In today’s digital age, information privacy has become crucial to establish trust between organizations and their stakeholders. In this regard, the ISO/IEC 27701 standard stands out as a globally recognized framework that protects personal data systematically and reliably. Particularly, organizations dealing with data, such as software companies, need to possess a privacy information management system to comply with regulatory requirements and maintain the integrity of operations.
What is ISO/IEC 27701?
ISO 27701 can be considered an extension of the internationally recognized ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 standards, offering a structured framework to develop a privacy information management system. This standard offers support for organizations so that they can effectively deal with privacy risks that relate to personal data. In doing so, it aligns with data protection regulations such as GDPR and national data privacy laws.
What are the Benefits of ISO 27701?
In addition to alignment with the regulations, implementing ISO 27701 also offers some operational advantages. Organizations that adopt this standard:
- Manage information privacy risks utilizing a structured framework,
- Processing personal data transparently,
- Comply with legal and regulatory necessities,
- Strengthen the trust of both stakeholders and customers,
- Reinforce the reputation of the company.
Which Organizations Should Obtain ISO 27701 Certification?
Any organization that involves data in its work processes, regardless of its size, should consider adopting the ISO 27701 standard, especially if information privacy is critical to its operations. Some of the sectors are:
- Banking and financial institutions
- Healthcare providers
- E-commerce platforms
- Telecommunications companies
- Educational institutions
- Software and technology firms
Furthermore, B2B service providers that act as data processors can benefit significantly from obtaining ISO/IEC 27701 certification, as it provides a clear differentiation in the marketplace and demonstrates a proactive approach to data privacy.
How to Obtain ISO 27701 Certification?
To be eligible for ISO 27701 certification, organizations must already have an infrastructure of an ISO 27001-compliant Information Security Management System (ISMS). The certification process generally includes the following steps:
- Going over existing systems by conducting a gap analysis,
- Developing policies and procedures regarding the privacy information management system,
- Implementing controls through internal audits,
- Realizing an external audit by an accredited and independent institution,
- Receiving the certification if the audit is completed successfully.
Getting support from an expert consultant during this process might be a good idea to get technical help and achieve compliance with legal obligations, resulting in a smoother and more effective implementation.
What is the Relationship Between ISO 27701 and ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 establishes a foundation of the information security management system for ISO/IEC 27701, which specifically covers information privacy. Implementing both standards at the same time allows organizations to protect information security and privacy thoroughly, which reduces the possible risks in the digital ecosystem.
With the increased presence in the digital landscape, the importance of managing sensitive information increases. As well as being a technical standard, ISO/IEC 27701 should be considered a strategic investment for organizations that aim to strengthen their trust in the eyes of the stakeholders, comply with regulations, and gain a competitive advantage in data-driven industries.
