A Comprehensive Criterion of GDPR Certification: Ensuring Compliance and Proper Data Protection  

Every organization aims to have a compliance strategy in place for data privacy and protection because of the increasing reliance on technology. The GDPR, enforced by the European Union (EU) in May 2018, triggered a major change in business practices with the personal data of clients. It is not only an obligation, but a legal requirement for businesses, from large multinationals to small enterprises that handle data of citizens from the EU, to be compliant with GDPR.  

At this point there is no mandatory certification of GDPR from the EU, and although obtaining a privacy validating certificate from a credible authority may seem optional, it indeed enhances reputation, proves commitment to privacy, simplifies compliance processes and increases trust from clients.  

Why is there a need for a well-informed body of knowledge such as GDPR?  

The primary objectives of the GDPR are to safeguard the private information of individuals residing the EU and to offer enhanced protection for personal data. It also targets organizations located outside the EU that provide products or services to, or track the activities of, EU citizens.  

Like every rule, GCFR has its own restrictions as well. Unlike the previous worries of interceptive monitoring by family and social institutions, individuals fear that the data they submit may not be adequately protected. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in harsh punishments which can include being fined up to 20 million euros or 4% of the total annual worldwide revenue, depending on which is greater.

Primary Principles of GDPR   

To maintain compliance, organizations must adhere to the outlined principles of GDPR:  

Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency  

Data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner.

Purpose Limitation  

Data must be collected for use that is defined, explicit and is deemed legitimate.

Data Minimization  

The collecting of unnecessary data should not occur.

Accuracy  

Personal data should be accurate and kept updated.

Storage Limitation  

Data should not be kept for longer than is deemed necessary.

Integrity and Confidentiality  

Data that is deemed personal should be processed securely.

Accountability  

Responsibility to make sure compliance is adhered to falls directly on the data controller.  

What is GDPR Certification?  

Even though there is no requirement for certification within GDPR, Article 42 and 43 do suggest developing certification mechanisms in regard to data protection. The intention of these certifications is to assist data controllers and processors in proving compliance with GDPR.

At the moment, there is no independent auditable certification scheme for GDPR compliance EU wide, however, there are multiple independent certifications which bear association with the GDPR and hold wide recognition Accredited Certification programs. 

ISO/IEC 27701 (Extension of ISO/IEC 27001 for privacy information management) 

BS 10012 (UK standard for personal information management) 

EU GDPR Foundation and Practitioner Certifications (Individual qualification)

TÜV Rheinland Organization Certification for GDPR Compliance (Organizational Qualification)

These frameworks may serve to support the claim of a businesses adherence or compliance to GDPR best practices.

What Are The Benefits of Getting GDPR Certification? 

Though not a legal requirement, certification has numerous benefits:

✅ Proves Commitment to Privacy Policy

It affirms that you have put in place safeguards for the privacy of information such that you go as far as such policies as accreditation informing your clients, associates and lawmakers.

✅ Promotion of Data Governance

The processes involved in obtaining such compliance forces organizations to evaluate how they manage, protect, and secure their records and data.

✅ Lower Risk of Non-Compliance 

Having an approach can help fill in gaps that may exist with the expectations set and therefore can reduce possible breaches and subsequent penalties.

✅ Increased Customer Trust

With all the scandals happening, your customers will feel relieved that at least it is assured that a certified organization has strong measures in place to protect sensitive information.

✅ Edge Over Competition 

I guess they will be useful especially in competitions with other organizations as for them it will show that there are criteria set which they have observed.

Process of Obtaining GDPR Certification

While each certification provider has their own approach, most GDPR certification journeys follow similar steps: 

Individually assess and analyze each step of the certification process   

Determine how each step in data protection does not meet compliance requirements. 

Achieve data protection compliance through a stepwise plan  

Create policies to bridge the compliance gaps which include policy updates, intensive staff trainings, and technical safeguards. 

Validation of the Organizational GDPR Compliance Policy Framework  

Proof your internal organizational GDPR compliance with all policies audit and ensure full readiness to implement. 

For Organizational Certification:

An external organizational audit will be performed by a certified body. 

Post Certification Compliance Monitoring and Reassessment  

Regularly monitor compliance and manage proactive post certification reassessment intervals. 

What these bodies validate as covered under GDPR Certification:

Usually, all these bodies validate these primary aspects to be covered under: 

Data Subjection Rights (Access, Rectification, Erasure, Portability…)

Data management and control by subjects are managed effectively through self-service portals where they can initiate actions like accessing, rectifying, erasing and porting their data. 

Change Management  

Procedures to minimize damage or contain a data breach mitigate escalation and contagion. 

Vendor and supplier management

Detailed documents of transactions and relationships with third parties.

Educated and professionally trained endorsers demonstrate proven having effective organizational information security and protection policies. 

Who are the target users of GDPR certification? 

Endorsoers are misleadingly targeted to be data protection officers, compliance officers, privacy consultants, IT security endorsers.

Acquiring either a foundation or practitioner certification in GDPR offers new career opportunities and indicates expertise in privacy policies.

To various Organizations:

Technology Firms along with SaaS Companies. 

Healthcare and insurance service providers.

Online retailing of goods and services.

Banking and other financial services providers.

Advertising Agencies.

Teaching and Developmental Organizations.

Every company or organization that handles EU personal information should acquire some form of certification to strengthen compliance and enforcement of the GDPR.

Estimated Expenses for Acquiring GDPR Certification

Estimates depend on the type of certification required, the size of organization and the certifying body. Some of the items typically incurred by organizations include:

Consulting Costs

Audit Costs

Training Fees

Required Technological Changes (if any)

Recharge on Exemption Claim. Costing from 300 to 1500 stating basic training and governing body level.

Obstacles in Attaining Certification

While numerous, some of the challenges include:

Range of Issues surrounding GDPR’s “one stop shop” rule.

Absence of competent employees in-house.

Competence-related expenses.

Endless issuing and modification cycles.

Working with certified DPOs and proficient data protection consultants eases the burden immensely.

Future of GDPR Certification

With the increasing need for privacy compliance, the GDPR certification schemes are likely to be approved by the EU under Article 43. This will enhance the standardization and verification of the certification process, which will improve the support businesses need from all over the globe.

For now, relying on recognized providers and certifications such as ISO/IEC 27701 can aid in establishing a foundation to achieve compliance with the GDPR.

Final Thoughts

In today's internationally competitive landscape, where data privacy is a prerequisite for business engagement, obtaining GDPR certification significantly enhances your compliance posture, mitigates legal exposure, and strengthens customer trust.

For individuals aspiring to advance in the privacy profession, or for organizations that want to enhance the integrity of their data processing operations, obtaining a GDPR certification is a prudent business investment.

The certification process may be resource-intensive and time-consuming, but the enduring advantages greatly surpass the preliminary hurdles. So, begin the journey today to transform privacy into a business success pillar.