GDPR and Information Security

How ISO 27001 helps you protect your information

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to take necessary technical and organisational measures to ensure a high level of information security according to Article 32: Security of processing data. Although examples of security measures and controls are cited, the GDPR does not provide detailed guidance on how to achieve this.

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security, and describes the best-practice requirements for implementing an information security management system (ISMS).

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What is an ISMS?

An ISMS (information security management system) is a system of processes, documents, technology and people that helps to protect all of your company’s information (not just personal data) through a centrally managed framework.

An ISMS needs to be supported by top leadership, incorporated into your organisation’s culture and strategy, and constantly monitored, updated and reviewed. Using a process of continual improvement, your organisation will be able to ensure that the ISMS adapts to changes – both in the environment and inside the organisation – to identify and reduce risks.

Implementing an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS will protect your organisation against all types of risks that can affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of your data in all its forms. 

 Find out more about the benefits of implementing an ISMS

How ISO 27001 will help you achieve compliance with the GDPR

ISO 27001 certification has been recognised by several European supervisory authorities for its capacity to provide evidence of intent and effort to comply with the GDPR.

An ISO 27001-compliant ISMS encompasses the three essential aspects of a comprehensive information security regime: people, processes and technology.

This approach will help protect your data from not only technology-based risks but also other , more common threats, such as poorly informed staff or ineffective procedures.

ISO 27001 Controls

ISO 27001 also sets out a recommended list of 114 controls (described in Annex A), set out in 14 different sections, that cover, among other things, supplier relationships, incident response management, physical security, cryptography, asset management, policies and human resources. In this way, your business is covered for any eventuality.

Risk assessment

Effective risk management should be at the heart of an ISMS. Likewise, the GDPR specifically requires a risk assessment to ensure an organisation has identified risks that can affect personal data.

Certification to ISO 27001

Cyber security and compliance are ongoing processes that must regularly be tested, maintained and updated. Failure to implement and maintain essential security practices can significantly reduce your organisation’s legal defensibility in the event of a data breach.

Obtaining independent certification to a recognised security standard such as ISO 27001 provides:

• An external, expert assessment of the efficacy of your organisation’s security posture; and
• Evidence that you have taken reasonable measures to mitigate data security risks.