GDPR & ISO 27001 Compliance Self-Assessment Tool

Comprehensive evaluation for security leaders to assess compliance posture and prioritize remediation efforts

Last updated: April 23, 2025

Assessment Overview

This enhanced self-assessment tool helps CISOs, CCOs, and security professionals evaluate their organization's compliance with both GDPR and ISO 27001 frameworks.

By completing this assessment, you will:

  • Identify gaps in your current compliance program across both frameworks
  • Determine your risk exposure for each framework with weighted scoring
  • Understand which framework may be more appropriate to prioritize based on your current posture
  • Receive a detailed action plan with prioritized remediation steps
  • Get recommendations for leveraging synergies between the frameworks to optimize resources

Framework Comparison

Aspect GDPR ISO 27001
Focus Data privacy and protection of personal data Information security management across all data types
Scope EU residents' personal data regardless of where processing occurs All information assets for the defined scope
Approach Principle-based regulatory requirements Risk-based management system
Compliance Legal requirement for organizations processing EU residents' data Voluntary certification, but often required by contracts/customers
Key Components Data subject rights, consent, breach notification, DPIAs, data protection principles Risk assessment, security controls, ISMS, continuous improvement, leadership commitment
Penalties for Non-Compliance Up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover No direct regulatory penalties, but potential business/contractual impacts

Understanding the Benefits of Synergy

While GDPR and ISO 27001 have different focuses, they share many common elements. By implementing both frameworks strategically, you can:

  • Use ISO 27001 as the foundation for your overall security program
  • Leverage the ISMS structure to address GDPR's security requirements
  • Ensure GDPR's data protection principles are embedded in your security controls
  • Create unified policies, procedures, and training programs
  • Streamline audits and evidence collection for both frameworks

Assessment Instructions

To complete the enhanced assessment:

  1. Click the "Assessment" tab to begin
  2. Answer each question honestly based on your organization's current state
  3. For each question, select the most appropriate response:
    • Fully Implemented (3 points) - The requirement is completely satisfied
    • Partially Implemented (1 point) - Some elements are in place but incomplete
    • Not Implemented (0 points) - No meaningful implementation has occurred
    • Not Applicable - The requirement does not apply to your organization
  4. Add notes for context if needed
  5. Critical questions that have higher weight in the assessment are marked with an asterisk (*)
  6. After completing all sections, click "Calculate Results" to view your assessment
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Section 1: Organizational Context and Governance

GDPR ISO 27001

1.1 Has your organization established and documented the context of internal and external factors that affect its information security and data protection objectives? i Consider regulatory, technological, competitive, market, cultural, social, and economic factors that may impact your information security and data protection posture.

Applicable to: Both GDPR (Art. 24) and ISO 27001 (Clause 4.1)

1.2* Has your organization identified and documented all interested parties and their requirements relevant to information security and data protection? i Interested parties may include customers, suppliers, regulators, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders with requirements or expectations related to security and privacy.

Applicable to: Both GDPR (Art. 24, 28) and ISO 27001 (Clause 4.2)

1.3* Has your organization clearly defined the scope of personal data processing activities? i This should include what personal data you collect, from whom, for what purposes, how it is processed, where it is stored, how long it is retained, and with whom it is shared.

Applicable to: GDPR (Art. 30)

1.4* Has your organization established and documented the scope of your Information Security Management System (ISMS)? i This should define the boundaries of your ISMS including locations, functions, assets, technology, and interfaces with external entities.

Applicable to: ISO 27001 (Clause 4.3)

1.5* Does your organization have documented evidence of executive leadership commitment for both data protection and information security? i This should include formal policy approval, resource allocation, defined roles and responsibilities, and active oversight by top management.

Applicable to: Both GDPR (Art. 24) and ISO 27001 (Clause 5.1)

1.6 Has your organization appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or equivalent role with clearly defined responsibilities? i A DPO is mandatory for public authorities, organizations whose core activities require regular and systematic monitoring of individuals on a large scale, or organizations processing special categories of data on a large scale.

Applicable to: GDPR (Art. 37-39)

1.7 Has your organization assigned information security responsibilities to specific roles with clear authority and accountability? i This includes roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), security managers, and others with specific security responsibilities across the organization.

Applicable to: ISO 27001 (Clause 5.3)

1.8* Does your organization have documented information security and data protection policies approved by management? i Policies should be comprehensive, formally approved, communicated to all relevant parties, and regularly reviewed and updated.

Applicable to: Both GDPR (Art. 24) and ISO 27001 (Clause 5.2)

Assessment Results

GDPR Compliance Score
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ISO 27001 Compliance Score
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Overall Maturity Score
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Framework Compliance by Section

Key Findings

Section Scores

Recommended Focus Areas

Framework Prioritization Guidance

Recommended Action Plan