Security check

GDPR personal data breach: meeting the 72-hour duty

GDPR requires a personal data breach to be notified to the supervisory authority within 72 hours. But most breaches start technically — an exposed database, a leaked key. We help you find them before they become a notification.

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Relates to: GDPR · art. 33–34 — personal data breach notification GDPR · art. 32 — security of processing NIS2 · art. 23

What we check

We help you on both sides of a personal data breach: the technical security measures (art. 32) that prevent leaks, and the detection capability to spot a breach in time for the 72-hour notification under art. 33.

Why it matters

A personal data breach can lead to notification, informing data subjects and administrative fines. The vast majority have a technical root — exposed storage, weak encryption, leaked credentials — and they're both predictable and fixable in advance.

How Security Guru tests it

Common mistakes

  • Focus on the notification routine but no technical preventive protections
  • Exposed database with personal data that no one monitors
  • No ability to detect the leak → the 72h deadline is missed
  • Unclear whether a breach even reached personal data (no logging)

What you get in the report

  • Technical risks that could cause a personal data breach
  • Detection capability assessed against the 72-hour deadline
  • Prioritised fix list to prevent leaks
  • Checklist and roles for art. 33/34 handling

FAQ

Is this legal advice?

No — we cover the technical side (art. 32 and detection for art. 33). The legal assessment of the notification duty rests with you or your DPO.

When must we notify?

Within 72 hours of becoming aware, if the breach is likely to result in a risk to data subjects. Detection decides when the clock starts.

Do you help during an ongoing incident?

Our strength is prevention and building the detection capability. We find the technical flaws before they become an incident.

Want to know your status?

Run a free scan or order a full Security Assessment — prioritised, not noise.

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