What are the consequences of not reporting a data breach?

Asked by: Ara Ruecker  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (53 votes)

Under notification can result in fines and penalties due to negligence and non-compliance. These data breach fines can draw negative attention to your brand in the news and can lead to decrease in trust from your customers, third-party relationships, investors, and regulators.

What happens if a data breach is not reported?

The GDPR introduced a duty on all organisations to report certain types of personal data breaches to the relevant supervisory authority. Failing to do so can result in heavy fines and penalties and an investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

What is the penalty for data breach?

The DPDP Act aims to combat this with strict data protection laws and penalties up to ₹250 Crores for non-compliance with data breach prevention measures.

What are three types of consequences that can result from a security breach?

Some of the more damaging consequences of data breach include:
  • Data Breach Consequences: The Toll on Financial Loss. ...
  • Consequences of Data Breach: The Impact on Reputational Damage. ...
  • Data Breach Consequences: The Disruptive Effect of Operational Downtime. ...
  • Consequences of Data Breach: Legal Implications and Actions.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with data protection?

The risks of GDPR non-compliance include financial penalties of up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover, depending on the violation's severity. Reputational damage may occur from negative publicity and loss of customer trust, particularly if data subject rights are violated.

Data Breach 13: What Are The Consequences Of A Data Breach?

37 related questions found

What are the 3 consequences for non-compliance?

Organizations must ensure they understand and adhere to applicable measures to avoid any potential repercussions. Answer: Non-compliance with sanctions regulations can result in fines, criminal proceedings, and damaged reputations, affecting businesses' credibility and performance.

How long do we have to report a data breach?

How much time do we have to report a breach? You must report a notifiable breach to the ICO without undue delay, but not later than 72 hours after becoming aware of it.

Which is a likely consequence of a data breach?

Data breaches can affect the brand's reputation and cause the company to lose customers. Breaches can damage and corrupt databases. Data breaches also can have legal and compliance consequences. Data breaches also can significantly impact individuals, causing loss of privacy and, in some cases, identity theft.

What are the possible consequences of a breach of data protection?

In addition to the legal consequences of a data protection breach, companies may also suffer reputational damage. A data protection breach can erode consumer trust in your company, leading to a loss of custom or revenue.

What are the unwanted consequences of failing to keep information secure?

Data breaches can have severe consequences for both individuals and organisations, including financial loss, damage to reputation, loss of trust, and legal implications. Therefore, it is essential for individuals and organisations to take measures to prevent data breaches and respond appropriately if one occurs.

Am I personally liable for a data breach?

State and federal data privacy laws in the U.S. do not impose civil liabilities in the event of a cyber intrusion. Typically, liability is imposed if the following conditions exist: An entity failed to implement safeguards required by statute or reasonable security measures.

Is data breach a felony?

Hackers and cybercriminals can face criminal charges like computer fraud, identity theft, and wrongful disclosure, which may lead to jail sentences. Depending on the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction, the hacking itself may be classified as a misdemeanor (less serious) or a felony (more serious).

Can you get in trouble for a data breach?

What could happen if I am convicted? As breaching section 170(1) is a criminal offence, your employer or the individuals whose data have been breached may report you to the police. This could lead to you being charged and prosecuted.

What is the penalty for data breaches?

GDPR penalties and fines
  • Issuing warnings and reprimands;
  • Imposing a temporary or permanent ban on data processing;
  • Ordering the rectification, restriction or erasure of data; and.
  • Suspending data transfers to third countries.

What is the penalty for data breach in the US?

Violations of HIPAA can include criminal penalties, including up to ten years imprisonment in certain cases. The CCPA provides for a private right of action for certain data breaches, including potential statutory damages of up to USD 750 per consumer per incident.

What are the legal actions after data breach?

Data breach lawsuits

Plaintiffs typically seek damages for unauthorized charges, damage to credit, cost of credit monitoring, cost of replacement credit cards, time and expenses incurred to investigate, and emotional distress.

What happens if you don't follow the Data Protection Act?

For serious breaches of the data protection principles, we have the power to issue fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of your annual worldwide turnover, whichever is higher. In line with our regulatory action policy, we take a risk-based approach to enforcement.

What are the consequences of breaches?

Some breaches are civil and can result in monetary penalties. Some breaches are criminal, and can result in monetary fines and/or jail time.

Do I need to report a data breach?

At a glance

You must do this within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, where feasible. If the breach is likely to result in a high risk of adversely affecting individuals' rights and freedoms, you must also inform those individuals without undue delay.

What type of crime is a data breach?

The terms "data breach" and "breach" are often used interchangeably with "cyberattack." However, not all cyberattacks are data breaches. Data breaches include only those security breaches where someone gains unauthorized access to data.

How long does a company have to notify you of a data breach?

Notice must be made without unreasonable delay, but no later than 60 days following discovery of the breach. Notification is not required if an investigation determines there is no reasonable likelihood of harm to affected individuals.

What happens if a company doesn't report a data breach?

Equally risky is under-reporting data breaches. By missing notification requirements, organizations may face significant fines and penalties.

What are the consequences of a data breach?

Perhaps the biggest long-term consequence of a cybersecurity data breach is the loss of customer trust. Your customers share their sensitive information with businesses like yours assuming you have the proper security measures in place to protect their data.

What are the breach reporting rules?

All breach notifications must be reported within 30 days of the day you first have (or ought to have) reasonable grounds to believe there has been a 'significant' breach of the Code.