ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 are vital frameworks for data security and privacy management. While ISO 27001 focuses on information security, ISO 27701 addresses privacy. Many businesses adopt both to meet modern data protection standards.
What Is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for building an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It helps organizations:
- Identify and manage data security risks.
- Implement security controls (technical, physical, procedural)
- Monitor and improve information security continuously.
It is suitable for any business, regardless of size or sector, especially those handling sensitive information.
What Is ISO 27701?
ISO 27701 extends ISO 27001 to include the Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It helps businesses:
- Protect personally identifiable information (PII)
- Comply with privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and PDPB.
- Set clear roles for controllers and processors.
ISO 27701 cannot function independently. It must be implemented on top of ISO 27001.
Key Similarities Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27701
- Built on a standard structure (Annex SL), making integration simple
- Promote risk-based thinking
- Support continual improvement through audits and reviews.
- Use ISO/IEC 27002 control sets as baseline guidance.
Both standards help protect sensitive data, but ISO 27701 takes it further by focusing on privacy rights.
Key Differences Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27701
| Feature | ISO 27001 | ISO 27701 |
| Core Purpose Information | Security Privacy and Data | Protection |
| Scope | Confidentiality, integrity, availability of data | Processing of personal data |
| Role Focus | Organization-wide | Data Controllers and Processors |
| Legal Alignment | Generic security practices | Aligns with GDPR, CCPA, PDPB |
| Certification Type | Standalone | Extension of ISO 27001 |
| Implementation Requirements | Can be implemented alone | Requires ISO 27001 foundation |
Why Should Organizations Get ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 Certified?
Client trust: Shows strong commitment to security and privacy
Regulatory compliance: Helps meet laws like GDPR and India’s PDPB
Competitive edge: Preferred by global clients and regulators
Risk reduction: Prevents data leaks, privacy breaches, and fines
Operational clarity: Defines roles and controls for secure data handling
Also Read : How to Get ISO 27001 Certification in Canada
How Prowise Systems Helps You Get ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 Certified
Prowise Systems is a trusted name in ISO compliance. Their approach is straightforward, structured, and tailored to your business needs. Here’s how they support:
For ISO 27001
- Gap assessment and planning
- Risk analysis and ISMS documentation
- Control implementation and employee training
- Internal audits and certification support
For ISO 27701
- Privacy risk mapping and impact assessments
- PII lifecycle design and documentation
- Mapping roles to GDPR/PDPB requirements
- PIMS implementation and training
End-to-end support through the certification audit
They respond quickly, explain every step, and ensure your team understands the standards — not just follows them.
Final Thoughts
ISO 27001 builds a secure foundation for managing information. ISO 27701 adds the essential layer of privacy protection. When combined, they help businesses stay compliant, reduce risks, and build customer trust. In today’s data-driven world, implementing both is not just smart — it’s necessary.Also Read : Choosing Between ISO 27001 and NIST 800-53: What You Need to Know
