In the event of a data breach, what is the primary action that must be taken?

In the event of a data breach, following the incident response plan and notifying appropriate authorities is the critical action to take. This approach is crucial because it ensures that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner to contain the breach, assess the impact, and prevent further unauthorized access. The incident response plan outlines a structured method for managing the breach, which typically includes identifying the source of the breach, safeguarding data, and communicating with stakeholders, including law enforcement if necessary.

This action implies a systematic response that prioritizes both the security of the affected data and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such as informing law enforcement or relevant oversight bodies. It also facilitates a coordinated response that can mitigate damages and inform affected individuals when required, which could be part of the legal response as well.

In contrast, merely documenting the incident without following a structured incident response plan misses the proactive measures necessary to address and mitigate the consequences of the breach. Restarting all systems might hinder any forensic investigation and not address the underlying security issue. Notifying employees only could leave critical gaps in managing the breach, as it doesn't adequately address the full scope of the incident or its potential legal implications.