Your 8-Step Path to GDPR Compliance
Complete implementation roadmap for achieving GDPR compliance. From data mapping to breach response, this guide walks you through every requirement with practical timelines and expert guidance.
GDPR Implementation Timeline
GDPR has been in effect since 2018, but many organizations still need comprehensive compliance programs. Most implementations take 4-8 months for full compliance.
Weeks 1-3
Data Mapping & Assessment
Weeks 4-10
Legal Basis & Privacy Policies
Weeks 11-20
Rights & Security Implementation
Week 21+
Governance & Monitoring
Proven Standards Framework for GDPR Compliance
ENISA recommends building GDPR compliance on established international standards. This structured approach provides clear implementation guidance while ensuring comprehensive privacy protection.
ENISA Guidance - EU Authority Recommendation
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) provides authoritative guidance on implementing GDPR requirements using international standards. This framework ensures alignment with EU regulatory expectations and implementation best practices.
Privacy Information Management
Build formal privacy governance framework
ISO/IEC 27701 PIMS (Primary)
Privacy Information Management System extending ISO 27001 with privacy-specific controls for comprehensive GDPR alignment.
- • Privacy governance and risk management
- • Data subject rights implementation framework
- • Privacy by design and default controls
- • Incident management for privacy breaches
ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS (Foundation)
Information Security Management System providing governance backbone for privacy protection.
- • Risk-based management approach
- • Continuous improvement cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
- • Management commitment and resource allocation
ISO/IEC 27002 Security Controls
Detailed security controls for Article 32 "Security of Processing" requirements.
- • Access control and authentication
- • Encryption and data protection
- • Vulnerability management
Best for: Large organizations, public authorities, or entities requiring formal certification and comprehensive privacy governance frameworks.
Privacy Impact Assessment
Systematic risk assessment for high-risk processing
ISO/IEC 29134 DPIA (Core)
Structured Privacy Impact Assessment methodology aligning with GDPR Article 35 requirements.
- • Systematic risk identification and assessment
- • High-risk processing activity evaluation
- • Mitigation measures and residual risk management
- • Stakeholder consultation framework
Privacy by Design Integration
Proactive privacy protection built into systems and processes from inception.
- • Privacy as the default setting
- • End-to-end security lifecycle
- • User-centric design principles
ENISA Guidelines Application
EU-specific interpretation and practical implementation guidance.
- • Regulatory authority expectations
- • Best practices from EU case studies
- • Cross-border transfer requirements
Best for: Organizations with high-risk processing activities, innovative data use cases, or complex data sharing arrangements requiring detailed risk assessment.
Complete GDPR Implementation Roadmap
Follow these 8 proven steps to achieve full GDPR compliance. Each step builds on the previous one, ensuring you create a comprehensive privacy program that protects personal data and meets regulatory requirements.
1. Establish ISO 27701 PIMS Foundation
Build Privacy Information Management System extending your ISO 27001 framework
Key Actions
- Implement ISO 27701 PIMS controls building on ISO 27001 foundation
- Map all personal data processing activities per ISO 27701 requirements
- Document data flows and processing purposes with PIMS methodology
- Establish privacy governance structure per PIMS framework
Available Tools
Real Examples
2. Establish Legal Basis for Processing
Ensure you have valid legal grounds for collecting and using personal data
Key Actions
- Identify legal basis for each type of data processing
- Update privacy policies with clear legal basis statements
- Implement consent mechanisms where needed
- Document legitimate interests assessments
Available Tools
Real Examples
3. Implement Data Subject Rights
Set up processes to handle individual requests about their personal data
Key Actions
- Create procedures for access requests (right to know)
- Set up data rectification and erasure processes
- Implement data portability for data export
- Establish objection and restriction handling
Available Tools
Real Examples
4. Implement Privacy by Design with ISO 29134
Build privacy protection using structured DPIA methodology
Key Actions
- Implement ISO 29134 Privacy Impact Assessment methodology
- Apply privacy-friendly defaults per ISO 27701 PIMS controls
- Implement data minimization using structured risk assessment
- Set up automatic data retention per ISO 27701 guidelines
Available Tools
Real Examples
5. Implement ISO 27001/27002 Security Controls
Secure personal data per Article 32 using proven security framework
Key Actions
- Apply ISO 27002 security controls for personal data protection
- Implement encryption in transit and at rest per ISO 27001 requirements
- Establish access controls using ISO 27002 guidelines
- Conduct regular security assessments per ISO 27001 methodology
Available Tools
Real Examples
6. Manage Third-Party Processors
Ensure vendors and partners also protect personal data properly
Key Actions
- List all vendors who process personal data
- Sign data processing agreements (DPAs) with each vendor
- Assess vendor security and privacy practices
- Monitor vendor compliance regularly
Available Tools
Real Examples
7. Set Up Data Governance
Create oversight and accountability for data protection across your organization
Key Actions
- Appoint a Data Protection Officer (if required)
- Assign data protection responsibilities to staff
- Create regular privacy compliance reviews
- Document all data protection policies and procedures
Available Tools
Real Examples
8. Prepare for Data Breaches
Create processes to detect, respond to, and report data breaches within 72 hours
Key Actions
- Define what counts as a personal data breach
- Create step-by-step breach response procedures
- Set up 72-hour reporting to supervisory authorities
- Prepare breach notification templates for data subjects
Available Tools
Real Examples
GDPR Quick Reference
Key deadlines, requirements, and penalties at a glance
Critical Deadlines
- • 72 hours: Breach notification to authorities
- • 1 month: Respond to data subject requests
- • 2 months: Extended response for complex requests
- • Ongoing: Continuous compliance required
Core Requirements
- • Lawful basis for data processing
- • Data subject rights implementation
- • Privacy by design and default
- • Data protection impact assessments
- • Breach notification procedures
Maximum Penalties
- • Tier 2: €20M or 4% revenue
- • Tier 1: €10M or 2% revenue
- • Data processing bans
- • Individual compensation claims
Supporting Tools and Resources
Everything you need to implement and maintain GDPR compliance
ISO 27701 PIMS Mapper
Map GDPR requirements to ISO 27701 privacy controls
Privacy Policy Generator
Create compliant privacy policies for your website
Cookie Checker
Audit your website cookies for GDPR compliance
Data Audit Tool
Comprehensive audit of your data processing activities
Breach Response Kit
Templates for 72-hour breach notification requirements
DPO Assessment
Check if you need a Data Protection Officer