As organizations continue to migrate their most sensitive data to the cloud, the traditional boundaries of the internal network have vanished. Today, a company's security posture is inextricably linked to the security of its partners. At iExperts, we have found that many organizations rely solely on a standard ISO 27001 certification when vetting vendors. However, while ISO 27001 is a gold standard, it does not explicitly address the unique shared-responsibility model of the cloud. This is where ISO 27017 becomes a critical component of your Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) strategy.

Addressing the Cloud Control Gap

ISO 27017 acts as a specialized extension to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, providing additional security controls specifically designed for cloud service providers and cloud service customers. In a TPRM context, this standard allows you to look beyond general management and focus on the technical nuances of SaaS and PaaS environments. By auditing vendors against these cloud-specific controls, iExperts helps clients ensure that their partners are managing risks like data leakage across shared infrastructure and improper administrative access.

Key Deliverables in an ISO 27017 Audit

When our consultants perform a vendor assessment, we focus on specific deliverables that ISO 27017 clarifies. These are essential for a robust risk profile:

• Shared Responsibility Matrix
• Asset Removal Procedures
• Virtual Environment Isolation
• Data Alignment Disclosure

Integrating Standards into Vendor Workflows

Effective TPRM is not just about collecting certificates; it is about verifying the implementation of controls. Organizations should mandate that their high-risk vendors demonstrate compliance with the following cloud-specific domains:

• Identity and Access Management: Ensuring the provider uses multi-factor authentication for all administrative backend access to your data.
• Change Management: Verifying that the vendor communicates changes in cloud architecture that might impact your security posture.
• Incident Response Coordination: Establishing how the vendor will collaborate with your team in the event of a breach in their infrastructure.

"Vendor risk is no longer a peripheral concern; it is a core business risk. ISO 27017 provides the specific language and technical framework needed to hold cloud providers accountable for the security of the data we entrust to them."

Pro Tip

When reviewing a vendor's compliance documentation, look for the Statement of Applicability (SoA). A vendor may be ISO 27001 certified, but if they haven't included the ISO/IEC 27017 controls in their scope, they may be missing critical cloud-specific safeguards. iExperts can assist in performing a deep-dive gap analysis of these SoAs during your procurement process.

In conclusion, as the reliance on SaaS and PaaS grows, so must the sophistication of your audit processes. Utilizing ISO 27017 within your TPRM framework ensures that your organization stays ahead of cloud-native threats while maintaining compliance with international standards.