What is ISO-IEC 27701:2017

ISO-IEC 27701:2017 is an international standard that provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a privacy information management system (PIMS). It is based on the framework of ISO 27001, which is a widely recognized standard for information security management systems.

The Scope of ISO-IEC 27701:2017

The standard focuses on the protection of personal information, considering both legal and regulatory requirements as well as the expectations of interested parties. It aims to help organizations effectively manage and protect individuals' privacy rights, ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations.

ISO-IEC 27701:2017 is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size or sector, that processes personal information. This includes data controllers, data processors, and other entities involved in the processing of personal data. The standard provides a comprehensive set of requirements and guidance for implementing privacy controls within an organization's PIMS.

The Key Requirements of ISO-IEC 27701:2017

The standard outlines several key requirements that organizations need to fulfill to achieve ISO-IEC 27701:2017 certification.

Firstly, organizations must establish a privacy policy that clearly defines their commitment to complying with applicable privacy laws and regulations. The policy should also outline how the organization plans to manage and protect personal information.

Secondly, organizations need to conduct regular privacy risk assessments to identify and evaluate potential risks to personal information. This involves assessing the likelihood and impact of data breaches, unauthorized access, and other privacy incidents.

Thirdly, organizations must implement appropriate privacy controls to mitigate identified risks. These controls may include encryption, access controls, data minimization, and privacy awareness training for employees.

Additionally, organizations need to establish processes for handling data subject requests, such as requests for access, rectification, or erasure of personal information. They should also have procedures in place for managing data breaches and notifying the relevant authorities and affected individuals promptly.

The Benefits of ISO-IEC 27701:2017

ISO-IEC 27701:2017 offers several benefits for organizations that implement it.

Firstly, it helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting individuals' privacy rights. By achieving certification, companies can instill trust in their customers and stakeholders, which is increasingly important in an era where data breaches and privacy violations are making headlines.

Secondly, ISO-IEC 27701:2017 provides a systematic approach to managing privacy risks and compliance requirements. It enables organizations to identify and address potential privacy issues proactively, reducing the likelihood of data breaches and regulatory penalties.

Thirdly, the standard promotes accountability and transparency in the processing of personal information. It emphasizes the importance of documenting policies, procedures, and records related to privacy management, ensuring that organizations can demonstrate compliance and respond effectively to audits and inspections.

In conclusion, ISO-IEC 27701:2017 is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to enhance their privacy management practices. By implementing this standard, organizations can improve their ability to protect personal information, comply with privacy laws, and maintain the trust and confidence of their customers and stakeholders.