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In an increasingly competitive digital market, customers’ expectations are rising, as they can choose from many providers of cloud services. Attacks on personal data are relevant in an interconnected world where our data are easily exposed (social networks, banks, data we give to public administrations and others). Cybercrime is becoming more and more common as digital transformation has led companies to handle large volumes of data. For this reason, having one or more certifications and technical references is crucial. Firstly, because it creates trust and gives peace of mind to customers, who value the security offered by this type of security certification and, secondly, because it is an important competitive advantage that raises the reputation and recognition of the service provider.

In this way, certifications are important because they represent an entity’s accreditation and diligence in implementing and monitoring measures, controls and processes and therefore provide guarantees to the customers and users to whom they provide services.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (« ISO ») is an independent non-governmental organisation and is also the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards. The International Electrotechnical Commission (« IEC ») is the world’s leading organisation for the preparation and publication of international standards on electricity, electronics and related technologies. The ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards describes hundreds of controls and control mechanisms to help organisations of all types and sizes protect information.

Some of the relevant certification schemes are:

  • ISO 27001: Information Security management system-Requirements
  • ISO 27002: International Organization for Standardization 27002
  • ISO/IEC 27017 is an information security standard that provides additional guidance for implementing ISO 27002 information security controls within a cloud computing environment.
  • ISO/IEC 27018: 2014 : Code of practice for protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in public clouds acting as PII processors of 2014 on a code of practice for the protection of personally identifiable information (« PII ») in public clouds acting as processors.
  • Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe (« CISPE ») is an association for cloud service providers based in Europe that published the first European code of conduct for GDPR compliance.
  • HDS (Hébergeurs de données de santé) certification for the storage of health data
  • The professional « Cloud computing certificate »: To complete the technical standards, there are professional certifications that qualify the employees of cloud providers. The professional will be qualified through assessments of their knowledge of security measures in the cloud. Training your employees is the cornerstone of success, to ensure the proper functioning of your services and the correct application of security measures, it is important that professionals are certified.

 

The advantages of ISO 27001 certification:

Implementing an ISMS with the aim of obtaining ISO 27001 certification offers many advantages, not only for the development of the business per se, but also internally, since:

(a) It increases credibility in the market. ISO 27001 certification gives a competitive advantage and enhances your reputation. Your customers trust you and are loyal to you. This is also an argument in your favour with potential customers.

(b) It implies a reduction in security costs. Certification allows you to identify the right ISMS to implement and eliminate any unnecessary security measures, while avoiding financial losses and penalties associated with information security breaches.

(c) Facilitates international trade with certification recognised across national borders.

(d) Gain in security through the identification of threats in the information system and improved practices to secure the data available to users or customers. The implementation of an effective internal management system reduces risks and mobilises your trained staff to meet the requirements of the standard.

(e) Comply with risk management and security regulations (including GDPR).

(f) Organisations that go through the accredited certification route have their ISMS audited by an accredited certification body, ensuring that they have adequate processes and management systems in place and that they meet the requirements specified by ISO/IEC 27001.

 

Sources:

https://www.tuvsud.com/en/services/auditing-and-system-certification/iso-iec-27017-security-control-for-cloud-services

https://certification.afnor.org/numerique/certification-iso-27001

https://www.cnil.fr/fr/la-cnil-approuve-le-premier-code-de-conduite-europeen-dedie-aux-fournisseurs-de-services

https://esante.gouv.fr/labels-certifications/hds/certification-des-hebergeurs-de-donnees-de-sante