Overview of ISO 27701:2019 Certification
ISO 27701:2019 certification sets out criteria for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) that enables organizations to manage personal data and ensure privacy protection. It extends ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 by providing specific requirements and guidance for protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to data privacy, enhances trust with stakeholders, and helps meet regulatory requirements. Key principles include establishing a privacy policy, risk management, and implementing controls to protect personally identifiable information. Through systematic audits and management reviews, ISO 27701 ensures the ongoing conformity and effectiveness of the PIMS, fostering a culture of privacy and accountability within organizations globally.
Structure of the ISO 27701:2019 Standard
The ISO 27701:2019 standard is structured into several clauses that outline the requirements for a Privacy Information Management System. Here’s a brief overview of the structure by clause:
- Scope (Clause 1): Defines the scope of the standard, outlining what the standard covers and excludes.
- Normative References (Clause 2): Lists any referenced standards or documents essential for understanding and implementing ISO 27701.
- Terms and Definitions (Clause 3): Provides definitions of key terms used throughout the standard to ensure common understanding.
- General Requirements (Clause 4): Specifies the general requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a PIMS.
- PIMS-Specific Requirements Related to ISO/IEC 27001 (Clause 5): Extends the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001 to include management of personally identifiable information.
- PIMS-Specific Control Objectives and Controls Related to ISO/IEC 27002 (Clause 6): Extends the control objectives and controls of ISO/IEC 27002 with additional requirements and guidance for personally identifiable information protection.
- Additional ISO/IEC 27002 Guidelines for Personally Identifiable Information Controllers (Clause 7): Provides additional guidelines specifically for controllers of personally identifiable information.
- Additional ISO/IEC 27002 Guidelines for Personally Identifiable Information Processors (Clause 8): Provides additional guidelines specifically for processors of personally identifiable information.
Each clause contains specific requirements that organizations must meet to achieve ISO 27701:2019 certification. This structure helps ensure that the privacy management system is robust, effective, and aligned with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
Benefits of ISO 27701:2019 Certification
- Enhanced Trust and Confidence: By demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy protection, organizations can build and maintain trust with customers, partners, and regulatory bodies, fostering long-term relationships and enhancing reputation.
- Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: ISO 27701 certification helps organizations comply with international and national data protection laws, such as GDPR, reducing the risk of legal penalties and ensuring regulatory alignment.
- Improved Risk Management: Implementing ISO 27701 enables organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate privacy risks effectively, protecting sensitive data and minimizing the potential for data breaches and their associated impacts.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlining processes related to data privacy through ISO 27701 enhances operational efficiency, reducing redundancies, and ensuring that privacy controls are effectively integrated into daily operations.
- Market Differentiation: Achieving ISO 27701 certification provides a competitive advantage by demonstrating to stakeholders that the organization values and prioritizes data privacy, setting it apart from competitors who may not have such certification.
- Enhanced Organizational Reputation: Commitment to data privacy through ISO 27701 certification boosts an organization’s credibility and trustworthiness among customers, partners, and other stakeholders, leading to increased business opportunities and partnerships.
Eligibility Criteria for ISO 27701:2019 Certification
To achieve ISO 27701:2019 certification, an organization must meet several key criteria. These include having a documented Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), showing commitment from top management, focusing on data privacy, and implementing risk-based thinking. Additionally, the organization must commit to continual improvement, ensure the competence and training of personnel, maintain documented information, manage resources effectively, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key Points:
- Documented Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Management commitment and data privacy focus
- Risk-based thinking and continual improvement
- Competence, training, and legal compliance
Who Should Establish the Requirement for ISO 27701:2019 Certification?
The requirements for ISO 27701:2019 Certification should be established by any organization, regardless of its industry, seeking to implement a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) to demonstrate its ability to protect personal data and meet privacy regulations. ISO 27701 is applicable across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, retail, and government. By adopting ISO 27701 standards, these industries can achieve significant benefits such as enhanced data protection, regulatory compliance, and increased stakeholder trust. For instance, technology companies can safeguard user data, healthcare providers can protect patient information, financial institutions can ensure the privacy of client data, and government agencies can enhance citizen trust. Overall, ISO 27701 helps organizations build trust with consumers, drive continuous improvement, and achieve long-term success by effectively managing personal data and ensuring privacy.
Steps for Obtaining ISO 27701:2019 Certification
Obtaining ISO 27701:2019 certification involves several key requirements and steps:
- Establishing a PIMS: The organization needs to establish a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) that meets the requirements of ISO 27701:2019. This involves defining processes, procedures, and policies that ensure consistent protection of personal data.
