How should agencies respond to a significant data breach involving CJIS data?

Agencies should respond to a significant data breach involving Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) data by following the incident response plan and notifying appropriate authorities immediately. This response is critical for several reasons.

First, an incident response plan outlines the specific steps that an agency must take in the event of a data breach, ensuring that there is a structured and effective approach to managing the situation. This includes identifying the scope of the breach, containing it, assessing the damage, and mitigating further risks. Following the established protocol helps ensure that responses are prompt and organized, reducing potential harm.

Second, notifying appropriate authorities immediately is essential for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Different jurisdictions have specific laws regarding data breaches and reporting requirements, especially concerning sensitive information like CJIS data. Immediate notification can also facilitate an investigation, and help prevent further exposure of the data.

In terms of the other options, a public relations campaign might be a necessary subsequent step but does not address the immediate needs of safeguarding data and compliance. Shutting down all network systems temporarily could hinder operations and may not be necessary if the breach can be contained more effectively. Lastly, reviewing all employee access permissions, while important for overall security practices, is a reactive measure that would typically follow the immediate response to understand