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ISO 27701

Privacy Information Management Systems

ISO 27701, also known as ISO/IEC 27701, is the global standard for Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS), also known as the PIM system. Developed by ISO, it helps organisations to better protect sensitive customer and employee data, reduce the risk of security breaches and provide accountability for safeguarding privacy.

Certification Europe

What is ISO 27701?

ISO 27701 is the world’s first international standard focusing on Privacy Information Management Systems. It provides a comprehensive framework for organisations, regardless of size or complexity, to establish, maintain and enhance their PIMS based on ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 guidelines. Prior certification to ISO/IEC 27001 is necessary.

By obtaining 27701 certification, organisations can:

  • Implement best practices for managing and safeguarding personal information.
  • Minimise the risk of data breaches or mishandling.
  • Develop practical solutions to address privacy requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR.
  • Foster a culture of privacy and data security.


ISO 27701 certification offers a reliable framework for Personal Information Management Systems to safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII), reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Cybersecurity privacy of data protection, businessman using laptop Secure encryption technology, security Internet access, security encryption of user private data, business confidentiality.

What are the benefits?

Enhanced security

Risk mitigation

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Compliance assurance

Data protection

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Competitive edge

Adoptability

Transparent processes

Enhanced-Reputation

Customer trust

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Improved reputation

Operational Efficiency

Efficient management

Employee-Engagement.svg

Employee awareness

Continuous improvement

Market Opportunities-2

Legal confidence

Key Requirements of ISO 27701

The ISO 27701 standard outlines a number of requirements that organisations must meet to demonstrate their commitment to Privacy Information Management Systems. These requirements include:

Privacy Risk Assessment: Identify and assess privacy risks associated with processing Personally Identifiable Information.

Privacy Policies and Procedures: Develop comprehensive privacy policies and procedures aligned with ISO/IEC 27001.

Roles and Responsibilities for Privacy: Define roles and responsibilities related to privacy within the organisation.

Personal Information Asset Management: Classify assets based on importance and sensitivity and implement controls to protect them.

Access Control for Privacy: Restrict access to personal information and the PIMS to authorised personnel only. 

Privacy Awareness Training: Train and raise awareness among employees regarding privacy and the protection of PII.

Privacy Incident Response: Develop a privacy incident response plan to handle incidents effectively.

Monitoring and Measurement of Privacy Controls: Gather data to measure the effectiveness of privacy controls and make improvements as necessary.

Implementing ISO 27701

Embarking on the journey to achieve ISO 27701 certification for your Privacy Information Management System requires concerted efforts across your organisation. You may wish to have a certification body conduct a Gap Analysis to review the readiness of your Privacy Information Management System before going through the certification assessments.

As well as a Gap Analysis, training courses are also a good way to ensure your teams are prepared and understand what ISO 27701 certification involves. Certification Europe provides ISO 27701 Introduction training courses to support you. These are led by experts in the field of Privacy Information Management Systems, which cater to diverse organisational requirements, encompassing implementation strategies, internal auditing techniques and continuous improvement practices.

To find out more, simply click the course title on the right or get in touch with our training team by completing this form.

Embarking on the journey to achieve ISO 27701 certification for your Privacy Information Management System requires concerted efforts across your organisation. You may wish to have a certification body conduct a Gap Analysis to review the readiness of your Privacy Information Management System before going through the certification assessments.

As well as a Gap Analysis, training courses are also a good way to ensure your teams are prepared and understand what ISO 27701 certification involves. Certification Europe provides ISO 27701 Introduction training courses to support you. These are led by experts in the field of Privacy Information Management Systems, which cater to diverse organisational requirements, encompassing implementation strategies, internal auditing techniques and continuous improvement practices.

To find out more, simply click the course title below or get in touch with our training team by completing this form.

Becoming Certified to ISO 27701

Stage One

The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to Stage 2.

1

Stage Two

The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

2

Recommendation for Certification

At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.

3

Certification Review & Decision

The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

4

Certification Achived

Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

5

Becoming Certified to ISO 27701

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ISO 27701 FAQs

We’re accredited by the INAB and meet rigorous international certification standards, delivering ISO expertise to audit and certify ISO standards.

Accreditation is the process by which a certification body is recognised to offer certification services. To become accredited, Certification Europe is required to implement a Quality Management System which is assessed by an Independent Authorised Body (Irish National Accreditation Board) to determine that it meets International Standards.

We’re audited annually to ensure our services meet the exact requirements of the relevant accreditation standards.

ISO 27701:2019 is the latest edition of the international standard. We assess and audit organisations in line with the most up-to-date ISO certification requirements.

ISO 27701 certification is suitable for any organisation, large or small, in any sector. The standard is especially relevant where the protection of personal information is critical, such as in the financial, health, public and IT sectors. The standard is also applicable to organisations that manage high volumes of data or information on behalf of other organisations, such as data centres and IT outsourcing companies.

Companies must be certified to ISO 27001 Information Security Management System first before adding the ISO 27701 Privacy Information Management standard. The information security management standard is valid for three years and is subject to mandatory audits to ensure compliance.

When you become certified in ISO 27701, you don’t receive a physical certificate – your ISO 27001 certificate is updated to reflect this.

ISO 27001 is the international standard used by organisations worldwide to manage information security. It was first created by the International Organization for Standardization.

ISO 27701 is valid for three years and is subject to mandatory audits to ensure compliance.

At the end of the three years, an organisation will be required to complete a reassessment audit to receive the standard for an additional three years.

Certification Europe provides both public and in-house ISO training for any organisation implementing or assessing the Privacy Information Management System. View our ISO 27701 training course here.

Would you like a quote for ISO Certification Services?

Our team are here to help! Click the button below to complete our enquiry form for “Certification Services” and our team will be in touch with a quote and further information!

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