Information Privacy & Data Privacy: Understanding Key Certifications & Standards

In today's interconnected digital landscape, safeguarding personal information has become paramount.

Two terms frequently encountered in this domain are Information Privacy and Data Privacy.

Although often used interchangeably subtle distinctions exist between them. Understanding these nuances and acquiring the right certifications can enhance your career prospects and equip you to effectively manage privacy responsibilities.

Information Privacy vs. Data Privacy

• Data Privacy primarily refers to handling personal data; how it's collected, stored, managed and shared to comply with privacy regulations.

• Information Privacy encompasses a broader scope including personal data, metadata and the rights individuals have regarding their information spanning electronic and physical formats.

Both concepts underline the importance of robust privacy and information security management frameworks including the widely adopted ISO/IEC 27001 and the privacy-specific extension ISO/IEC 27701.

Why ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 Matter

ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) providing a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information to ensure it remains secure. Building upon this ISO/IEC 27701 specifically addresses privacy management guiding organisations in establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).

Both standards are critical for demonstrating compliance with global privacy regulations such as GDPR.

Key Certifications Compared

ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 Certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation

Target Audience: Beginners and general security awareness. Best for: Professionals seeking foundational knowledge of information security management.

• ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer

Target Audience: Security managers, compliance officers and project managers. Best for: Professionals implementing or managing ISMS within an organisation.

• ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor

Target Audience: Auditors and compliance officers. Best for: Individuals responsible for auditing ISMS compliance against ISO/IEC 27001.

• ISO/IEC 27701 Foundation

Target Audience: Beginners and general privacy awareness. Best for: Professionals seeking basic knowledge of privacy management concepts and principles.

• ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Implementer

Target Audience: Privacy managers, project managers and compliance professionals. Best for: Individuals tasked with implementing or managing PIMS within an organisation.

• ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor

Target Audience: Auditors and compliance officers. Best for: Professionals responsible for auditing PIMS compliance against ISO/IEC 27701 standards.

ISACA Certifications

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Target Audience: Senior security professionals. Best for: Individuals managing information security programs who require privacy awareness as part of their overall responsibilities.

• Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)

Target Audience: Technical professionals focused on privacy-by-design. Best for: Those implementing technical controls to ensure privacy compliance and data protection.

IAPP Certifications

• Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM):

Target Audience: Privacy managers. Best for: Professionals managing privacy operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and handling privacy strategies.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E):

Target Audience: Privacy and legal professionals. Best for: Individuals needing comprehensive understanding and compliance expertise with GDPR and EU privacy regulations.

• Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT):

Target Audience: IT and security professionals. Best for: Those who implement privacy-enhancing technologies and integrate privacy into technology solutions.

What is the main difference between ISO/IEC 27701 and ISACA’s CDPSE?

ISO/IEC 27701 provides a management system framework for privacy suitable for broader organisational compliance. CDPSE by ISACA is technically oriented focusing specifically on implementing privacy technologies and engineering solutions.

Who should choose CISM versus CIPM?

• Choose CISM if: You manage broader information security responsibilities with privacy as a component.

• Choose CIPM if: Your primary role is specifically focused on privacy management and compliance.

Which certification is the best for GDPR?

The CIPP/E by IAPP is the best for those needing detailed expertise in GDPR compliance due to its thorough focus on EU-specific privacy legislation.

Should technical professionals pursue CIPT or CDPSE?

• Choose CIPT if:

Your role requires integrating privacy into IT practices at a strategic and operational level.

• Choose CDPSE if:

  
  

You are more involved in engineering and designing solutions specifically focused on privacy and data protection.

Choosing the Right Certification

• Entry-Level: ISO/IEC 27001 or 27701 Foundation or CIPM.

• Implementation Role: ISO/IEC 27001 or 27701 Lead Implementer, CIPM or CDPSE.

• Auditing and Compliance: ISO/IEC 27001 or 27701 Lead Auditor.

• Technical Privacy Role: CIPT or CDPSE.

• Comprehensive GDPR Focus: CIPP/E.

MENA Executive Training offers all the certifications discussed in this article. Whether you're starting your journey or enhancing your existing skills, we're here to guide you.

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