What is ISO 27701 – Privacy Information Management?
ISO 27701 is an international standard that defines requirements for managing information privacy and protecting personal data. It builds on ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and provides guidelines for implementing a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). ISO 27701 helps organizations conduct ongoing risk analysis and reduce risks related to the collection, maintenance, and processing of personal data, while also ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory privacy requirements. The standard demonstrates to customers, external stakeholders, and internal stakeholders that effective systems are in place to support compliance with GDPR and other privacy-related laws.
Main Benefits of ISO 27701 Certification
- Protection of Personal Data: Helps implement best practices for protecting personal data, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access or misuse.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Aids in aligning with global privacy laws and regulations, such as the EU’s GDPR or California’s CCPA.
- Increased Trust Among Clients and Partners: Demonstrates commitment and seriousness in data security, improving credibility with clients and business partners.
- Risk Control: Enhances management of legal and financial risks associated with data misuse and privacy breaches.
- Competitive Advantage: Certified organizations are recognized as leaders in privacy and security, viewed as trustworthy by stakeholders.
Benefits of Obtaining ISO 27701 Certification
- Global Applicability: Enables the organization to align its operations across various regions and legal frameworks. Certificates issued by Intercert are globally recognized.
- Proactive Data Management: Effective personal data management means ongoing control and updates of processes, leading to better long-term data protection.
- Organizational Privacy Awareness: Implementation increases awareness within the organization about the importance of data privacy.
- Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Shows the organization’s commitment to the highest standards of security, ethics, and respect for customer and employee privacy.
- Improved Internal Processes: Enhances internal data protection processes, resulting in greater operational efficiency and timely identification of potential threats.
How to Obtain ISO 27701 Certification?
- Training and Readiness: Familiarize yourself with the ISO 27701 requirements and begin by analyzing current data protection practices and their alignment with the standard.
- Implementation: Apply policies and procedures for personal data protection in compliance with ISO 27701 and GDPR.
- Pre-Certification Audit: Conduct an internal audit and readiness assessment.
- Select a Certification Body: Choose a certification body.
- Official Audit: The certification body conducts an external audit.
- Certification: If requirements are met, ISO 27701 certification is granted.
Which Industries Implement ISO 27701?
- Technology Industry: Companies managing large volumes of personal data.
- Healthcare: Hospitals and health institutions dealing with personal health data and digital health monitoring applications.
- Financial Institutions: Banks, insurance companies, and financial firms handling sensitive data.
- Retail and E-commerce: Companies processing customer or user personal data.
- Professional and Consulting Services, including HR
- Government and Public Institutions: Educational institutions, EdTech applications, government agencies, media companies.
- Logistics: Transport and logistics companies.
How Long Is the ISO 27701 Certificate Valid?
The ISO 27701 certificate is valid for three years. However, annual surveillance audits are required to ensure ongoing compliance. After three years, a recertification process is conducted.
How to Implement ISO 27701?
- Plan: Create an implementation plan for ISO 27701.
- Form a Team: Appoint responsible personnel for implementation.
- Assess Current Practices: Review and compare current data protection practices with standard requirements.
- Define Policies and Procedures: Establish a documented ISO 27701 system.
- Training: Train employees on ISO 27701 requirements.
- Implement Controls and Processes: Integrate new policies and procedures into daily operations.
- Measurement and Monitoring: Set mechanisms for performance monitoring and evaluation.
- Pre-Audit: Conduct an internal audit to check compliance.
- Certification: Engage in the certification audit process with the chosen body.
