ISO vs. GDPR: Two Different Frameworks
Many organizations proudly hold ISO certifications like ISO 27001 or ISO 9001. While these certifications are valuable for demonstrating quality and information security, there’s often a misconception: does ISO certification mean you’re automatically GDPR compliant?
The short answer: no.
ISO vs. GDPR: Two Different Frameworks
ISO certifications prove that a company meets specific international standards. For example, ISO 27001 focuses on information security management. GDPR, on the other hand, is a European privacy regulation that imposes specific legal obligations regarding the handling of personal data.
These obligations include transparency, lawful data processing, data minimization, and the right for individuals to access or delete their data. ISO standards do not fully cover these requirements.
Why ISO 27001 Isn’t Enough for GDPR Compliance
ISO 27001 revolves around risk management and establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). But GDPR includes additional layers of responsibility:
- Transparency obligations: You must clearly inform users about how their data is processed.
- Consent management: You must obtain and document explicit consent before processing personal data.
- Data subject rights: GDPR guarantees rights like access, correction, or deletion of data.
- DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessments): GDPR mandates these assessments in high-risk scenarios – ISO 27001 does not.
- Processor agreements: GDPR requires detailed agreements with third-party processors – often overlooked in ISO implementations.
Real-World Example: When ISO Isn’t Enough
Imagine a company certified with ISO 27001 assumes they are ready for a GDPR audit. However, during the audit, the following gaps emerge:
- No record of processing activities.
- No clear consent records.
- Data subjects were not properly informed.
- No DPIA performed despite processing sensitive data.
Outcome? The company faces non-compliance risks and potential penalties.
What Should You Do Instead?
ISO certification is a great start – but it’s not the finish line. To be truly GDPR-compliant, your organization needs to:
- Maintain a GDPR-compliant processing register
- Perform DPIAs when required
- Implement and manage processor agreements
- Train staff and establish clear procedures
- Regularly assess and update your privacy practices
RealCob: One Tool for GDPR and NIS2 Compliance
RealCob helps organizations tackle both GDPR and NIS2 requirements in one platform. With RealCob, you get:
- Full organizational and technical compliance checks
- Dynamic, department-level risk assessments
- Automated documentation, dashboards, and reports
- Optional modules for DPIAs and ISO audits
- A certificate of compliance upon completion
All this, without needing a legal or technical background.
Conclusion: Real Compliance Starts Where ISO Ends
Being ISO-certified is an asset — but it’s no substitute for GDPR compliance. If you want to reduce risks, build trust with clients, and prepare for audits, you need a solution that covers the full scope of legal requirements.