ISO 27701 without illusions: when information security no longer saves without privacy

ISO 27001 has long been the basis for working with information security, but in reality, this is no longer enough. Companies store not just data, but personal information about customers, users, and employees – and this is where privacy issues begin. ISO 27701 does not break 27001, but logically complements it, transforming the security system into a full-fledged ISO privacy standard, rather than a formal set of controls.

When 27001 no longer “covers” the risks

ISO 27001 ceases to effectively “cover” risks when business and technology change faster than security approaches are updated: clouds, new attack vectors, personal data requirements, and the formal use of outdated controls make the system more of a paper exercise than a working one. In such conditions, without regular risk analysis and adaptation to the current version, the standard loses its meaning, and ISO 27701 certification becomes a logical step to complement 27001 with real privacy management rather than declarations.

Who really needs ISO 27701?

Standard 27701 is not needed by “everyone”, but by those for whom personal data is part of their daily work. If a company collects, stores or transfers such data, without a systematic approach, the risks quickly get out of control. This is where the new ISO privacy standard complements 27001 and closes what previously remained between the lines. So, who really needs standard 27701:

1. IT and SaaS companies that work with accounts and user data.
2. The financial sector, where sensitive payment and personal data is processed.
3. Medical organisations that deal with medical records.
4. E-commerce and retail companies that collect customer information and order history.
5. HR and outsourcing companies that manage employee and candidate data.

In these areas, ISO 27701 controls allow you not only to comply with legal requirements, but also to build a comprehensive privacy management system. As a result, privacy ceases to be a risk and becomes part of normal business logic.

What changes after upgrading to 27701

After upgrading to ISO 27701, privacy ceases to be an add-on to security and becomes a separate managed system integrated with version 27001. ISO 27701 certification forms a complete PIMS, where the roles of the controller and data processor are clearly delineated, processes are transparently structured, and the requirements of different jurisdictions are harmonised. As a result, the company does not simply “protect data” but systematically manages privacy, increasing customer trust and readiness for regulatory audits.