In This Article
The Case for Integration
Organizations often ask whether they should pursue ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 separately or together. Our experience with hundreds of certifications consistently shows that integrated implementation delivers superior results across commercial, operational, and financial dimensions.
Organizations pursuing ISO 27001 + ISO 27701 together typically see 15-25% cost savings compared to sequential implementation, while gaining immediate access to privacy-conscious customer segments.
Commercial Benefits
Win More Deals, Faster
In competitive sales situations, demonstrating both security and privacy credentials immediately separates you from competitors:
- Answer "yes" to both security and privacy certification questions
- Eliminate the "we'll consider you when you get privacy certification" delay
- Address European and global customer requirements from day one
- Satisfy procurement teams that increasingly check both boxes
Expand Addressable Market
Combined certification opens doors to customer segments that require both:
- EU/EEA enterprises: GDPR-conscious organizations often require privacy certification
- Healthcare: Both security and patient privacy are table stakes
- Financial services: Customer data protection is paramount
- HR/Payroll: Employee data requires privacy assurance
- Government: Public sector increasingly mandates both
Reduce Sales Cycle Friction
Security questionnaires increasingly include privacy sections. With combined certification:
- Answer 80-90% of questionnaire items with audited evidence
- Provide one certificate covering both domains
- Avoid back-and-forth on privacy-specific questions
- Build trust faster with comprehensive credentials
We've seen sales cycles shorten by 30-40% when organizations can immediately provide ISO 27001 + ISO 27701 certification rather than explaining future privacy certification plans.
Operational Efficiency
One Integrated System
Instead of managing separate security and privacy programs:
- Single policy framework covering both domains
- One risk assessment process addressing security and privacy risks
- Integrated internal audit program
- Combined management review
- Unified documentation structure
Avoid Duplication
Sequential implementation often leads to:
- Separate policy documents that need alignment
- Duplicate risk assessments
- Parallel training programs
- Inconsistent controls between ISMS and PIMS
Integrated implementation avoids all of this by building privacy into the security foundation from the start.
Streamlined Governance
With combined certification:
- One compliance calendar for both standards
- Single audit schedule with certification body
- Aligned improvement programs
- Consistent reporting to management
Cost Advantages
Implementation Costs
| Cost Element | Sequential | Integrated | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap Assessment | 2 separate assessments | 1 combined assessment | 30-40% |
| Documentation | Rework required for integration | Built once, right | 20-30% |
| Training | Security then privacy training | Combined awareness program | 25-35% |
| Consulting | 2 engagement cycles | 1 integrated engagement | 20-30% |
Certification Costs
- Audit fees: Adding ISO 27701 to an ISO 27001 audit typically adds 10-20% to audit days, not 100%
- Certificate fees: Often bundled for combined certification
- Travel costs: One audit visit instead of two
Ongoing Maintenance
- Single surveillance audit covers both standards
- One recertification process
- Integrated continual improvement reduces overhead
Competitive Differentiation
Market Positioning
Combined certification signals:
- Maturity: You've thought beyond basic security to comprehensive data protection
- Customer focus: You understand that customers care about both security and privacy
- Regulatory awareness: You're prepared for GDPR and similar regulations
- Future-proofing: You've invested in frameworks that will remain relevant
RFP Advantages
In formal procurement processes:
- Score higher on security and privacy evaluation criteria
- Meet mandatory certification requirements
- Demonstrate comprehensive third-party validation
- Stand out from competitors with security-only certification
Partnership Opportunities
Technology partnerships increasingly require both:
- Cloud marketplace listings
- Enterprise software integrations
- Reseller and channel partnerships
- API and platform partnerships
Implementation Approach
Integrated Implementation Timeline
A typical integrated implementation takes 6-9 months:
- Months 1-2: Gap assessment, scope definition, project planning
- Months 2-4: Policy development, risk assessment, control implementation
- Months 4-5: Training, awareness, operational embedding
- Month 5-6: Internal audit, management review
- Months 6-9: Certification audit (Stage 1 + Stage 2)
Key Success Factors
- Executive sponsorship: Both security and privacy leadership engaged
- Integrated team: Security and privacy working together, not in silos
- Clear scope: Define PIMS scope aligned with ISMS scope from the start
- Experienced guidance: Work with consultants and certification bodies experienced in integrated implementation
Whether you're starting fresh or already have ISO 27001, adding ISO 27701 is more efficient than most organizations expect. The key is treating it as a single integrated project rather than two separate initiatives.