responsibilities and exit procedures
- A competitive advantage: more and more tenders and RFPs explicitly ask for ISO 27017
uComply approach: practical, goal-oriented and in control
Our approach is based on collaboration between IT, management and suppliers. We ensure that ISO 27017 does not become an extra document in a drawer, but a working part of your cloud strategy.
Cloud inventory
We map all your cloud services, suppliers and data flows. Where is your data? Who has access? What agreements exist?
Define responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities between you and your provider are clearly defined — from encryption to incident response.
Implement controls
Security controls are implemented that fit your situation — not over-engineered, but pragmatic and effective.
Awareness & training
Cloud security is not just an IT matter. We increase awareness across your entire organization.
Continuous monitoring
With uComply, you continuously monitor whether your cloud security remains in order — automatically and audit-ready.
What does ISO 27017 deliver?
Clarity on responsibilities
No more grey areas. You know exactly who is responsible for which aspect of cloud security.
Trust in cloud partners
Demonstrable control over your suppliers and their security measures gives confidence to your customers.
Strengthening your ISMS
ISO 27017 strengthens your existing ISO 27001 ISMS with cloud-specific controls — a logical next step.
Competitive advantage
More assurance for customers, partners and auditors. Distinguish yourself from competitors who only have ISO 27001.
ISO 27017 and ISO 27001: how do they relate?
ISO 27017 is not a replacement for ISO 27001, but a valuable supplement. Where ISO 27001 lays the foundation for your information security policy, ISO 27017 adds cloud-specific layers.
In uComply, you manage both standards in one integrated management system. Shared controls are automatically linked, so you don't have to do double work.
Who is ISO 27017 for?
Cloud Service Providers
- • SaaS companies
- • IaaS/PaaS providers
- • Managed Service Providers
- • Cloud hosting companies
Cloud Customers
- • Organizations with cloud-first strategy
- • Companies processing sensitive data in the cloud
- • Enterprise organizations with multiple cloud providers
- • Organizations in regulated sectors (healthcare, finance, government)
Together for secure cloud services
Do you want not just compliance, but real control over your cloud security?
uComply helps you with a pragmatic and effective implementation of ISO/IEC 27017.