What is data breach notification? Why do companies need to know about this today? If you want to be prepared if a data breach happens, then you also need to know this. So, read on.
What Is Data Breach Notification?
A data breach notification is a notice that is given to the data subjects whose personal data has been breached. It is also called a data breach report or a security incident notification.
Data breach notification is significant as notifying the data subjects whose personal data has been breached will help protect the affected individuals from identity theft. One of the reasons why there are many cases of identity theft is because most companies do not notify their clients or customers. Especially if they have been hacked and their data has been compromised.
Some laws and regulations require companies to notify their clients or customers that their personal information has been stolen or lost if there is a data breach. Data breach notification laws and regulations apply if the following conditions are met:
- The personal information of at least one individual is accessed by an unauthorized person; and
- Access to personal information causes some material damage or harm, e.g., identity theft, fraud.
Being notified that your personal information has been stolen or lost as a result of a data breach will give you time to take the necessary steps. This is to protect yourself from identity theft as well as other related crimes such as fraud.
Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft When You Are Notified Of A Data Breach
If you have been notified that your personal information has been breached by a partner company, then the company should provide you with a copy of its assessment. About how it protects your personal information and its assessment on what actions it will take to prevent another incident.
In addition to this, they must provide you with a copy of the actions they have already taken to recover from the incident. As well as prevent another incident from happening again. Then, they need to provide you with a copy of their written plan. One that describes what they have done to recover from the incident.
Be careful if you are not sure yet if your personal information has been stolen or lost due to a breach. You should know that there are companies that will ask for money in exchange for notifying you about the data breach.
So, be careful and take note that even if you are not sure if your personal information has been compromised, do not give any money to anyone. You should also always check first with the company. Ask if they have been hacked and if there is a data breach. If this is already the case, then it is highly recommended that you take action immediately. This is to avoid having your identity stolen.
Conclusion
As you can see, data breach notification is important. It will protect you from identity theft, fraud, and other related crimes. So, take time to learn more about this.
