What is EN ISO 27251:2011

Introduction

EN/ISO 27251:2011 is a technical standard that focuses on the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in automated environments. It provides guidelines, concepts, and requirements for organizations to implement a PII protection framework.

The Scope

This standard applies to any organization that deals with PII, whether it is an individual or an entity. It recognizes the importance of protecting PII from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction during its whole lifecycle. The scope of EN/ISO 27251:2011 covers both the technical aspects of PII protection as well as the management processes involved.

Key Principles

EN/ISO 27251:2011 lays down several key principles that organizations must adhere to when implementing a PII protection framework:

Data Minimization: Organizations should only collect and retain the minimum amount of PII necessary for their specified purposes.

Lawful Processing: PII should be collected and processed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Transparency: Individuals should be informed about the collection, use, and disclosure of their PII, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Security Measures: Adequate security measures should be implemented to protect PII from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss.

Implementation Guidelines

To effectively implement EN/ISO 27251:2011, organizations should follow these guidelines:

Define PII: Clearly define what constitutes PII within your organization. This will help identify the data that needs to be protected.

Perform Risk Assessment: Assess the risks associated with processing PII, and identify appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

Implement Security Controls: Implement technical and organizational security controls to safeguard PII throughout its lifecycle.

Monitor and Review: Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the implemented PII protection framework, making adjustments as required.

By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can significantly enhance their PII protection practices and ensure compliance with EN/ISO 27251:2011.