ISO 27001 and GDPR - seven things we do differently

Seven things we do differently that could make GDPR and ISO 27001 more valuable and relevant for the future of your company and our society:

1. Enhanced Alignment between GDPR and ISO 27001: GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a comprehensive data protection regulation, while ISO 27001 is a standard for information security management. Ensuring a stronger alignment between GDPR and ISO 27001 requirements could help organizations effectively manage data protection risks and demonstrate compliance with both frameworks. For example, ISO 27001 could incorporate explicit requirements related to data protection principles, data subject rights, and data breach reporting, which are central to GDPR compliance.

2. Expansion of Risk Assessment Requirements: Risk assessment is a fundamental aspect of both GDPR and ISO 27001. Expanding the requirements related to risk assessment, including the identification, assessment, and treatment of risks associated with data processing and information security, could help organizations proactively manage risks in a rapidly changing threat landscape. This could include addressing risks related to emerging technologies, third-party vendors, and supply chain security, among others.

3. Focus on Cybersecurity with Emphasis on Cloud Security: Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and organizations need to be proactive in managing and mitigating these risks. Enhancing the requirements related to cybersecurity, such as risk assessments, incident response planning, and security awareness training, in ISO 27001 could help organizations better address the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber threats. Cloud computing has become ubiquitous in modern business operations, and organizations need to ensure that their cloud-based assets are adequately protected. Including requirements related to cloud security, such as risk assessments, vendor assessments, and cloud service level agreements (SLAs), in ISO 27001 could help organizations effectively manage the security risks associated with cloud computing and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and systems in the cloud.

4. Focus on Data Minimization and Privacy by Design: GDPR emphasizes the principles of data minimization and privacy by design, which involve collecting and processing only the minimum necessary personal data and integrating privacy into the design of systems and processes. ISO 27001 could incorporate requirements related to data minimization and privacy by design, including data classification, data retention, and data protection impact assessments, to align with GDPR's principles and promote privacy-conscious information security practices.

5. Strengthening of Incident Response and Breach Notification: GDPR requires organizations to have robust incident response and breach notification processes in place. ISO 27001 could enhance its requirements related to incident response planning, including incident detection, reporting, and response procedures, as well as breach notification requirements, to ensure organizations are well-prepared to respond to security incidents and meet the stringent breach notification deadlines mandated by GDPR.

6. Consideration of Global Data Transfers: GDPR imposes strict requirements on the transfer of personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). ISO 27001 could include provisions related to global data transfers, including the use of appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses or binding corporate rules, to ensure that organizations can effectively manage cross-border data transfers while complying with GDPR's requirements.

7. Consideration of Emerging Technologies: Emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, are transforming the business landscape and introducing new security risks. Incorporating provisions related to the security of emerging technologies, risk assessments, and mitigation measures in ISO 27001 could help organizations effectively manage the evolving risks associated with technological advancements and ensure the security of their information assets in the digital age.

It's important to note that any changes to GDPR or ISO 27001 would need to undergo a thorough review and consultation process involving stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, organizations, and legal experts, to ensure that they are practical, feasible, and aligned with relevant data protection and information security principles and best practices.