ISO 27701 Guides
Complete guides to ISO 27701 privacy certification, PIMS implementation, and GDPR alignment.
What is ISO 27701?
ISO 27701 is an international standard that extends ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 to address privacy information management. Officially titled "ISO/IEC 27701:2019," it provides a framework for implementing a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), helping organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting personal data in a systematic, auditable way.
Who Needs ISO 27701?
ISO 27701 certification is valuable for organizations that process personal data and want to demonstrate systematic privacy management. While not legally required in most jurisdictions, the certification increasingly appears in enterprise procurement requirements and helps organizations stand out in privacy-conscious markets.
ISO 27701 and ISO 27001: Understanding the Relationship
ISO 27701 is explicitly designed as an extension to ISO 27001, not a standalone standard. Understanding this relationship is essential for planning your certification journey and implementing an effective Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).
ISO 27701 PIMS Requirements
A Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) is the framework ISO 27701 uses to systematically manage the protection of personally identifiable information (PII). Understanding the PIMS requirements helps organizations implement effective privacy governance that extends their existing Information Security Management System (ISMS).
ISO 27701 PII Controller Requirements
When your organization determines the purposes and means of processing personal data, you act as a PII controller. ISO 27701 Annex A provides 31 specific controls that controllers must implement to protect the rights and interests of data subjects. These controls integrate with your PIMS requirements and map directly to GDPR obligations.
ISO 27701 PII Processor Requirements
When your organization processes personal data on behalf of another organization (the controller), you act as a PII processor. ISO 27701 Annex B provides 18 specific controls that processors must implement to ensure they handle data responsibly and in accordance with controller instructions. These requirements complement your PIMS and differ from controller requirements.
ISO 27701 and GDPR: Complete Mapping Guide
ISO 27701 was designed with GDPR requirements in mind, and Annex D of the standard provides an explicit mapping between ISO 27701 controls and GDPR articles. This alignment makes ISO 27701 certification valuable for demonstrating systematic GDPR compliance support.
ISO 27701 Certification Process
Achieving ISO 27701 certification involves extending your ISO 27001 certification to include privacy information management. Understanding the process helps you plan effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
ISO 27701 Certification Cost
Understanding the investment required for ISO 27701 certification helps you plan effectively and make informed decisions about your privacy compliance journey. Since ISO 27701 extends ISO 27001, costs are often considered together.
ISO 27701 Compliance Checklist
This checklist helps you assess your readiness for ISO 27701 certification and track progress during implementation. Use it alongside your ISO 27001 compliance checklist since ISO 27701 builds on that foundation.
ISO 27701 for Startups
Startups increasingly face privacy requirements from enterprise customers, investors, and regulators. This guide helps you evaluate whether ISO 27701 makes sense for your stage and how to approach certification efficiently if it does.
ISO 27701 vs SOC 2 Privacy: Choosing the Right Privacy Framework
Both ISO 27701 and SOC 2 with the Privacy Trust Services Criterion offer organizations a way to demonstrate privacy practices. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right approach for your market and customer requirements.
Maintaining ISO 27701 Certification
Achieving ISO 27701 certification is a significant milestone, but maintaining it requires ongoing commitment. This guide covers what's needed to keep your Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) effective and your certification current.
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