D-SEAL FRAMEWORK A complete framework for IT security and responsible data use
D-Seal (D-mærket) is Denmark's certification scheme for IT security and responsible data use – the first of its kind in the world to combine both disciplines in a single certification. We have mapped all eight criteria into a clear, action-oriented framework with automated compliance tracking and integration with your existing security standards.
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Complete D-Seal framework covering all 8 certification criteria
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Tailored to your company group (I–IV) – only see the requirements that apply to you
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Real-time compliance tracking shows exactly where you stand with D-Seal
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Reuses existing ISO 27001, NIS2 and GDPR tasks – avoid duplicate work
D-Seal Framework D-Seal's Eight Criteria:
Our D-Seal Framework covers the full certification, structured around eight criteria – four mandatory for all companies, and four conditional based on your business activities.
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1. Management Governance & Leadership Anchoring (Mandatory)
Ensure IT security and responsible data use are anchored at management level with clear policies, roles, responsibilities and risk management processes.
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2. Security Awareness & Safe Behaviour (Mandatory)
Establish a culture of security awareness through training, guidelines and ongoing employee engagement to reduce human-factor risks.
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3. Technical IT Security (Mandatory)
Implement appropriate technical security measures including access control, network security, encryption, logging, patch management and incident response. -
4. Data Transparency & Control (Mandatory)
Ensure transparency about data collection, processing and sharing. Provide individuals with control over their personal data in line with GDPR and beyond. -
5. Vendor IT Security Requirements (Conditional)
If you use vendors for personal or business-critical data processing, ensure they meet adequate IT security and responsible data use standards. -
6. Privacy & Security by Design and Default (Conditional)
If you develop software, build privacy and security into the development lifecycle from the outset – not as an afterthought. -
7. Reliable Algorithms & AI (Conditional)
If you develop or use algorithms or AI, ensure they are transparent, fair, explainable and subject to appropriate human oversight. -
8. Data Ethics (Conditional)
Establish and communicate a data ethics policy addressing responsible data use beyond legal requirements – primarily applicable to Groups II–IV.
D-SEAL FRAMEWORK Tailor your D-Seal compliance strategy
D-Seal is available to any Danish company with a CVR number, but requirements are proportionate to your size and complexity. The certification groups your company into one of four categories:
How to design your D-Seal framework:
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Determine your company group (I–IV) based on employees and revenue
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Identify which conditional criteria apply to your business activities
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Focus on areas where you have gaps – leverage existing compliance work
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Complete the self-assessment and prepare documentation for audit
D-Seal Framework Who Can Get D-Seal Certified?
Any company with a Danish CVR number can pursue D-Seal certification, from small consultancies to large financial institutions. Companies are categorised into four groups based on size:
Group I: 0–9 employees, revenue up to DKK 7.9 million – small service and consulting firms
Group II: 10–49 employees, revenue DKK 8–155.9 million – small manufacturers, local utilities
Group III: 50–249 employees, revenue DKK 156–313 million – regional utilities, larger manufacturers
Group IV: 250–999 employees, revenue over DKK 313 million – national enterprises, financial institutions
Certification process: Self-assessment → Audit request → Auditor review → Certification → Annual renewal. Valid for one year.
