A Comprehensive Guide to ISO 27701

Privacy is a fundamental human right, which companies need to respect by protecting the personal data of their employees, customers and other stakeholders from unauthorised access. This is where standards, such as ISO 27701 Privacy Information Security System (PIMS), assume a crucial role. This standard offers a global approach that incorporates privacy protection within information security measures.

WHAT DOES ISO 27701 DO?

Introduced in 2019, ISO 27701 is an international framework that ensures organisations comply with global privacy laws, including GDPR and statutory data privacy requirements. It not only enhances data and privacy protection but also fosters positive relationships with stakeholders. Implementing a Privacy Information Management System, a key prerequisite for adhering to ISO 27701, enables organisations to handle private data and personally identifiable information (PII) fairly, responsibly and effectively.

ISO 27701 specifically addresses Privacy Information Management, focusing on safeguarding critical data and proper processing, storage, utilisation, and disposal of personally identifiable information. PII encompasses various data points, such as names, contact details, birthdays, and IP addresses, which, when combined, can reveal significant details about an individual.

Adherence to data privacy laws is crucial, depending on the geographical locations where companies operate. Implementing a robust PIMS and attaining ISO 27701 certification not only fortifies an organisation’s protection of sensitive data but also ensures compliance with global laws and statutory requirements.

WHY WAS ISO 27701 DEVELOPED?

ISO 27701 emerged as a necessary standard complement to ISO 27001, which primarily focuses on data security and information management systems. This new standard specifically addresses the critical protection of private and personal data within companies.

As businesses increasingly store data on cloud platforms, robust privacy controls are essential to prevent sensitive personal data from falling into the wrong hands. This is further underscored by various laws passed by governments, the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union, for example.

ISO 27701 sets forth parameters for successfully implementing a privacy information management system. By doing so, it fosters trust among stakeholders and employees regarding the handling of personal information. This clarity in roles and responsibilities streamlines operations, reduces complexity, and enhances integration, ultimately promoting overall effectiveness.

HOW IS ISO 27701 DIFFERENT FROM ISO 27001?

ISO 27701 is an extension of ISO 27001, focusing specifically on data privacy. ISO 27001 guides an organisation's Information Security Management System (ISMS), ensuring secure data storage, transmission and data logical access. ISO 27701, goes further and establishes guidelines for the collection, storage, usage, and protection of private data and personally identifiable information (PII) through the implementation of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).

Before the introduction of ISO 27701 in 2019, companies relied on self-assessment for GDPR compliance, often leading to uncertainty. However, ISO 27701 provides a solid framework for data privacy, bolstering organisations’ confidence in GDPR compliance.

Despite their distinct objectives, ISO 27701 and ISO 27001 complement each other, aligning well in scope, purpose, and legal requirements. To obtain ISO 27701 certification, a company must already be ISO 27001 certified or pursue both simultaneously. The seamless integration of ISO 27701 with ISO 27001 streamlines the audit and assessment process.

While ISO 27701 focuses on privacy and ISO 27001 on security, these standards work in tandem to ensure the utmost data security and privacy protection within organisations.

TÜV SÜD's ISO 27701 certification services provide the best option to organisations aiming to obtain an ISO 27701 certification. Our Awareness Training, Implementer Training, and Internal Auditor Training train an organisation’s employees about the needs and requirements of a PIMS, helps in its implementation and even train personnel on the process of conducting internal audits.