COBIT
Global framework for enterprise IT governance and management
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides voluntary I&T governance framework for enterprises worldwide, while GDPR UK mandates personal data protection for UK processing with hefty fines. Companies use COBIT for strategic alignment; GDPR UK to avoid legal penalties and ensure compliance.
COBIT
COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- 11 design factors enable tailored governance systems
- 40 objectives across five domains (EDM, APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
- CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
- Explicit separation of governance from management
- Goals cascade links stakeholder needs to IT outcomes
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Seven enforceable core data processing principles
- Comprehensive individual data subject rights
- Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
- Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing
- 72-hour ICO breach notification obligation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019, or Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology, is a comprehensive governance framework developed by ISACA for enterprise IT (I&T) governance and management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations create value from I&T, manage risks, and optimize resources by translating stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored governance system. It employs a design-factor-driven approach with 11 factors for customization.
Key Components
- 40 governance and management objectives grouped into five domains: EDM (governance), APO (planning), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
- Six governance system principles and seven components (processes, structures, policies, etc.).
- CMMI-based performance management (capability levels 0-5).
- No formal certification; compliance via self-assessments and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns I&T with business strategy for value realization.
- Enhances risk management and regulatory alignment (e.g., SOX, GDPR).
- Builds stakeholder trust through measurable outcomes.
- Provides competitive edge in digital transformation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
- Suited for medium-large enterprises across industries; voluntary adoption.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation) is the post-Brexit UK adaptation of EU GDPR, a binding legal regulation enforced by the ICO. It governs personal data processing with a risk-based, accountability-focused approach, applying to UK-established and extra-territorial organisations targeting UK individuals.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
- Individual rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Controller/processor obligations: RoPAs, contracts, DPIAs, breach notification.
- No formal certification; compliance via demonstrable governance and ICO enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for legal compliance, avoiding fines up to 4% global turnover.
- Enhances risk management, trust, operational efficiency.
- Builds stakeholder confidence, enables cross-border operations.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, RoPA mapping, policies, training, DPIAs, audits. Applies universally to data handlers; ongoing, no certification but ICO audits possible. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise I&T governance and management | Personal data protection and privacy |
| Industry | All industries worldwide | All sectors in UK with extra-territorial reach |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework | Mandatory legal regulation |
| Testing | Capability assessments levels 0-5 | DPIAs for high-risk processing |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Fines up to 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and GDPR UK
COBIT FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Beyond the Burden: How Intuitive Compliance Software Transforms Daily Workflows
Explore intuitive compliance software that automates workflows, simplifies onboarding, and reduces stress. Cut non-compliance costs 3x and boost efficiency for
Top 10 Reasons ISO 27701 is the Ultimate Privacy Boost for Your ISO 27001 ISMS in 2025
Extend ISO 27001 with ISO 27701 for ultimate privacy governance amid GDPR & AI regs. Discover top 10 advantages like integrated audits to future-proof your ISMS
Your Compliance Command Center: How Modern Tools Orchestrate Cross-Departmental Adherence
Unlock your compliance command center with modern tools for real-time monitoring, automation & integrations across IT, HR, Legal & Finance. Slash non-compliance
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 31000 vs AS9100
Compare ISO 31000 vs AS9100: Guidelines vs certifiable aerospace QMS. Master risk principles, safety controls & implementation for compliance edge. Explore now!
CAA vs GDPR UK
Explore CAA vs GDPR UK: Compare Clean Air Act emissions standards with UK data protection rules. Key differences, compliance strategies & enforcement insights for global success. Master now!
WCAG vs ISO 27017
WCAG vs ISO 27017: Compare web accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA, POUR principles) with cloud security controls (27017 CLD shared responsibilities). Boost compliance now!