ISO/IEC 27701:2019
Privacy Information Management (PIMS)
SQNet Assessments, as an independent certification body, provides impartial ISO/IEC 27701:2019 audit and certification services, enabling organizations to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and effective privacy governance.
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 – Privacy Information Management (PIMS)
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is an international standard that provides requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It is designed to help organizations manage personal data responsibly and demonstrate compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations.
Understanding ISO/IEC 27701:2019
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is an extension to ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002, focusing specifically on privacy and the protection of personally identifiable information (PII). The standard applies to organizations acting as PII controllers and/or PII processors and establishes a structured approach to privacy risk management.
By implementing ISO/IEC 27701:2019, organizations can strengthen their privacy controls, support regulatory compliance (such as GDPR and other data protection laws), and enhance trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Purpose of ISO/IEC 27701 Certification
Certification to ISO/IEC 27701:2019 demonstrates that an organization has implemented effective controls to manage privacy risks and protect personal data throughout its lifecycle. It confirms that privacy responsibilities are clearly defined, risks are assessed, and appropriate technical and organizational measures are in place.
ISO/IEC 27701 certification is applicable across various sectors, including IT services, cloud computing, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, government, and any organization handling personal data.
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ISO/IEC 27701 Certification Process
The ISO/IEC 27701 certification process is conducted in alignment with ISO management system certification principles and is typically integrated with ISO/IEC 27001 audits.
Application & Scope Definition
The certification process begins with an application, during which the scope of the Privacy Information Management System is defined, including PII processing activities, roles (controller or processor), and applicable legal requirements.
Audit & Evaluation
Audits are conducted to evaluate:
Privacy policies and governance framework
PII risk assessment and treatment
Roles and responsibilities for privacy management
Controls for data subject rights, consent, and data retention
Incident management and breach response
Audits assess both documentation and effective implementation of privacy controls.
Certification Decision
Following successful audit completion and closure of any identified nonconformities, SQNet Assessments conducts an independent certification decision review before issuing the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certificate.
Certification Validity & Surveillance
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification is valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits. Surveillance audits ensure continued compliance, effectiveness of the PIMS, and alignment with evolving privacy regulations and organizational changes.
Commitment to Impartial Certification
SQNet Assessments is committed to delivering transparent, impartial, and credible ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification services. Our structured audit methodology and qualified auditors ensure confidence in privacy management practices and certification outcomes.
Key Benefits of ISO/IEC 27701
- Demonstrates strong privacy governance and accountability
- Enhances trust among customers and regulators
- Supports compliance with data protection regulations
- Improves management of privacy risks
- Strengthens integration with information security management
Key Changes in ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- Alignment with the latest ISO management system structure
- Simplified and modernized Annex A controls
- Better integration with risk management and business objectives
- Enhanced focus on cloud security, threat intelligence, and data protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Certification is an independent verification process that confirms an organization’s management system, product, or service complies with applicable international standards. It enhances credibility, builds customer trust, and demonstrates commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
Certification is applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors, including manufacturing, service, IT, healthcare, construction, education, and public sector organizations, subject to the applicable standard and scope.
SQNet Assessments provides certification services for various international management system standards, including quality, environmental, occupational health & safety, information security, business continuity, and other applicable ISO and sector-specific standards.
The certification timeline depends on the organization’s size, scope, complexity, and readiness level. Typically, the process may take a few weeks to a few months from application to certificate issuance.
Most management system certifications are valid for three years, subject to successful completion of annual surveillance audits.
Stage 1 audit reviews documentation and readiness for certification.
Stage 2 audit evaluates effective implementation of the management system.
You can apply through the SQNet Assessments website or contact the team directly.
