What is EN ISO 27264:2011

EN ISO 27264:2011, also known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, is a comprehensive set of guidelines that provides organizations with a framework to establish and maintain effective information security controls specifically related to personal identity information (PII). This technical article aims to provide a thorough understanding of EN ISO 27264:2011 and its significance in the field of information security.

Scope and Objectives

The scope of EN ISO 27264:2011 covers the management of personally identifiable information in the context of information security. It outlines the requirements and provides guidance on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving a Personal Identifiable Information Security Management System (PIISMS). The main objective is to help organizations protect the privacy rights of individuals by ensuring appropriate and effective security controls are in place for the collection, storage, processing, transmission, and disposal of PII.

Key Principles and Requirements

EN ISO 27264:2011 emphasizes several key principles that organizations must follow to adhere to the standard. Firstly, organizations are required to identify and assess risks associated with PII processing activities. This includes conducting regular risk assessments and implementing appropriate policies and procedures to mitigate potential threats. Secondly, organizations are expected to define roles, responsibilities, and authorities related to PII protection, ensuring clear accountability within the organization. Additionally, the standard stresses the importance of transparency and individual participation, requiring organizations to communicate their PII policies and provide individuals with options for PII use and protection.

Furthermore, the standard outlines specific requirements for the implementation of security controls, including incident response management, access control, encryption, and monitoring. Organizations should establish mechanisms to detect and respond to security incidents promptly, monitor internal and external access to PII, ensure the confidentiality and integrity of PII during transmission, and regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented controls.

Conclusion

EN ISO 27264:2011 is a crucial standard that provides guidelines for organizations to establish effective controls for managing personal identity information. By adhering to this standard, organizations can safeguard the privacy rights of individuals and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Implementing the principles and requirements set forth by EN ISO 27264:2011 not only helps organizations meet legal and regulatory obligations but also enhances overall trust and confidence in their ability to handle and protect personal data.