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An Incident Response Plan maps out exactly how your organization will detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents and data breaches. Under Irish data protection law and the GDPR, having this plan ready isn't just good practice - it's essential for meeting your obligations to protect personal data and notify authorities within 72 hours of discovering a breach.

The plan spells out who does what during a crisis, from your IT team's first response through to notifying the Data Protection Commission and affected individuals. It includes step-by-step procedures, contact details for key personnel, and templates for breach notifications. Regular testing and updates keep the plan current and ensure your team can act quickly when minutes matter.

Your Incident Response Plan kicks into action the moment you discover or suspect a data breach or security incident. This could be anything from detecting unauthorized system access to finding that an employee's laptop with sensitive data was stolen. Under Irish law and GDPR, you must respond swiftly - especially given the 72-hour notification requirement to the Data Protection Commission.

Use the plan immediately when ransomware hits your systems, after discovering compromised customer data, or if you spot unusual network activity. It guides your team through critical first steps, helps maintain compliance, and ensures you're documenting everything properly. Having this plan ready means you won't waste precious time figuring out who to call or what to do during a crisis.

• Basic Response Plan: Outlines fundamental incident detection, response steps, and recovery procedures - suitable for small to medium businesses handling standard personal data under GDPR
• Enterprise-Level Plan: Comprehensive framework with detailed protocols for multiple incident types, designed for large organizations with complex data processing operations
• Industry-Specific Plans: Tailored for sectors like healthcare (including HSE requirements), financial services (with Central Bank guidelines), or technology companies
• Data Breach-Focused Plan: Specialized version emphasizing DPC notification procedures, customer communication protocols, and evidence preservation
• Critical Infrastructure Plan: Enhanced version for essential service providers, incorporating NIS Directive requirements and sector-specific incident reporting

• Data Protection Officers: Lead the development and maintenance of Incident Response Plans, ensuring GDPR compliance and coordination with the DPC
• IT Security Teams: Execute the technical aspects of the plan, including threat detection, system isolation, and forensic analysis
• Senior Management: Approve the plan, allocate resources, and make critical decisions during major incidents
• Legal Counsel: Review plan compliance with Irish law, advise on breach notifications, and manage legal exposure
• Department Heads: Implement procedures within their teams and report incidents through proper channels
• External Consultants: Provide specialized expertise in cybersecurity, forensics, and crisis communications when needed

• System Assessment: Map out your organization's critical data assets, systems, and potential vulnerabilities
• Team Structure: Define roles and responsibilities, including incident response coordinator, technical leads, and communications personnel
• Contact Details: Compile emergency contact information for key staff, IT vendors, and the Data Protection Commission
• Response Procedures: Document step-by-step protocols for different incident types, from ransomware to data breaches
• Communication Templates: Prepare draft notifications for stakeholders, authorities, and affected individuals
• Testing Schedule: Plan regular drills and updates to keep the plan current and effective
• Documentation Tools: Set up incident logging systems and evidence preservation procedures

• Incident Classification: Clear definitions of security incidents and data breaches aligned with GDPR and DPC guidance
• Response Timeline: Specific timeframes for detection, assessment, and mandatory 72-hour DPC notification
• Authority Chain: Defined decision-making hierarchy and delegation powers during incidents
• Data Inventory: Categorization of personal data types and processing activities under protection
• Notification Procedures: Templates and protocols for informing affected individuals and authorities
• Evidence Collection: Legal requirements for preserving incident-related documentation
• Recovery Protocols: Steps for system restoration and business continuity compliance
• Review Process: Schedule for regular plan updates and post-incident assessments

While an Incident Response Plan and a Data Breach Response Plan might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in your organization's security framework. An Incident Response Plan covers a broader range of security incidents, from cyber attacks to physical security breaches, while a Data Breach Response Plan focuses specifically on personal data compromises under GDPR.

• Scope of Coverage: Incident Response Plans address all security events including system outages, ransomware, and physical threats. Data Breach Response Plans only deal with personal data exposure.
• Regulatory Focus: Data Breach Response Plans center on GDPR compliance and DPC notification requirements, while Incident Response Plans include broader security standards and industry regulations.
• Team Structure: Incident Response Plans involve IT security, facilities management, and operations teams. Data Breach Response Plans primarily engage DPOs, legal teams, and data processors.
• Response Timing: Data Breach Response Plans emphasize the 72-hour notification window, while Incident Response Plans may have varying timelines based on incident type.