ISO 27001 vs. NEN 7510 - what are the differences?
Both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 deal with information security. Both standards help organizations manage risks and protect data properly. Yet they are still often mixed up.
Basically, they are similar, but the NEN 7510 is specifically aimed at the healthcare sector in the Netherlands. The ISO 27001 is the international standard used in all sectors. So the difference is mainly in the scope and additional requirements.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security. The standard describes how to set up an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This gives you a grip on risks, processes and responsibilities.
The ISO 27001 standard consists of requirements for policy, risk management, internal audits, improvement measures and the role of management. The goal is to make information security a structural part of your business operations.
An organization that meets all requirements can obtain ISO certification. This shows that you have information security demonstrably and continuously in order.
What is NEN 7510?
NEN 7510 is the Dutch standard for information security in healthcare. The standard is based on ISO 27001, but contains additional requirements specific to the healthcare sector.
The reason: sensitive medical data of patients is handled in healthcare. The protection of this data requires additional safeguards. NEN 7510 therefore describes additional management measures for, among other things, access to patient information, logging and compliance with the AVG.
Healthcare organizations and their suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with NEN 7510. A NEN 7510 certification shows that the organization handles health information with care.
The main differences between ISO 27001 and NEN 7510
Although NEN 7510 builds on ISO 27001, there are some obvious differences:
How do they relate to each other?
ISO 27001 is the basis. NEN 7510 is a deepening of that, so to speak.
An organization that has already implemented ISO 27001 often largely meets the requirements of NEN 7510. You then only need to implement the additional healthcare-specific components.
Conversely, those who are NEN 7510 certified automatically comply with the key elements of ISO 27001. That's why both certifications are often performed together, in one track and with one combined NEN 7510 audit.
The role of risk analysis
Both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 revolve around risk management. A good ISO 27001 risk analysis or NEN 7510 risk analysis forms the core of the management system. With ISO 27001, the focus is on business risks: how do threats affect the continuity and reliability of your organization? With NEN 7510, the focus is on patient safety and the confidentiality of medical information. Consider situations where inappropriate access to data can have direct consequences for the provision of care.
Which standard applies to you?
- Do you work in healthcare or process medical data for healthcare institutions? Then NEN 7510 certification is mandatory or highly recommended.
- Do you work in another sector, or want to demonstrably meet customer and legislative requirements? Then ISO 27001 is the right choice.
Some organizations deliberately choose both certificates. This way you demonstrate that you not only meet the international standard, but also the specific Dutch healthcare standard.
Getting a practical start with ISO or NEN
Want to know which standard best suits your organization or where you are now? A short baseline measurement or consultancy will give you insight into the steps required. Whether you opt for ISO advice or guidance towards a NEN 7510 certificate, it always revolves around the same thing: grip on information security, risks and trust of customers and partners.
Need help with ISO 27001 or NEN 7510?
Not sure yet which standard is relevant to your organization? Schedule a free, no-obligation 45-minute consultation. Together we will look at your situation and provide practical advice on ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 certification.
Our News & Insights page also features helpful articles on information security, auditing and risk management in various industries.
By February 20, 2027, healthcare organizations must comply with NEN 7510:2024. With this checklist you can see at a glance where you already comply and where there is still work to be done. In this way you can prepare step by step for the new requirements, without surprises during the next audit.
