breach notification
Definition
Breach notification is the legal requirement to tell people when their private information has been exposed, stolen, or accessed without permission. Most states and federal laws give you a specific window of time to notify affected customers and sometimes government agencies after you discover a data breach.
Example
If a hacker breaks into your customer database and steals email addresses and credit card numbers, you are legally required to contact every affected customer within a set number of days, often 30 to 72 hours depending on your state and industry.
Watch Out
Missing the notification deadline can trigger significant government fines on top of the damage your business already suffered from the breach itself.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.