ISO 27001 Annex A 5.23 Information Security For Use Of Cloud Services | The Lead Auditor Podcast

Description:
*In this episode: Lead Auditor Stuart Barker and team do a deep dive into the ISO 27001 Annex A 5.23 Information Security For Use Of Cloud Services. The podcast explores what it is, why it is important and the path to compliance.

✅ *The Ultimate ISO 27001 Toolkit* - https://hightable.io/iso-27001-toolkit-pricing/

The auditor-approved toolkit for guaranteed ISO 27001 compliance.

Read the full article: ISO 27001 Annex A 5.23 Information Security For Use Of Cloud Services Ultimate Guide - https://hightable.io/iso-27001-annex-a-5-23-information-security-for-use-of-cloud-services/

*Understanding Control A.5.23*

This sets the stage for today’s topic. We are looking at a specific ISO 27001 control. It is called A.5.23: Information security for use of cloud services.

This control is mandatory. You cannot skip it. It requires you to set up a clear process for the whole lifecycle. This includes how you buy, use, manage, and exit cloud services. You need to force structure onto a chaotic situation. You cannot just hope your provider does the right thing. You must prove you are watching them.

*The Contract Problem*

Here is the tricky part. Logic says we should treat a cloud service like any other supplier. You need to manage risk just like you would with a hardware partner.

But there is a catch. When you sign up with giants like AWS, Azure, or Google, you cannot negotiate. You cannot change their terms. It is a "take it or leave it" deal.

The standard knows this. It knows you have no leverage. It lists things that should be in a contract, but it knows you probably won't get them. So, does this make compliance pointless? No. It just shifts the work. Since you can't change their contract, you must change your internal process. You stop trying to negotiate and start managing the risk you accepted.

*Your Practical Checklist*

So, how do you prove you are in control? You need a solid foundation.

Create a Policy: Start with a Cloud Security Policy. This sets the rules for using the cloud.

Make a List: You need a central list, or "register," of your cloud suppliers. This tracks what services you use and what data they hold.

Check Security: You need proof that your suppliers are safe. Look for their security certificates. Make sure the certificate covers the actual service you are using.

Monitor Them: You cannot just file a certificate and walk away. You must watch them. Have a plan for when things go wrong.

*What the Auditor Wants*

When an auditor walks in, what do they look for?

Agreements: They check that your contracts are current and cover the right services. No gaps allowed.

The Register: They want to see that your list of suppliers is up to date.

Discipline: They check your paperwork. Is it labeled right? Are the version numbers correct? Did you review it in the last year? If your policy is old, you might fail.

*Top Three Mistakes*

Here are the most common ways people fail this control:

No Proof of Monitoring: It is not enough to say you watch your suppliers. You need proof. Keep reports or meeting minutes.

Weak Assurance: Don't just trust a brand name or a logo. Read their certificate. Does it cover the specific app you are using? If not, you have a gap.

Sloppy Paperwork: This is a silent killer. If your version numbers don't match or you leave "insert name here" in a template, it looks bad. It shows a lack of control.

*The Faster Way to Fix It*

Building all this from scratch takes a lot of time. If you write every policy and register yourself, it could take one to three months. That is a lot of lost work time.

But you don't have to do it the hard way. The documentation is the biggest hurdle. With the right tools, you can do this in less than one day.

This is where the High Table ISO 27001 Toolkit comes in. It is not just a folder of files. It is a framework built by Stuart Barker, a lead auditor with 30 years of experience. He knows exactly what auditors want.

The toolkit gives you the templates you need right now:

The Cloud Security Policy.

The Cloud Supplier Register.

This lets you skip the writing and get straight to the real work: managing your risk.

*Final Thoughts*

Control A.5.23 is non-negotiable. You cannot change the cloud provider's contract, so you must master your own process. Your security is proven by how well you document and watch the risks you take.

So, ask yourself: Do you want to spend months writing policies? Or do you want to focus on protecting your data?

If you want to save time and reduce friction, check out the auditor-verified framework at High Table. It is the shortcut you need to pass your audit.

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