- Documentation: Develop the necessary documentation for the PIMS, including a Privacy Policy, documented procedures, work instructions, and records required by the standard.
- Implementation: Implement the PIMS across the organization, ensuring that all relevant personnel are aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining privacy standards.
- Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the PIMS and identify areas for improvement.
- Management Review: Hold management reviews to evaluate the PIMS’s performance, suitability, adequacy, and opportunities for improvement.
- Pre-assessment (Optional): Some organizations choose to conduct a pre-assessment or gap analysis to identify any areas where the PIMS does not meet ISO 27701 requirements before proceeding to formal certification.
- Certification Audit: Engage an accredited certification body to conduct a certification audit. This audit will assess the organization’s PIMS against ISO 27701 requirements to determine compliance.
- Corrective Actions: Address any non-conformities identified during the certification audit and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of the certification audit and resolution of any non-conformities, the certification body will issue ISO 27701:2019 certification.
- Surveillance Audits: Maintain the PIMS and undergo periodic surveillance audits by the certification body to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27701 requirements.
By following these steps, organizations can achieve ISO 27701:2019 certification.
What are the Documents and Records an Organization Should Maintain for ISO 27701:2019 Certification?
Mandatory Documents:
- Scope of the Privacy Information Management System (Clause 4.3)
- Privacy Policy (Clause 5.2)
- Privacy Objectives (Clause 6.2)
- Criteria for Evaluation and Selection of Suppliers (Clause 8.4.1)
- Documented Information Required by the Standard (Clause 7.5.1)
Mandatory Records:
- Records of Monitoring and Measurement Equipment Calibration (Clause 7.1.5.1)
- Records of Training, Skills, Experience, and Qualifications (Clause 7.2)
- Product/Service Requirements Review Records (Clause 8.2.3.2)
- Records of Design and Development Outputs (Clause 8.3.5)
- Records of Design and Development Changes (Clause 8.3.6)
- Supplier Evaluation and Re-evaluation Records (Clause 8.4.1)
- Records of Control of Nonconforming Outputs (Clause 8.7.2)
- Results of Monitoring and Measurement of Product/Service (Clause 9.1.1)
- Internal Audit Program and Results (Clause 9.2)
- Management Review Minutes (Clause 9.3)
- Records of Corrective Actions (Clause 10.2)
Non-Mandatory Documents (Examples):
- Procedure for Control of Documented Information
- Procedure for Internal Audits
- Procedure for Control of Nonconforming Outputs
- Procedure for Corrective Actions
- Procedure for Preventive Actions
By maintaining these documents and records, organizations can ensure compliance with ISO 27701:2019 requirements and demonstrate their commitment to privacy management and data protection.
Why Choose Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. (GAPL)?
Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. stands out as a trusted partner for achieving ISO 27701:2019 certification due to the following reasons:
- Proven Expertise: With extensive experience in the certification industry, Guardian Assessment understands the specific needs of organizations aiming to enhance their privacy management practices.
- Objective Auditing: Provides thorough and impartial auditing services to ensure that each organization meets the stringent requirements of ISO 27701:2019.
- Global Recognition: As a trusted and accredited certification body recognized by the United Accreditation Foundation (UAF), Guardian Assessment offers globally accepted certification services that meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.
- Comprehensive Auditing: Conducts detailed assessments from the initial audit to final certification, helping organizations achieve and sustain ISO 27701:2019 certification.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizes client satisfaction by delivering responsive and professional services, ensuring a seamless and stress-free certification experience.
What is the certification process for ISO 27701:2019?
The certification process with Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. is straightforward and designed to be as smooth as possible:
- Stage 1 Audit: A preliminary audit to evaluate the preparedness of the organization for the certification process. This stage involves a review of the management system’s documentation and an assessment of the organization’s location and site-specific conditions.
- Stage 2 Audit: A more detailed and thorough audit to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the management system. This stage includes a review of the documentation and evidence to ensure compliance with ISO 27701:2019 requirements.
- Closure of Findings: Any non-conformities identified during the audits are addressed and corrected. The organization must implement corrective actions to close these findings to meet the certification criteria.
- Certification Decision: Upon successful closure of all findings and verification of compliance, Guardian Assessment awards the ISO 27701:2019 certification.
