tiktok���˰�

A Data Breach Notification Procedure outlines the exact steps an organization must take when sensitive data gets exposed or stolen. Under Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), companies need to alert both the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and affected individuals within 72 hours of discovering a breach.

The procedure specifies who needs to be contacted, what information to include in notifications, and how to document the incident. It also covers key requirements like describing the nature of the breach, its likely consequences, and the measures taken to address it. Following these steps helps organizations comply with Saudi cybersecurity regulations while protecting their reputation and their customers' trust.

Use a Data Breach Notification Procedure immediately after discovering any unauthorized access to sensitive data, from hacking incidents to lost devices containing customer information. The 72-hour notification window required by Saudi Arabia's PDPL makes having this procedure ready essential—you can't afford to create it during a crisis.

Put this procedure into action when employee data gets compromised, customer records are exposed, or any security incident affects personal information stored in your systems. Financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government contractors in Saudi Arabia need it most frequently, as they handle large volumes of sensitive data subject to strict SDAIA oversight and reporting requirements.

• Basic Notification Procedure: Covers the essential SDAIA reporting requirements and 72-hour timeline for general businesses in Saudi Arabia
• Healthcare-Specific Protocol: Includes additional steps for protected health information and specialized medical data breach reporting
• Financial Services Version: Features enhanced requirements for banking data, payment information, and coordination with SAMA guidelines
• Government Entity Protocol: Incorporates classified information handling and inter-agency notification requirements
• Critical Infrastructure Procedure: Details specialized steps for energy, utilities, and defense sector breaches with national security implications

• Legal Compliance Teams: Draft and maintain the procedure, ensuring it aligns with SDAIA requirements and Saudi data protection laws
• IT Security Departments: Monitor for breaches, document technical details, and initiate the notification process
• Executive Leadership: Approve the procedure and make critical decisions during breach incidents
• Data Protection Officers: Oversee implementation and coordinate with SDAIA when breaches occur
• Department Managers: Train staff on the procedure and report potential breaches within their units
• Communications Teams: Handle public relations and craft notification messages to affected individuals

• Map Your Data: Document all systems storing personal information and classify data sensitivity levels
• Define Response Team: List key personnel, their roles, and contact details for rapid incident response
• Set Time Frames: Create a timeline meeting SDAIA's 72-hour notification requirement
• Draft Templates: Prepare notification messages in Arabic and English for different breach scenarios
• Document Procedures: Detail step-by-step incident assessment and reporting processes
• Test the Plan: Run simulations to identify gaps and ensure team readiness
• Review Compliance: Verify alignment with PDPL requirements and industry standards

• Breach Definition: Clear criteria for what constitutes a data breach under PDPL guidelines
• Response Timeline: Explicit 72-hour notification requirement and documentation steps
• Incident Classification: Categories of breaches and corresponding notification requirements
• Authority Contacts: SDAIA notification procedures and required contact information
• Data Subject Rights: Procedures for notifying affected individuals in Arabic and English
• Documentation Protocol: Requirements for recording breach details and response actions
• Remediation Steps: Mandatory actions to contain and address the breach
• Compliance Statement: Confirmation of adherence to Saudi cybersecurity regulations

A Data Breach Notification Procedure differs significantly from a Data Breach Response Plan in both scope and timing. While they work together, each serves a distinct purpose under Saudi Arabia's PDPL framework.

• Focus and Scope: The Notification Procedure specifically outlines communication requirements and deadlines for alerting SDAIA and affected individuals. The Response Plan covers the broader incident management strategy, including technical remediation and business continuity.
• Timing of Use: Notification Procedures activate immediately when a breach is confirmed, driving the crucial 72-hour compliance window. Response Plans guide the entire incident lifecycle, from detection through recovery.
• Content Detail: Notification Procedures detail message templates, contact chains, and documentation requirements. Response Plans include technical procedures, team responsibilities, and long-term security improvements.
• Legal Requirements: SDAIA mandates specific notification elements, while response planning allows more organizational flexibility within cybersecurity guidelines.