Why Investing in ISO 27001 is a Vital Step for Protecting Personal Data and Avoiding Costly Penalties.
As technology continues to advance, companies have more access to sensitive data than ever before. Personal information such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers are collected and stored by organisations on a daily basis.
With the increasing threat of cybercrime and data breaches, companies must prioritise information security to avoid costly penalties and reputational damage. One of the most effective ways to protect sensitive data is by implementing an information security management system (ISMS) that conforms to ISO 27001.
What is ISO 27001 and GDPR?
ISO 27001 is an international standard that outlines best practices for an ISMS. This standard provides a framework for organisations to manage and protect their sensitive information. It sets out requirements for risk assessment, risk treatment, and continual improvement of the ISMS. By implementing ISO 27001, companies can improve their information security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union (EU) regulation that came into effect on May 25th, 2018. The GDPR outlines the requirements for protecting personal data of EU citizens.
It applies to all companies that process personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company is located. The GDPR outlines the rights of individuals, such as the right to access, the right to erasure, and the right to data portability. Companies that fail to comply with the GDPR can face significant fines and penalties.
How You Can Benefit from ISO 27001 Certification When Considering GDPR
Complying with GDPR requires companies to implement technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. ISO 27001 provides a framework for implementing these measures. Implementing an ISMS that conforms to ISO 27001 can help companies comply with GDPR by addressing the technical and organisational requirements outlined in the regulation.
ISO 27001 covers a wide range of security controls that are applicable to GDPR. For example, ISO 27001 requires companies to implement access controls, encryption, and monitoring of information systems.
These controls help protect personal data from unauthorised access, disclosure, or destruction. ISO 27001 also requires companies to implement processes for incident management, business continuity, and disaster recovery. These processes help companies respond to data breaches and minimise the impact on individuals.
Complying with GDPR requires companies to implement data protection impact assessments (DPIAs). DPIAs are a process for identifying and mitigating risks associated with the processing of personal data.
DPIAs are mandatory in certain situations, such as when processing involves high risks to the rights and freedoms of individuals. Implementing ISO 27001 can help companies conduct DPIAs by providing a framework for identifying and assessing risks associated with information security.
Why Complying with ISO 27001 is Important for Organisations Which Handle Personal Data
ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that an organisation has implemented an effective ISMS. It provides assurance to customers, partners, and regulators that the organisation takes information security seriously. ISO 27001 certification can also provide a competitive advantage by demonstrating that the organisation has met internationally recognised standards for information security.
Complying with ISO 27001 can also help companies avoid the financial and reputational damage associated with data breaches. A data breach can result in loss of customer trust, damage to the organisation's reputation, and legal liabilities.
By implementing ISO 27001, companies can reduce the risk of data breaches and demonstrate due diligence in protecting personal data.
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