D-SEAL FRAMEWORK Leverage synergies with existing compliance frameworks
D-Seal is built on internationally recognised standards and aligns closely with frameworks you may already be working with. Leverage your existing compliance investments:
Framework Synergies:
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Existing security controls satisfy multiple D-Seal criteria simultaneously
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Documentation and processes can be reused across frameworks
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D-Seal explicitly aligns with NIS2 requirements through a dedicated module
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ISO 27001 certification simplifies the D-Seal self-assessment significantly
Examples of overlapping frameworks:
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ISO 27001
Information security management and risk assessment processes map directly to D-Seal's management governance and technical IT security criteria. Existing ISO 27001 certification simplifies the self-assessment considerably.Go to framework -
NIS2
D-Seal offers a dedicated NIS2 module that adds seven additional requirement areas including incident management, cryptographic safeguards, network segmentation and resilience testing.Go to framework -
GDPR
D-Seal's data transparency and control criteria extend beyond GDPR into data ethics and responsible data use. Existing GDPR compliance provides a strong foundation for meeting D-Seal requirements.Go to framework
Our Customers
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Bech-Bruun
Mikkel Friis Rossa (Partner)
Fenerum
Rasmus Boutrup (Financial Controller)
Lægeforeningen
Michael Berner (Lawyer)
Molecule Consultancy
Nanna Rodian Christensen (HR & Operational Manager)
Bech-Bruun
Mikkel Friis Rossa (Partner)
Fenerum
Rasmus Boutrup (Financial Controller)
Lægeforeningen
Michael Berner (Lawyer)
Molecule Consultancy
Nanna Rodian Christensen (HR & Operational Manager)
Novicell
Julie Oxenvad (Legal Consultant)
Min By Media
Tinna Schultz (HR Manager)
DMJX
Kaspar Rochholz (GDPR Coordinator)
Axel Kaufmann ApS
Julie Lundkvist Andreasen (Lawyer and Head of Costumer Service)
Novicell
Julie Oxenvad (Legal Consultant)
Min By Media
Tinna Schultz (HR Manager)
DMJX
Kaspar Rochholz (GDPR Coordinator)
Axel Kaufmann ApS
Julie Lundkvist Andreasen (Lawyer and Head of Costumer Service)
.legal Compliance Hub
Read all about .legals compliance on our compliance hub.
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ISAE 3402
ISAE 3402 statementGet a copy of .legal A/S's latest ISAE3402 (type 2) IT security statement
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ISAE 3000
ISAE 3000 statementGet a copy of .legal A/S's latest ISAE3000 (type 2) statement of our GDPR compliance
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Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
Data processing agreementFind .legal A/S's data processing agreement here.
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IT security
IT Security MeasuresAll .legal A/S's implemented and approved IT security measures are described here.
Frequently Asked Questions about D-Seal Certification
What is D-Seal (D-mærket)?
D-Seal is Denmark's certification scheme for IT security and responsible data use – the first of its kind in the world to combine both disciplines in a single certification. It is issued by an independent organisation backed by major Danish business associations including Dansk Erhverv, Dansk Industri and Forbrugerrådet Tænk.
Who can get D-Seal certified?
Any company with a Danish CVR number can pursue D-Seal certification, from small consultancies to large financial institutions. Companies are grouped into four categories (I–IV) based on number of employees and revenue, with proportionate requirements for each group.
What are the eight D-Seal criteria?
D-Seal has four mandatory criteria for all companies: (1) Management governance and leadership anchoring, (2) Security awareness and safe behaviour, (3) Technical IT security, and (4) Data transparency and control. Four conditional criteria apply based on business activities: (5) Vendor IT security requirements, (6) Privacy and Security by Design, (7) Reliable algorithms and AI, and (8) Data ethics.
How much does D-Seal certification cost?
Pricing depends on your company group: Group I (0–9 employees) costs DKK 5,000, Group II (10–49 employees) DKK 15,000, Group III (50–249 employees) DKK 37,000, and Group IV (250–999 employees) DKK 69,750. All prices exclude VAT. A NIS2 module is available for Groups III and IV at additional cost.
How does D-Seal relate to NIS2 and ISO 27001?
D-Seal aligns closely with both frameworks. It offers a dedicated NIS2 module adding seven additional requirement areas. Existing ISO 27001 certification significantly simplifies the D-Seal self-assessment process. D-Seal extends beyond these frameworks by also covering data ethics, AI reliability and responsible data use.
What is the D-Seal certification process?
The process has five steps: (1) Self-assessment to determine your group and applicable criteria, (2) Audit request with documentation submission, (3) Auditor review with dialogue-based assessment, (4) Certification and receipt of the D-Seal mark, and (5) Annual renewal. The certification is valid for one year.
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