- Surveillance Audits: Regular audits conducted to ensure that the organization continues to meet the requirements of ISO 27701:2019. These audits help in maintaining the certification by ensuring ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
- Recertification Audits: Conducted at the end of the certification cycle to ensure that the organization remains compliant with ISO 27701:2019 standards and to renew the certification.
What is the Cost of ISO 27701:2019 certification?
The cost of ISO 27701:2019 certification can vary significantly based on several factors, making it crucial for a certification body to consider each organization’s unique needs. Expenses for certification are influenced by the size of the organization, its location, the complexity of its operations, processes, their inter-relevance, and the current state of implementation of the required standards. Typically, smaller organizations may incur lower costs, whereas larger organizations may face higher expenses. The primary factors that affect certification costs include the status of system implementation within the organization, audit duration, and registration fees, which are generally referred to as certification fees. GAPL provides a comprehensive quotation by considering all relevant factors. Client organizations need to submit detailed information using the specific form F-01, available for download on the official portal. For further inquiries, you are advised to contact us via email at guardianassessment@gmail.com or click on “Contact Us” on the portal to submit your inquiry.
Integration of ISO 27701:2019 with Other Standards
An integrated management system (IMS) combines all related components of a business into one system for easier management and operations. Information security, privacy, quality, environmental, safety, and various specialized management systems are often combined and managed as an IMS. An IMS integrates all of an organization’s systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling the organization to work as a single unit with unified objectives. ISO 27701:2019 can be integrated with standards such as:
- ISO 27001:2022 (ISMS) – Information Security Management System
- ISO 9001:2015 (QMS) – Quality Management System
- ISO 14001:2015 (EMS) – Environmental Management System
- ISO 45001:2018 (OHSMS) – Occupational Health and Safety Management System
- ISO 13485:2016 (MD-QMS) – Medical Devices Quality Management System
- ISO 22000:2018 (FSMS) – Food Safety Management System
- ISO 20000-1:2018 (IT-SMS) – Information Technology Services Management System
- ISO 41001:2018 (FMS) – Facility Management – Management System
- ISO 21001:2018 (EOMS) – Educational Organizations Management System
- ISO 37001:2016 (ABMS) – Anti Bribery Management System
- ISO 50001:2018 (EnMS) – Energy Management System
- ISO 55001:2014 (AMMS) – Asset Management System
How to apply for ISO 27701:2019 certification?
If you plan to pursue ISO 27701:2019 certification, request a quotation by providing your organization’s information in the application form. You can download the application form from our website’s Download section or submit your inquiry through the “Contact Us” button. Alternatively, you can send your inquiry via email to guardianassessment@gmail.com. Our team will provide you with guidance throughout the complete certification process.
FAQ on ISO 27701:2019
What exactly is ISO 27701:2019 and why should my organization care about it?
ISO 27701:2019 is a privacy extension to ISO 27001. It helps organizations manage and protect personal data more effectively. If your organization handles sensitive customer information, this certification can demonstrate your commitment to data privacy, potentially giving you a competitive edge.
How will ISO 27701:2019 certification benefit my business?
The certification can enhance trust with your customers and partners, help you comply with data protection regulations like General Data Protection Regulation, improve your risk management, and potentially open up new business opportunities.
Is my organization eligible for ISO 27701:2019 certification?
If your organization handles personal data and is committed to protecting it, you're likely eligible. The standard is designed for organizations of all sizes and across various industries.
How long does the certification process typically take?
The duration varies depending on your organization's size and current privacy practices. It generally involves a two-stage audit process, but the overall timeline can range from a week to 20 days.
What's involved in maintaining the certification?
After initial certification, you'll need to undergo periodic surveillance audits and a recertification audit every three years to maintain your certification.
How much does ISO 27701:2019 certification cost?
Costs vary based on factors like your organization's size, location, and complexity. It's best to request a personalized quote from a certification body for an accurate estimate.
Can we integrate ISO 27701:2019 with other management systems we already have in place?
Yes, ISO 27701:2019 is designed to integrate well with other management systems, particularly ISO 27001 for information security.
What kind of support can we expect during the certification process?
While certification bodies can't provide consulting services, they typically offer guidance on the certification process and can clarify requirements.
Are there any prerequisites for ISO 27701:2019 certification?
While not strictly required, having ISO 27001 certification in place can make the process smoother, as ISO 27701 builds upon ISO 27001.
How do we get started with ISO 27701:2019 certification?
Start by contacting a reputable certification body like Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. They can provide you with more information, a quote, and guide you through the initial steps of the process.