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Management System Certification

Personal Data in the Cloud (ISO/IEC 27018) Certification

Management system certification
A moment from a certification audit

What Is the Certificate?

ISO/IEC 27018 is an implementation guide for providers processing personal data in public cloud services. Its focus is the cloud provider in its role as a DATA PROCESSOR: it addresses matters such as not using data beyond customer instruction, disclosing sub-processors, notifying data breaches, and disclosing the country the data is located in.

Who Needs It?

  • Public cloud service providers hosting personal data
  • SaaS companies processing data on behalf of their customer
  • Service providers contracting in the capacity of data processor

Is It Mandatory?

Not mandatory; audited as an extension to ISO/IEC 27001 scope. Because it includes controls overlapping with the obligations GDPR and KVKK impose on a data processor, it provides supporting evidence for privacy compliance.

Scope of the Standard

  • Not processing personal data, and not using it for advertising, without customer instruction
  • Disclosing sub-processors and notifying changes
  • Disclosing to the customer the country and location where the data is processed
  • Notification and record-keeping obligations in the event of a data breach
  • Providing support for the exercise of data-subject rights
  • Deletion and return of personal data, and media destruction
  • Keeping access records and privacy-focused personnel obligations

Certification Process

  1. 1ApplicationThe organisation's field of activity, headcount, number of sites and scope boundaries are determined. The number of audit days is calculated from this information.
  2. 2Document Review (Stage 1)The management system documentation, scope definition, risk assessment and internal-audit/management-review records are examined; readiness for the on-site audit is assessed.
  3. 3Certification Audit (Stage 2)It is verified on site that the system is implemented and effective. Findings are classified as major/minor nonconformity or observation.
  4. 4Closing NonconformitiesThe organisation submits a root-cause analysis and corrective action plan. The certificate is not issued until major nonconformities are closed.
  5. 5Issuing the CertificateThe certificate is issued after review by an independent decision-maker. The audit team cannot make the certification decision.
  6. 6Surveillance AuditsA surveillance audit is carried out at least once a year during the certificate's validity. The first surveillance cannot exceed 12 months from the last day of Stage 2.
  7. 7RecertificationAt the end of three years, the entire system is re-audited; it must be completed before the certificate expires.

Period of Validity

Management system certificates are valid for three years. At least one surveillance audit is carried out per year during this period; the certificate is suspended if surveillance is not carried out. A recertification audit is completed at the end of the third year.

Required Documents

  • Trade registry record and operating licence
  • The organisation's organisation chart and headcount
  • The list of sites/branches within scope
  • The management system manual or process documentation
  • Internal audit and management review records
  • Legal permits, licences and operating documents, if any

Certification Cost

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

  • The headcount within scope (directly determines the number of audit days)
  • The number of sites and branches; whether multi-site sampling applies
  • The activity's risk level and process complexity
  • The number of standards to be certified — an integrated audit reduces the number of days
  • The three-year cycle: certification + two surveillance audits

Accreditation

Management system certification is carried out within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1. The certification body is accredited by an accreditation body party to the IAF multilateral recognition agreement (IAF MLA); This agreement establishes a chain of international recognition that ensures that a document issued in one country is accepted in other countries. EUROLAB has internationally recognized accreditation from IAF member accreditation bodies within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

Scope and authorisations

Related Certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISO/IEC 27018 and ISO/IEC 27701?

27018 is guidance focused only on the data-processor role in public cloud service. 27701 is a comprehensive privacy management system extension built on ISO/IEC 27001 that addresses both the data-controller and data-processor roles together.

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