Incident Response Plan Template for Austria

An Incident Response Plan maps out exactly how your organization will detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents and data breaches. Under Austria's Data Protection Act (DSG) and EU GDPR requirements, having this plan ready helps companies act quickly and legally when facing cyber threats or data compromises.

The plan spells out who takes charge during an incident, what steps teams must follow, and how to communicate with authorities like the Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB). It includes specific procedures for containing breaches, documenting evidence, notifying affected individuals, and getting systems back to normal operations - all while staying compliant with Austrian reporting deadlines and documentation rules.

Your Incident Response Plan becomes crucial the moment you detect or suspect a data breach, cyber attack, or security incident. Austrian organizations need to activate their plans immediately when discovering unauthorized system access, data theft, ransomware, or other security compromises that could affect personal data.

The plan guides your response during the first critical hours - helping you meet the DSG's 72-hour breach notification requirement, preserve evidence for investigations, and protect both customer data and company assets. It's especially vital for regulated sectors like healthcare and financial services, where rapid, documented responses can mean the difference between minor disruption and major legal consequences.

• Basic IRPs handle everyday security incidents and standard data breaches, focusing on meeting Austria's DSG notification requirements
• Enterprise-level plans add detailed procedures for complex cyber attacks, including coordination with Austria's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Industry-specific IRPs contain specialized protocols for sectors like banking (following FMA guidelines) or healthcare (addressing patient data protection)
• Technical IRPs emphasize IT system recovery and forensics, particularly useful for technology companies and data centers
• Crisis management IRPs integrate broader business continuity planning and stakeholder communications during major incidents

• Data Protection Officers (DPOs): Lead the development and maintenance of Incident Response Plans, ensuring compliance with Austrian data protection laws
• IT Security Teams: Execute technical response procedures and implement security measures during incidents
• Legal Departments: Review plans for DSG compliance and manage communication with the Austrian Data Protection Authority
• Department Managers: Ensure staff understand and follow incident reporting procedures within their units
• External Security Consultants: Provide expertise in plan development and incident handling, especially for smaller organizations
• Company Management: Approve plans and make critical decisions during major security incidents

• Asset Inventory: Map out your critical systems, data types, and where sensitive information is stored
• Team Structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and contact details for your incident response team
• Legal Requirements: Document Austrian DSG and GDPR breach notification timelines and reporting procedures
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities specific to your organization
• Response Procedures: Create step-by-step protocols for different incident types
• Communication Templates: Prepare notification drafts for authorities, affected individuals, and media
• Testing Schedule: Plan regular drills and updates to keep the plan current and effective

• Incident Classification: Clear definitions of security incidents and data breaches under DSG guidelines
• Response Team Structure: Detailed roles and contact information for key personnel, including DPO designation
• Notification Procedures: Specific timelines and processes for reporting to the Austrian DPA within 72 hours
• Documentation Requirements: Templates for recording incident details, actions taken, and impact assessment
• Data Recovery Protocols: Steps for system restoration and data protection during recovery
• Communication Guidelines: Templates for notifying affected individuals in compliance with Article 34 GDPR
• Review Mechanisms: Schedule for regular plan updates and post-incident evaluation procedures

An Incident Response Plan differs significantly from a Business Continuity Plan in both scope and timing. While both documents help organizations handle disruptions, they serve distinct purposes under Austrian law.

• Focus and Timing: Incident Response Plans specifically address immediate security incidents and data breaches, guiding the first 72 hours of response. Business Continuity Plans cover broader operational disruptions and long-term recovery strategies.
• Legal Requirements: Incident Response Plans must meet specific DSG and GDPR breach notification requirements. Business Continuity Plans have fewer direct regulatory obligations but are crucial for overall risk management.
• Team Structure: Incident Response Plans center on security and data protection teams, including DPOs. Business Continuity Plans involve broader stakeholders across all business functions.
• Documentation Needs: Incident Response Plans require detailed incident logging and breach notification templates. Business Continuity Plans focus on operational procedures and recovery strategies.