What is ISO 27701 and how does it differ from ISO 27001?
ISO 27701 is an international standard created to manage and secure the privacy of personal data. Developed as an extension of ISO 27001, this system serves as a guide for organizations aiming to comply with legal regulations such as the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While ISO 27001 primarily defines an information security management system aimed at protecting all information assets of an organization, ISO 27701 adds specific requirements related to the processing and protection of personal data. This distinction is particularly critical for organizations acting as data processors and data controllers. With ISO 27701, both technical controls and procedural requirements are systematically integrated.
Definition
ISO 27701 is an internationally recognized management system standard covering security and privacy controls related to the processing of personal data.
How to document personal data processing management?
Documenting personal data processing activities not only fulfills legal obligations but also provides significant advantages in terms of transparency, accountability, and organizational reliability. The ISO 27701 standard offers a detailed framework for how these activities should be documented. The documentation process includes recording details such as which data is collected, for what purposes it is processed, how long it is retained, and with whom it is shared.
Effective document management requires creating a personal data inventory, detailing data processing activities, and integrating these with the organization’s information security policies. This documentation ensures transparency during internal and official audits. Additionally, it facilitates employee awareness of data processing procedures. Document structures should be regularly updated and revised according to evolving legal requirements.
Compliance with KVKK/GDPR through ISO 27701
ISO 27701 provides a powerful tool for organizations to comply with personal data protection laws such as KVKK and GDPR. This standard establishes a systematic framework for the principles organizations acting as data processors and controllers must follow. Principles such as transparency, data minimization, limited retention periods, and access controls become operational with ISO 27701.
Both the KVKK regulations in Turkey and the GDPR in Europe emphasize protecting data subject rights. ISO 27701 defines how these rights are to be implemented, recorded, and managed sustainably. Thus, companies not only comply with regulations but also prevent potential administrative sanctions. The standard offers detailed guidance on explicit consent management, information obligations, and third-party data sharing controls.
Certification of Legal Compliance
KVKK and GDPR requirements are implemented through systematic controls.
Management of Data Subject Rights
Requests for data access, deletion applications, and consent withdrawals are recorded.
Risk-based approach to data security
ISO 27701 adopts a risk-based approach rather than classic lists of controls to ensure information security. This method allows each organization to take flexible measures according to its unique threat environment. Instead of a one-size-fits-all security protocol, different measures are determined based on the activity area, technology infrastructure, employee profile, and data volume. This prevents unnecessary resource consumption while providing effective protection.
The risk-based approach includes identifying threats, scoring these risks based on their likelihood and impact, and then developing control measures to mitigate them. Risks such as data leakage, unauthorized access, and non-consensual processing are prioritized. For each risk, monitoring, assessment, and improvement cycles are actively maintained. This structure not only ensures security but also keeps the system constantly up-to-date.
Note
Risk-based management ensures that data security measures are measurable, auditable, and continuously improvable.
ISO 27701 certification steps
The ISO 27701 certification process is conducted to demonstrate that an organization's personal data management and privacy practices are systematically secured. The steps taken in this process include not only technical requirements but also critical organizational and legal compliance stages. Organizations should view this process not only as a way to obtain a certificate but also as a tool to maintain data privacy sustainably.
The first step involves reviewing the conformity of the existing information security management system with ISO 27001. Then documentation is prepared according to personal data processing procedures, data protection policies, and legal obligations. Internal controls are conducted, deficiencies are identified, and improvements completed before initiating the external audit process. Organizations demonstrating compliance in the audit are entitled to receive the ISO 27701 certificate.
- Preparation Phase: Analysis of existing systems and creation of necessary documents.
- Implementation and Internal Control: Activation of policies and procedures and conducting internal audits.
- Audit and Reporting: On-site audit and report presentation by an independent organization.
KIOSCERT expert audit process
Audits conducted under ISO 27701 play a critical role not only in obtaining the certificate but also in evaluating the maturity of an organization's personal data management. KIOSCERT assesses organizational structures for both legal and technical compliance with detailed analysis and a systematic approach. The audit process involves reviewing documents, interviewing relevant personnel, and observing practices on-site.
During the audit, the accuracy of data inventories, control of retention periods, operation of consent processes, and third-party data transfer protocols are meticulously examined. The findings highlight not only deficiencies but also strengths. Thus, organizations can both identify their risks and document strong practices in this area. KIOSCERT’s expert audit approach aims to provide not only compliance verification but also constructive analysis.
Continuous improvement and sustainable privacy policy
One of the fundamental principles of ISO 27701 is that the privacy management system should not be static but dynamic. In this context, organizations not only manage existing risks but also prepare for future threats. Therefore, the continuous improvement approach enables organizations to develop sustainable privacy policies.
Continuous improvement is supported by periodic internal audits, employee feedback, incident record analysis, and immediate compliance with legal changes. Each revision should aim for more effective privacy management. Additionally, the rate of employee compliance with privacy policies, training results, and monitoring data should be regularly evaluated. Thus, not only on paper but also in practice, an effective system presence is maintained.
"Privacy is not a one-time measure but a culture to be continuously developed."