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Download ISO 27001 Cloud Computing Policy Template
Agility shouldn't come at the cost of security. This guide provides a plug-and-play Cloud Computing Policy template aligned with ISO 27001:2022 to help you manage third-party risks and protect data in the cloud.
Why Use This Template? (The Purpose)
Cloud security is often a "shared responsibility," but without a policy, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks.
- Annex A 5.23 Compliance: Specifically addresses the ISO 27001:2022 requirement for managing information security in cloud services.
- Vendor Accountability: Provides a framework for evaluating providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or specialized SaaS) before you hand over your data.
- Operational Continuity: Mandates an "Exit Strategy," ensuring you aren't "locked in" if a provider changes their terms or goes out of business.
- Risk Visibility: Forces a proactive look at data residency and jurisdictional laws before deployment.
How to Use the Cloud Computing Policy Template
- Define Your Service Models: In Section 2, list specific examples of the SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS your company currently uses. This makes the policy feel "real" to your employees.
- Assign Ownership: Who performs the "Risk Assessment" mentioned in Section 4? Usually, it's the IT or Security lead. Name that role explicitly.
- Set Encryption Standards: In Section 6, don't just say "encrypt." Specify the standard (e.g., AES-256 for data at rest, TLS 1.3 for data in transit) to match your technical requirements.
- The Exit Strategy: This is the most overlooked part. Ensure your team has a documented process for how you would pull your data out of a cloud service if the relationship ends.
- Review Annually: The cloud moves fast. New features (like AI integrations in SaaS) should trigger a review of this policy to ensure your "Key Principles" still hold up.