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A Data Breach Notification Procedure outlines the exact steps an organization must take when personal data has been compromised or exposed. Under Austrian data protection law, companies need to notify both the Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) and affected individuals within 72 hours of discovering a breach.

The procedure spells out who needs to be informed, what details to include in notifications, and how to assess the breach's severity. It covers reporting chains, documentation requirements, and specific actions to protect affected parties. Austrian organizations must ensure their procedure aligns with both the EU's GDPR and local DSB guidelines, including special provisions for sensitive data like health records or financial information.

Organizations need to activate their Data Breach Notification Procedure immediately when they discover unauthorized access to personal data or suspect a data leak. This could happen through cyberattacks, lost devices, misdirected emails, or when employees accidentally expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

Under Austrian law, time is critical - you have just 72 hours to notify the DSB once a breach is discovered. The procedure guides your response during this crucial period, helping you meet legal obligations while protecting affected individuals. It's especially important when dealing with sensitive data like medical records, financial information, or large-scale breaches that could harm multiple data subjects.

• Standard DSB Notification: Designed for reporting breaches to Austria's Data Protection Authority, focusing on mandatory details like breach timing, affected data types, and mitigation steps
• Individual Notification Template: Crafted for communicating directly with affected data subjects, using clear language to explain risks and protective measures
• High-Risk Breach Protocol: Contains enhanced documentation and response steps for breaches involving sensitive personal data or large-scale exposures
• Internal Response Procedure: Details the organization's internal escalation chain, roles, and responsibilities during breach management
• Cross-Border Notification Format: Specialized for Austrian organizations handling data breaches affecting individuals in multiple EU countries

• Data Protection Officers (DPOs): Lead the development and maintenance of Data Breach Notification Procedures, ensuring compliance with Austrian DSB requirements
• IT Security Teams: Implement technical aspects, monitor systems, and provide crucial breach detection and analysis support
• Legal Departments: Review and validate procedures to ensure alignment with GDPR and Austrian data protection laws
• Department Managers: Train staff on procedures and serve as first points of contact when breaches occur
• External Auditors: Review procedures during compliance assessments and certifications
• Austrian Data Protection Authority: Receives notifications and evaluates organizational compliance with reporting requirements

• Data Inventory: Map out what types of personal data your organization processes and where it's stored
• Response Team: Identify key personnel and their roles in breach response, including DPO and IT security leads
• Contact Lists: Compile emergency contacts for the DSB, affected departments, and external service providers
• Risk Assessment: Document criteria for evaluating breach severity and impact on data subjects
• Communication Templates: Create notification drafts for both the DSB and affected individuals
• Testing Protocol: Establish how and when to conduct procedure simulations and updates
• Documentation System: Set up a secure method to record all breach-related actions and decisions

• Breach Definition: Clear criteria for what constitutes a data breach under Austrian law and GDPR
• Detection Protocol: Specific steps for identifying and confirming potential breaches
• Notification Timeline: 72-hour reporting requirement to DSB and process for timely individual notifications
• Risk Assessment Framework: Criteria for evaluating breach severity and impact on data subjects
• Documentation Requirements: Mandatory record-keeping procedures for breach incidents and responses
• Response Team Structure: Defined roles, responsibilities, and contact information
• Communication Templates: Pre-approved formats for DSB notifications and affected party communications
• Review Mechanism: Schedule and process for updating procedures based on incidents and regulations

A Data Breach Notification Procedure is often confused with a Data Breach Response Plan, but they serve distinct purposes in Austrian data protection compliance. While both deal with data breaches, their scope and application differ significantly.

• Focus and Timing: A Notification Procedure specifically outlines the process for informing authorities and affected parties within the mandatory 72-hour window. A Response Plan covers the broader incident management, including containment and recovery steps.
• Document Scope: Notification Procedures concentrate on communication requirements, documentation, and reporting chains. Response Plans include technical measures, forensics, and long-term remediation strategies.
• Legal Requirements: Notification Procedures must strictly follow DSB and GDPR notification requirements. Response Plans have more flexibility in their structure while meeting general data protection obligations.
• Primary Users: Notification Procedures are mainly used by DPOs and legal teams. Response Plans involve wider stakeholders, including IT security, operations, and management.