What action should be taken if a data breach occurs involving CJIS data?

When a data breach occurs involving Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) data, the appropriate action is to report the breach and follow the incident response plan. This approach is critical as it ensures compliance with established policies and procedures designed to mitigate the damage caused by the breach.

Reporting the incident allows for a coordinated response that may involve forensic analysis, containment of the breach, and assessment of the extent of the data compromised. Adhering to the incident response plan means that all necessary stakeholders – which may include law enforcement, IT departments, and possibly affected individuals – are informed and engaged in addressing the situation. This not only helps safeguard sensitive information but also works to restore trust in the systems and processes used to protect CJIS data.

Ignoring the breach poses significant risks and can exacerbate the situation, whereas public disclosure may not only violate privacy protocols but can also lead to unnecessary panic or speculation, especially if details are not fully understood or managed. Informing only a few trusted colleagues would lack the necessary formal structure and accountability required in a breach scenario, which could hinder an effective response. Thus, the correct action to take is to report the breach and follow the established incident response protocols.