Why Data Privacy is Crucial for the Success of SMEs?
DNV can help you enhance data privacy and cybersecurity, ensuring your business meets ISO standards while effectively managing risks.
In this edition of the 'Specialists Series,' Elena Bobkova, ICT Technical Manager at DNV, delves into the vital importance of cybersecurity and the role of ISO 27701 in safeguarding digital infrastructures
By Elena Bobkova, LLM, DNV’s ICT Technical Manager | ICT Senior Lead auditor ISO 27001: 2022, ISO 27701
In an era where personal data is constantly being collected, shared, and stored, data privacy has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), protecting customer and employee data is not just about compliance with regulations—it's a key factor in building trust and credibility. Failing to safeguard sensitive information can lead to costly breaches, legal penalties, and damaged reputations.
By prioritizing data privacy and information security, SMEs can enhance customer loyalty, reduce risks, and establish themselves as reliable, forward-thinking organizations, ensuring long-term success in a competitive market.
How ISO/IEC 27701 helps protect Data Privacy
Data privacy is a big deal today, especially with so much personal information being shared online. One way companies can keep this data safe is by following the ISO/IEC 27701 standard. This article will explain how ISO/IEC 27701 can help protect personal data and why it's important to take a systemic approach.
What is ISO/IEC 27701?
ISO/IEC 27701 is an international standard that builds on the existing ISO/IEC 27001 standard, which focuses on information security. ISO/IEC 27701 adds specific guidelines for managing personal data, helping companies create a privacy information management system (PIMS). In simple terms, it’s a set of rules that help companies protect personal information more effectively.
How does ISO/IEC 27701 protect Data Privacy?
- Creates a reliable system:
ISO/IEC 27701 helps companies set up a structured system for managing personal data. This system ensures that data is protected at every stage, from when it’s collected to when it’s no longer needed.
Example: Imagine a company that collects customer information through its website. ISO/IEC 27701 would guide them on how to securely store this data, who should have access to it, and how to properly delete it when it’s no longer needed. This helps prevent data from being mishandled or exposed.
- Reduces the risk of data leaks:
While it’s impossible to guarantee that a data breach will never happen, ISO/IEC 27701 helps minimize the risk. The standard requires companies to look at every part of their data management process and fix any weak spots and prioritize the high risk areas.
Example: If a company uses third-party vendors to handle its data, ISO/IEC 27701 would make sure the company carefully checks that these vendors also have strong data protection measures. This reduces the risk of a data leak due to a vendor’s mistake.
- Covers all areas:
- ISO/IEC 27701 encourages companies to take a systemic approach to data privacy. This means looking at the entire system rather than just focusing on one part. It starts with a risk assessment and involves better communication between different departments to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Example: A company might have strong data protection for its IT systems but may forget to train its employees on data privacy practices. ISO/IEC 27701 would guide the company to include regular training for everyone, making sure that all employees understand their role in keeping data safe.
Responsibility in case of data breaches
It’s important to remember that even though ISO/IEC 27701 helps build a strong system for protecting data, it doesn’t mean a company is off the hook if a data breach happens. The standard helps reduce the chances of a breach, but companies are still responsible if something goes wrong. By following ISO/IEC 27701, companies are better prepared to prevent data breaches and handle them effectively if they do occur.
DNV Training – It’s all about you!
Are you struggling to get your SME off the ground? We can help you! Our Information Security and IT service management training focus on enhancing management systems knowledge, while fostering a growth and innovation mindset for business success.
Our trainings are available in both public and private modalities. Check out the Cyber Security Awareness Training we offer: https://www.dnv.us/training/cyber-security-awareness-training-246003/
10/2/2024 5:41:00 PM