Information Security and Privacy According to ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701: The Pillars of Business Success

Two internationally recognized standards — ISO/IEC 27001 (ISMS) and ISO/IEC 27701 (PIMS) — provide organizations with the frameworks to safeguard data, build stakeholder trust, and demonstrate accountability in an increasingly regulated world.

Introduction

In today’s hyperconnected world, information security and privacy have become essential pillars of sustainable business success. Every tap, click, or swipe leaves a digital footprint, and with the rise of cyberattacks, data breaches, and privacy scandals, protecting information is no longer just an IT issue — it is a strategic imperative.

Two internationally recognized standards — ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management System) and ISO/IEC 27701 (Privacy Information Management System) — provide organizations with the frameworks to safeguard data, build stakeholder trust, and demonstrate accountability in an increasingly regulated world.

Understanding Information Security

According to ISO/IEC 27001, Information Security refers to the preservation of three key attributes of information — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (the “CIA triad”).

  • Confidentiality ensures that information is accessible only to authorized individuals. For example, public information like marketing materials has low confidentiality, while passwords and trade secrets demand the highest protection.
  • Integrity ensures that information is accurate and complete. A training note may tolerate minor changes, but a source code or financial record must remain unaltered to maintain trust and function.
  • Availability ensures that information is accessible when needed. Banking systems or e-commerce platforms require high availability, while archived records may tolerate downtime.

By addressing these three pillars, organizations can identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement effective controls to maintain business continuity and stakeholder confidence.

Defining Data Privacy

According to ISO/IEC 27701, Data Privacy (or data protection) focuses on safeguarding personal information against unauthorized collection, access, or misuse. In today’s digital economy, personal data — from names and addresses to medical and financial histories — is continuously exchanged across systems, devices, and borders.

Data privacy ensures that individuals, as data subjects, maintain control over how their personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared. Beyond compliance, respecting privacy builds customer trust and strengthens an organization’s brand reputation — both critical assets for long-term success.

The Growing Importance of Security and Privacy

As organizations digitalize operations and adopt cloud, AI, and IoT technologies, they face unprecedented exposure to cyber threats and privacy risks. Data breaches can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, legal penalties, and erosion of customer confidence.

Global regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Singapore’s PDPA, and Brazil’s LGPD reinforce the accountability of organizations to protect personal data. Non-compliance is not only costly in terms of penalties but can also result in irreversible reputational harm.

In this context, adopting ISO standards is not merely about meeting legal obligations — it is about demonstrating corporate responsibility, transparency, and resilience in managing information assets.

Common Threats in the Digital Landscape

Modern organizations face a broad spectrum of threats that challenge both information security and privacy, including:

  • Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software designed to steal, corrupt, or encrypt data.
  • Phishing Attacks: Deceptive communications that trick users into revealing confidential information.
  • Data Leaks: Accidental or deliberate exposure of sensitive data due to weak access controls or insider threats.
  • Social Engineering: Psychological manipulation to persuade individuals to disclose information or bypass security controls.

Balancing security and usability remains a constant challenge. Overly restrictive systems may hinder operations, while convenience often introduces vulnerabilities. This is where the structured, risk-based approach of ISO standards becomes invaluable.

How ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 Work Together

ISO/IEC 27001 establishes a framework for implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive information through policies, procedures, and controls that address people, processes, and technology.

ISO/IEC 27701, on the other hand, extends ISO 27001 by adding privacy-specific controls to create a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It aligns information security with privacy principles such as data minimization, consent, and accountability — ensuring personal data is protected throughout its entire lifecycle.

Importantly, a Privacy Management System (PIMS) builds upon a well-established Information Security Management System (ISMS). Without strong security foundations, privacy protection cannot be effectively achieved. Together, these standards help organizations:

  • Build a culture of trust and accountability.
  • Meet global data protection regulations.
  • Improve governance and operational efficiency.
  • Reduce the likelihood and impact of data breaches.
  • Strengthen reputation and competitive advantage.

In short, ISO 27001 protects the organization’s information, while ISO 27701 protects the personal information entrusted to it — both essential for sustainable business growth.

Information Security and Privacy as Business Enablers

For business leaders, adopting ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 is not just about compliance or certification — it is about driving business success.

A well-implemented ISMS and PIMS can:

  • Enable growth: Open doors to new markets and partnerships that require proven security and privacy controls.
  • Enhance trust: Assure customers, regulators, and stakeholders that their information is handled responsibly.
  • Reduce costs: Minimize incident response, downtime, and potential fines through proactive risk management.
  • Support innovation: Allow organizations to confidently leverage emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing without compromising data protection.

Ultimately, information security and privacy management should be seen as strategic investments — not operational burdens — that underpin digital transformation and long-term competitiveness.

Building Competence and Culture

Technology alone cannot safeguard information. Success depends on people — their awareness, behavior, and commitment. Organizations must foster a culture where security and privacy are everyone’s responsibility.

This is where training and competence development play a critical role. Building internal knowledge through targeted programs — such as DNV’s courses in Information Security, Privacy, and IT Service Management — equips professionals with the mindset and tools to manage risks effectively and drive continuous improvement.

Conclusion

As data becomes the currency of the digital economy, organizations that manage it securely and responsibly gain a decisive advantage. ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 provide the foundation for achieving that — ensuring not only compliance and protection but also trust, resilience, and business success.

By embedding information security and privacy into the organization’s DNA, leaders can confidently navigate today’s complex digital landscape — and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.

✅ DNV Training – Empowering You for Digital Confidence

Our training programs in Information Security and Privacy Management combine global best practices with practical insights to help organizations build trust and resilience.

Explore our public and in-house courses to strengthen your team’s capabilities and drive your business forward. Get more information here.

29/10/2025 6:00:00 am