In the realm of data protection, ISO 27701 emerges as an essential extension of the well-known ISO 27001. Specifically designed to safeguard the privacy of personal information, this standard is closely intertwined with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In an environment where electronic invoices and other sensitive documents proliferate on the network, ISO 27701 stands as a beacon guiding companies in the protection of confidential data. Its approach offers a robust framework for avoiding risks, complying with regulations, and promoting secure practices. In this digital context, its application strengthens the trust of partners and clients, and at easyap, we are committed to this and to data protection. Join us and we’ll tell you more.
What is ISO 27701?
Let’s start by defining what ISO 27701 is. Likewise, it is a fundamental extension of the renowned ISO 27001 standard, but is specifically designed to address the privacy aspects of personal information. In fact, it stands out because it is closely linked to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Regarding what ISO 27701 contains, it could be said that it establishes requirements and guidelines for implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Privacy Management System (PIMS) in any company. In this regard, its main objective is to provide a solid framework for protecting personal data and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations worldwide.
From this position, ISO 27701 focuses on managing risks related to information privacy and promoting best practices in companies for the responsible handling of personal data. That is why its application helps companies strengthen stakeholder trust and demonstrate their commitment to data protection in an increasingly digitized and globalized environment.
What is the purpose of ISO 27701?
As we mentioned, the ISO 27701 standard derives from the ISO 27001 certificate. Likewise, it serves as a beacon guiding companies in their quest to establish and maintain a secure environment for information privacy they handle. Furthermore, it is useful for companies and businesses of any industry and type.
The fact is that the relationship between the ISO 27001 standard and the ISO 27701 certificate and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is fundamental. Understanding this standard helps to comprehend how it is jointly applied in the protection of information privacy, especially personal data.
1. It serves as a comprehensive compliance framework
Firstly, ISO 27701 is a personal information privacy management framework, based on ISO 27001, but specifically focused on GDPR privacy requirements. This framework provides a structure for organizations to effectively manage and protect personal data and comply with the principles and obligations established in the GDPR.
2. It aligns with GDPR principles
In turn, it helps organizations align their privacy management practices with the fundamental principles of the GDPR. We refer to principles such as consent, data minimization, integrity and confidentiality, and the responsibility of the data controller and processor.
3. It focuses on addressing risks
Like GDPR, ISO 27701 adopts a risk-based approach to personal information privacy protection.Therefore, companies must identify and assess the risks associated with the processing of personal data and adopt appropriate measures to mitigate them. This is how they ensure a good degree of security and data protection.
4. Adds additional GDPR requirements
Furthermore, complements the requirements established by the GDPR by providing specific and practical guidelines for implementing controls. These include the definition of roles and responsibilities, the adoption of appropriate technical and organizational measures, and the performance of periodic data protection impact assessments.
5. Accredits and demonstrates commitment
ISO 27701 offers a framework for organizations to obtain independent certification of their compliance with GDPR privacy requirements. This certification provides organizations with a tangible way to demonstrate their commitment to privacy protection and can help build trust among customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
In summary, ISO 27701 is a key instrument to help companies effectively comply with GDPR privacy requirements. In this scenario, it provides a comprehensive framework for data privacy management and, at the same time, reflects that companies duly comply with international data privacy standards.
Who grants the ISO 27001 certificate?
Another common question about the ISO 27701 certificate is who grants it. In this regard, we first emphasize that this certification is an extension of ISO 27001 focused on information privacy management. However, not all entities that grant ISO 27001 also issue this certificate.
However, it is currently granted by various organizations that issue both this and other digital certificates of different characteristics and uses. Some of the best-known are BSI Group (British Standards Institution), TÜV SÜD, DNV GL, Bureau Veritas, SGS or Intertek, among others.
Precisely, to analyze whether a company deserves the certification, these entities carry out exhaustive audits. In these, they evaluate compliance with the standard’s requirements. What is clear is that its granting provides certified organizations with a guarantee of excellence in information privacy management.
How is ISO 27701 applied?
At the same time, from a company’s perspective, many wonder how to apply it and follow its guidelines. Regarding this question, the first thing to consider is that the application of the ISO 27701 standard involves business owners and managers following a meticulous and systematic approach.
Specifically, and to help you with its application, at easyap we want to detail the fundamental steps your organization (and any other) should follow to effectively implement what the standard requires:
- Understand your business context. Before starting with the implementation, it is crucial that you understand your organization’s objectives, the environment in which you operate, and the needs and expectations you have regarding information privacy.
- Define the scope of the PIMS. You must also clearly establish the scope of your Information Privacy Management System (PIMS). Therefore, you must define the limits and applications of that system throughout your organization.
- Classify personal data and information assets. It is imperative that you identify all critical personal data and information assets that you handle. We refer to confidential data, information systems, intellectual property data, and any other data subject to privacy regulations.
- Evaluate the risks. You must analyze potential threats, vulnerabilities, and possible consequences of information privacy incidents. It’s the best way to determine the risks your organization is exposed to.
- Establish appropriate privacy controls.Based on the risk assessment, establish appropriate security controls and measures to mitigate those privacy risks. This will be the best way to reduce their impact, for which setting policies, procedures, technical controls, and measures is very useful.
- Monitor and measure the performance of the PIMS.Establish mechanisms to monitor and measure the performance of your PIMS. The objective will be to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous compliance with ISO 27701 requirements.
- Conduct regular internal audits. Finally, it is essential that you conduct sporadic internal audits. With these, you will evaluate the effectiveness of the PIMS and ensure that it is aligned with the standard’s requirements. Therefore, they will help you identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
In summary, the application of ISO 27701 requires a strong commitment from the entire organization and a deep understanding of processes and risks. But with these steps and a focus on continuous improvement, any company will strengthen its information privacy stance and protect personal data in accordance with regulations.
easyap and the ISO 27701 standard
At this point, we want to announce and highlight a recent event that makes us proud:at the end of last year 2023, easyap obtained the coveted ISO 27701 certification.Above all, we are pleased to announce it because with this accreditationwe position ourselves as one of the pioneering companies in the sector in achieving this milestone.
This certification represents our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of privacy andinformation security policiesand the protection of personal data. By obtaining ISO 27701 certification, we demonstrate our ability to manage and safeguard the privacy of our clients’ information. Likewise, our solutions provide peace of mind, in addition to efficiency and a range of other advantages.
This distinction not only reinforces easyap’s position as a leader in the field of business digitalization. It also underscores our continuous commitment to excellence and security in information management. With ISO 27701, we continue to advance towards a future where data protection is an absolute priority. Now all that remains is for you to contact us and get to know us yourself.
