What is EN ISO 27278:2011?

The Background

EN ISO 27278:2011 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and requirements for managing information security in the cloud computing environment. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

In recent years, cloud computing has gained significant popularity due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, along with its benefits, cloud computing also brings various security challenges. EN ISO 27278:2011 aims to address these challenges and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in the cloud.

The Key Principles

The standard outlines several key principles that organizations should follow when implementing cloud-based information security management:

Risk Management: Organizations should identify and assess potential risks associated with cloud computing, and implement appropriate security controls and countermeasures.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Organizations must comply with relevant laws, regulations, and contractual requirements related to their use of cloud services.

Security Governance: There should be a clear governance framework in place, establishing roles, responsibilities, and accountability for information security management in the cloud.

Asset Management: Organizations should have an inventory of cloud-based assets and implement appropriate protection measures based on their classification.

Access Control: Access to cloud resources and data should be restricted to authorized individuals, and strong authentication mechanisms should be employed.

Cryptographic Controls: Encryption and other cryptographic mechanisms should be used to protect sensitive information stored in the cloud.

The Benefits

Complying with EN ISO 27278:2011 offers several benefits to organizations:

Increased Security: By implementing the recommended controls and practices, organizations can enhance the security of their cloud-based systems and data.

Regulatory Compliance: Complying with the standard helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements regarding the protection of sensitive information.

Customer Trust: Adhering to EN ISO 27278:2011 demonstrates an organization's commitment to protecting customer data, enhancing trust among clients and partners.

Efficient Risk Management: The standard provides a systematic approach to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with cloud computing, allowing organizations to make informed decisions.