6 Reasons Why ISO 27701 is Important for an Organization

Amit Kumar

SEO Specialist

In today's data-driven world, safeguarding personal information (PII) is no longer just a good practice; it's a necessity. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, organizations are under immense pressure to demonstrate a robust commitment to data privacy.

What is ISO 27701?

ISO 27701 is an international standard that outlines a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It's essentially an extension of ISO 27001, the globally recognized standard for information security management. While ISO 27001 focuses on the overall security of an organization's information assets, ISO 27701 specifically addresses the protection of personal data.

Why an Organization Must Get an ISO 27701 Certificate?

An organization must get the ISO 27701 certificate. On receiving it, certain rules and regulations can be implemented, which paves the way for better data security.

1. A Strong Commitment to Data Privacy:

Obtaining ISO 27701 certification demonstrates a clear and unwavering commitment to data privacy. It paves the way for the business to yield with international and domestic privacy laws like CCPA and GDPR.

2. Increased Data Security:

By implementing the controls outlined in ISO 27701, organizations can significantly enhance their data security posture. This includes measures such as:

Data Inventory and Classification: Identifying and classifying all PII within the organization.
Data Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
Data Encryption: Encrypting data while it is stored and while it is being transmitted to safeguard it from unauthorized access.
Incident Response Planning: Developing and testing robust incident response plans to minimize the impact of data breaches.

3. Reduced Legal and Financial Risks:

Non-compliance with data protection regulations can result in severe legal and financial consequences, including hefty fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. ISO 27701 helps organizations mitigate these risks by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as GDPR, CCPA, and others.

4. A Shield Against Cyberattacks:

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. ISO 27701 provides a framework for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. By implementing the necessary security controls, organizations can better protect themselves against data breaches and other cyber threats.

5. Enhanced Brand Reputation:

In today's digital age, consumers are increasingly concerned about data privacy. Demonstrating a strong commitment to data protection can enhance an organization's brand reputation and build trust with customers.

6. Competitive Advantage:

In an increasingly competitive market, organizations that prioritize data privacy can gain a significant competitive advantage. By differentiating themselves as trustworthy and responsible data handlers, they can attract and retain customers, build stronger relationships with partners, and gain a competitive edge.

Steps to Get ISO 27701 Certificate

Obtaining ISO 27701 certification involves a multi-step process which starts before visiting ISO Official Website:

1. Gap Analysis:

A thorough assessment to identify the gaps between your existing data protection practices and the requirements of the ISO 27701 standard.

2. Development & Implementation of a PIMS:

Develop and document data protection policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Implement necessary security controls to protect PII.
Educate employees on data privacy policies & procedures.

3. Internal Audits:

Conduct regular internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness of your PIMS and identify areas for improvement.

4. Management Review:

Top management conducts periodic reviews to assess the overall performance of the PIMS and make strategic decisions regarding data protection.

5. Certification Audit:

An independent certification body conducts a thorough audit to verify your organization's compliance with the ISO 27701 standard.

6. Annual Maintaining:

Maintaining certification requires ongoing effort, including regular internal audits, participation in surveillance audits by the certification body, and continuous improvement of your PIMS.

Who Should Consider ISO 27701 Certification?

Organizations that process personal data.
Organizations subject to data protection regulations.
Organizations aiming to improve their data security practices.
Organizations that prioritize customer trust and data integrity.

What is the Cost of Getting an ISO 27701 Certificate?

The cost of ISO 27701 certification ranges somewhere around CHF 132 (Swiss franc). It varies depending on several factors, including:

Size and complexity of the organization.
Scope of the certification (e.g., number of locations, departments, and data processing activities).
Existing level of data protection maturity.
Fees charged by the certification body.
Internal resources required for implementation and maintenance.

Conclusion

In today's data-driven world, ISO 27701 certification is more than just a compliance requirement; it's a strategic investment in an organization's long-term success. By demonstrating a strong commitment to data privacy and implementing robust data protection measures, organizations can build trust with customers, mitigate risks, and gain a competitive advantage.

At Rasonix, we've been on the ISO journey ourselves. We're certified to ISO 27701, 27001, and 9001, so we know firsthand the dedication and commitment required to build and maintain a robust management system. These certifications are not just pieces of paper to us; they reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

As an ISO Certified Company, we deeply consider the quality management service. We understand that a strong management system is the foundation for any successful organization. Our certificate reflects our dedication towards quality standards, unwavering commitment to customer service, and data privacy. Partner with Rasonix and begin your journey towards excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27701?

ISO 27001 is a general standard for information security management, while ISO 27701 specifically addresses the protection of personal data.

Who can issue ISO 27701 certification?

ISO 27701 certification can only be issued by accredited certification bodies.

How does ISO 27701 align with GDPR and other regulations?

ISO 27701 provides a framework for complying with various data protection regulations, including GDPR, CCPA, and others.

What is the cost of ISO 27701 certification?

The cost of ISO 27701 certification varies depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the scope of the certification, and the fees charged by the certification body.

How to download the ISO 27701 Certificate?

ISO 27701 certificates are not typically available for download. They are issued by the certification body to the certified organization.

What are the Audit Checklist for ISO 27701?

Certification bodies use audit checklists to assess an organization's compliance with the ISO 27701 standard. These checklists are typically proprietary and not publicly available.