A personal data breach means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal data. Personal data breaches can include:
- access by an unauthorized third party;
- deliberate or accidental action (or inaction) by a controller or processor;
- sending personal data to an incorrect recipient;
- computing devices containing personal data being lost or stolen;
- alteration of personal data without permission; and
- loss of availability of personal data.
Notifying DPI About the Data Breach
According to the GDPR in case of a security incident, it should be established whether personal data breach has occurred. If so, promptly take steps to address it, including telling the Data Protection Inspectorate (DPI) if required. In such a case, you need to establish the likelihood and severity of the risk to people’s rights and freedoms. If it’s likely that there will be a risk, then you must notify the DPI (the list of DPI in EU). If it’s the risk is unlikely, then you don’t have to report it. GDPR foresees that you record all breaches, regardless of whether or not they need to be reported to the DPI.
A notifiable breach must be reported to the DPI without undue delay, but not later than 72 hours after becoming aware of it. If you take longer than this, you must give reasons for the delay. When reporting a breach, the GDPR says you must provide:
- a description of the nature of the personal data breach including, where possible:
- the categories and approximate number of individuals concerned; and
- the categories and approximate number of personal data records concerned;
- the name and contact details of the DPO (if your organisation has one) or another contact point to obtain information;
- a description of the likely consequences of the personal data breach; and
- a description of the measures taken or proposed to be taken, to deal with the personal data breach. Also, including, where appropriate, the measures taken to mitigate any possible adverse effects.
Notifying Data Subject About the Data Breach
Some breaches are likely to result a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. In this case, company must inform these individuals directly and without undue delay. One of the main reasons for informing individuals is to help them take steps to protect themselves from the effects of a breach. You need to describe, in clear and plain language, the nature of the personal data breach and, at least:
- the name and contact details of your data protection officer (if your organisation has one) or another contact point where more information can be obtained;
- a description of the likely consequences of the personal data breach; and
- a description of the measures taken or proposed to be taken, to deal with the personal data breach and including, where appropriate, of the measures taken to mitigate any possible adverse effects.
Getting notified by Data Processor
If your organisation uses a data processor, and this processor suffers a breach, they must inform you without undue delay as soon as it becomes aware. The requirements for breach reporting should be detailed in the contract between you and your processor.
