Migrating from GDPR to ISO 27001
GDPR Article 32 requires appropriate security measures, which overlap significantly with ISO 27001. If you're GDPR compliant, you have strong foundations—the transition involves building formal ISMS documentation and achieving certification for broader information security.
Critical Compliance Gaps
Formal ISMS
ISO 27001 requires comprehensive Information Security Management System documentation. GDPR focuses on data protection without requiring formal ISMS.
Security Certification
ISO 27001 provides formal third-party certification. GDPR compliance is demonstrated but not certified.
Broader Security Scope
ISO 27001 covers all information security, not just personal data. Broader organizational scope required.
Statement of Applicability
ISO 27001 requires formal SoA documenting 93 Annex A controls. GDPR has no equivalent requirement.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
Follow these 11 steps to achieve ISO 27001 compliance. Estimated timeline: 14 weeks.
Identify ISO 27001 controls supporting GDPR Article 32
Expand scope beyond personal data to all information assets
Define ISMS scope and organizational context
Create ISMS policy framework
Conduct ISO 27001-compliant risk assessment
Draft Statement of Applicability
Implement Annex A controls not covered by GDPR practices
Establish internal audit program
Conduct management reviews
Engage accredited certification body
Complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits
Unique ISO 27001 Requirements
Strategic Use Cases
Need migration help?
Talk to our compliance experts to map your controls efficiently.
Consult an ExpertContinue Your Compliance Journey
Framework Guides
Ready to Expand Your Compliance?
Our experts can help you map your existing GDPR controls to ISO 27001 requirements and accelerate your migration timeline.
GDPR to ISO 27001 Migration FAQs
Does ISO 27001 help with GDPR compliance$22
Yes significantly. ISO 27001 directly supports GDPR Article 32 (security of processing) and demonstrates accountability under Article 24. Many organizations pursue both.
Is ISO 27001 required for GDPR$23
No, but ISO 27001 is recognized as demonstrating appropriate technical and organizational measures under GDPR. It's not required but strongly supports GDPR compliance.
What does ISO 27001 add beyond GDPR$24
ISO 27001 provides formal certification, covers all information (not just personal data), requires documented ISMS, and includes controls like business continuity that GDPR doesn't address.
How do auditors view ISO 27001 for GDPR$25
Regulators and auditors view ISO 27001 favorably as evidence of appropriate security measures. It demonstrates organizational commitment to information security management.
About RiscLens
Our mission is to provide transparency and clarity to early-stage technology companies navigating the complexities of SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance.
Who we serve
Built specifically for early-stage and growing technology companies—SaaS, fintech, and healthcare tech—preparing for their first SOC 2 audit or responding to enterprise customer requirements.
What we provide
Clarity before commitment. We help teams understand realistic cost ranges, timeline expectations, and common gaps before they engage auditors or expensive compliance vendors.
Our Boundaries
We do not provide legal advice, audit services, or certifications. Our assessments support internal planning—they are not a substitute for professional compliance guidance.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations, developed by the AICPA, which specifies how organizations should manage customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Get your personalized SOC 2 cost estimate
Free • No sales calls • Instant results