Homomorphic Encryption and ISO 27001: Secure Computation for Compliance

Steel doors are not enough when the lock itself must work without opening. Homomorphic encryption makes this possible, and ISO 27001 sets the rules for doing it right. Together, they form a framework for secure computation that meets the strictest compliance demands.

Homomorphic encryption allows computations on encrypted data without decrypting it. This means sensitive information stays protected through every processing stage. ISO 27001, the global standard for information security management systems, demands rigorous controls for data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. By combining the two, you reduce attack surfaces and prove to auditors that encryption covers the full lifecycle of the data.

To align homomorphic encryption with ISO 27001, you map technical safeguards directly to the standard’s Annex A controls. Keys must be managed according to documented procedures. Access rights must be logged and monitored. Processing environments must isolate encrypted workloads. Network configurations must prevent unauthorized data transfer. Incident response plans must include encrypted data handling scenarios.

From a compliance perspective, homomorphic encryption strengthens your ability to pass ISO 27001 audits. It addresses clauses around handling sensitive data in use, not just at rest or in transit. Deploying it within the ISMS framework enforces discipline: defined cryptographic policies, regular risk assessments, and continuous improvement cycles.

Engineers implement libraries capable of partial, somewhat, or fully homomorphic operations depending on their performance and accuracy requirements. Managers integrate these into secure pipelines documented under ISO 27001’s operational controls. Testing ensures encrypted computations return correct outputs while audit logs prove compliance. Threat modeling considers side-channel vectors even when plaintext is never exposed.

The result is encrypted computation that meets ISO 27001’s standards without sacrificing functional output. It’s exacting work: encryption design, lifecycle policies, monitoring, and validation all must fit within a certified ISMS. Done well, it’s proof that privacy-focused engineering can thrive under global compliance rules.

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