What is a GDPR certificate?
The BC 5701 certificate is an official proof that your company complies with the guidelines and requirements of the GDPR. It is based on a standard that describes what organizational and technical measures you must take to process and secure personal data correctly. This GDPR certification is awarded after an independent audit.
The recent history of GDPR legislation: An overview
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), known in English as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has been in effect across the European Union since May 25, 2018. This legislation is designed to strengthen and harmonize the privacy rights of EU citizens while providing companies and organizations with clear guidelines for handling personal data.
The GDPR replaces the old European Privacy Directive from 1995, which was outdated in many ways in the digital age. Since the introduction of the GDPR, organizations are required to be more transparent about what data they collect, why they collect it, and how they protect it. Citizens gained new rights, such as the right to erasure ("right to be forgotten") and the right to data portability.
What do you need to do to get certified?
Obtaining the BC 5701 certificate is a structured process. Here are the main steps:
1. Purchase the standard and guidelines
The first step is to acquire the BC 5701 standard. This document contains detailed guidelines that help you understand what measures are necessary to comply with the GDPR.
2. Schedule an introductory meeting and training
A specialist can help you better understand the process. You can also take training sessions to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
3. Apply the standard within your company
Implement the guidelines of BC 5701 in your daily operations. This may involve drafting a privacy policy or adjusting technical security measures.
4. Conduct internal controls
Check for yourself whether everything works well before an external party comes to assess it. This gives you the opportunity to make any improvements.
5. Have an external audit conducted
An independent auditor assesses whether your company meets the requirements of BC 5701. Upon a positive assessment, you will receive the certificate.
Why should you certify?
There are many benefits to certification based on BC 5701:
Better reputation: Customers and partners have more trust in your company when they know you handle data carefully.
Competitive advantage: You demonstrate that your company takes privacy and data protection seriously.
Less risk: Reduces the chance of data breaches and provides a strong defense if something goes wrong.
Efficiency: During the certification process, you often optimize your internal processes, which can save time and money.
What does certification cost?
The costs depend on the size and complexity of your organization. Factors such as the number of employees and locations play a role. An introductory meeting with a specialist can give you better insight into the expected costs and time investment.
Conclusion
The BC 5701 certificate is a valuable investment. It helps your company comply with GDPR legislation, strengthens your reputation, and makes your processes more efficient. There are companies, such as Brandcompliance, that specialize in audits and certifications. They can guide you through the entire process, so you are well-prepared for the audit. Visit brandcompliance.com for more information.
