GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy rights
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy for EU residents globally with hefty fines, while ISO 22301 offers voluntary BCMS certification for operational resilience. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance, ISO 22301 for disruption recovery and trust.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU subjects
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance measures
- Enhanced data subject rights including right to erasure
- 72-hour mandatory personal data breach notification
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems Requirements
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment
- Leadership commitment and BCMS policy requirements
- Operational planning with testing and exercises
- Annex SL integration with ISO 27001
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) is a directly applicable EU regulation protecting natural persons' data. It modernizes privacy for the digital age, replacing the 1995 Directive, with extraterritorial scope applying globally to EU data processing. Core approach is accountability-based, requiring organizations to demonstrate compliance via risk assessments like DPIAs.
Key Components
- Seven principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Obligations: DPO appointment, breach notifications, records of processing.
- Enforcement via DPAs with fines up to 4% global turnover; no certification but compliance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU data handlers; reduces legal risks, builds trust, enables secure data flows. Global firms adopt for Brussels Effect, enhancing reputation and competitiveness amid rising breaches.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: conduct DPIAs, appoint DPO, train staff, update processes/contracts. Applies to all sizes processing EU data; two-year transition highlighted complexity for SMEs. Ongoing audits by DPAs ensure compliance.
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is the international standard for establishing, implementing, and improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). It provides a flexible, high-level framework based on the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to protect against disruptions like cyberattacks, natural disasters, and supply chain failures, ensuring continuity of critical operations.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable), including context analysis, leadership, planning with BIA and risk assessment, operations, evaluation, and improvement.
- No prescriptive controls; tailored via RTO and MTPD metrics.
- Built on Annex SL for integration; certification valid 3 years with surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances resilience, reduces downtime and losses, boosts reputation and trust.
- Meets regulations like NIS Directive; competitive edges in procurement.
- Proactive risk management and continuous improvement yield cost savings.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, BIA, training, testing, audits; 60 days to 6 months typical.
- Suits all sizes/sectors; two-stage certification process.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data privacy and protection | Business continuity management systems |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data, global reach | All sizes/sectors worldwide, critical infrastructure focus |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Voluntary ISO certification standard |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, DPA audits | BIA, exercises, internal/external audits |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and ISO 22301
GDPR FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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