What must organizations do in case of a data breach?

Organizations must notify affected individuals if required because this is a fundamental requirement under data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Upon discovering a data breach that poses a risk to individuals' rights and freedoms, the organization is obligated to communicate this to the affected individuals without undue delay. This notification empowers individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential harm, such as identity theft or fraud.

Transparency in managing data breaches is essential for maintaining trust and accountability, which are core principles of data protection laws. The requirement for notification also serves a regulatory purpose, enabling authorities to better understand and respond to incidents of data breaches across different organizations.

In contrast, ignoring a breach, limiting communication to authorities only when prompted, or attempting to cover up a breach are all contrary to the principles of good data governance and violate legal obligations, potentially leading to severe penalties and loss of trust.