hardMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: A company operating in the EU experiences a data…
A company operating in the EU experiences a data breach involving personal data of EU citizens. Under GDPR, what is the maximum timeframe to notify the supervisory authority?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the exact GDPR notification timeframe (72 hours) versus other common breach notification periods (e.g., 48 hours for some US state laws or 24 hours for PCI DSS), so candidates must memorize the precise 72-hour requirement for EU personal data breaches.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
72 hours
Under Article 33 of the GDPR, a controller must notify the supervisory authority of a personal data breach without undue delay and, where feasible, no later than 72 hours after becoming aware of it. This 72-hour window is the maximum timeframe, making option B correct for the 200-201 exam context.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
96 hours
Why it's wrong here
GDPR sets the notification deadline at 72 hours, so 96 hours exceeds the permitted maximum. It is tempting because a longer window seems to allow thorough assessment before reporting, but the regulation fixes 72 hours as the outer limit for notifying the supervisory authority.
- ✓
72 hours
Why this is correct
GDPR Article 33 requires notification of the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in risk. This satisfies the stem's EU personal data scenario.
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24 hours
Why it's wrong here
GDPR mandates notification within 72 hours, so 24 hours is stricter than required and therefore inaccurate. It is tempting because faster reporting appears more compliant, but the question asks for the maximum timeframe, which is 72 hours from awareness of the breach.
- ✗
48 hours
Why it's wrong here
GDPR requires notification to the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of a breach, so 48 hours misstates the deadline. It is tempting because it is shorter than the legal maximum, appearing cautious, yet the regulation specifies 72 hours, which is the figure that must be quoted.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.