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A Data Breach Notification Procedure sets out the steps your organization must take when unauthorized access to sensitive information occurs. Under Australian Privacy law, businesses need to assess potential data breaches within 30 days and notify affected individuals and the Privacy Commissioner if serious harm is likely.

These procedures help organizations respond quickly and legally to security incidents by outlining who needs to be contacted, what evidence to gather, and how to prevent future breaches. They're especially crucial for companies handling personal information under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, which carries penalties up to $2.1 million for non-compliance.

Put your Data Breach Notification Procedure into action immediately after discovering unauthorized access to sensitive data. This includes scenarios like hacked databases, lost devices containing customer information, or employee mistakes that expose confidential records. Time is critical - Australian law requires organizations to assess potential breaches within 30 days.

Use this procedure when coordinating your response team, documenting incident details, and determining if the breach needs reporting to the Privacy Commissioner. It's particularly vital for breaches involving personal information, health records, or financial data where delayed action could lead to substantial penalties and reputational damage.

• Standard Response Procedures: Basic templates covering mandatory notification steps, incident assessment criteria, and communication protocols required by the Privacy Act
• Industry-Specific Procedures: Tailored versions for healthcare (including My Health Record requirements), financial services, and government agencies with sector-specific reporting obligations
• Multi-jurisdictional Procedures: Enhanced versions for organizations operating across Australian states or internationally, addressing varied reporting timeframes
• Small Business Procedures: Simplified versions focusing on essential compliance steps for organizations with annual turnover under $3 million
• High-Risk Data Procedures: Specialized versions for handling sensitive personal information, requiring additional security measures and stricter notification protocols

• Privacy Officers: Lead the creation and maintenance of Data Breach Notification Procedures, coordinate responses, and ensure compliance with the Privacy Act
• IT Security Teams: Help identify breach indicators, implement technical safeguards, and provide crucial incident details during notifications
• Legal Counsel: Review procedures for compliance, advise on notification requirements, and manage communication with regulators
• Executive Management: Approve procedures, allocate resources, and make final decisions on breach notifications
• Communications Teams: Handle external messaging, draft notification templates, and manage stakeholder communications during incidents

• Risk Assessment: Map out types of data your organization handles and potential breach scenarios specific to your operations
• Response Team: Identify key personnel, their roles, and contact details for quick activation during incidents
• Notification Triggers: Define clear criteria for what constitutes a serious data breach under Australian Privacy Principles
• Communication Templates: Draft notification messages for affected individuals, the Privacy Commissioner, and media statements
• Documentation Process: Create incident logs and assessment forms to record breach details, actions taken, and outcomes
• Testing Plan: Schedule regular drills to ensure your procedure works effectively when needed

• Breach Definition: Clear criteria for identifying reportable data breaches under the Privacy Act 1988
• Assessment Process: 30-day timeline and steps for evaluating potential breaches and their likelihood of causing serious harm
• Notification Requirements: Mandatory information for affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
• Response Team Structure: Defined roles, responsibilities, and contact details for key personnel
• Documentation Standards: Required records of breach incidents, investigations, and remedial actions
• Review Procedures: Regular assessment and update protocols to maintain compliance with current privacy laws

A Data Breach Notification Procedure differs significantly from a Data Breach Response Plan in both scope and application. While they work together, each serves a distinct purpose in your organization's data protection framework.

• Focus and Timing: Notification Procedures specifically outline the steps for alerting affected parties and regulators about a breach, while Response Plans cover the entire incident management process from detection to recovery
• Legal Requirements: Notification Procedures concentrate on meeting the Privacy Act's 30-day assessment and notification obligations, whereas Response Plans address broader operational and technical recovery measures
• Document Structure: Notification Procedures contain detailed communication templates and reporting criteria, while Response Plans include comprehensive incident containment strategies and business continuity measures
• Primary Users: Notification Procedures are mainly used by legal and compliance teams for regulatory reporting, while Response Plans guide IT and security teams through technical incident handling