CISM Incident Management Practice Question
An organization has experienced a data breach involving personal data of EU residents. Under GDPR, what is the maximum time frame within which the organization must notify the relevant supervisory authority?
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
GDPR Article 33 requires notification to the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to rights and freedoms.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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- ✓
72 hours
Why this is correct
Under Article 33 of the GDPR, a controller must notify the supervisory authority of a personal data breach within 72 hours of becoming aware of it, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. This strict deadline applies specifically because the breach involves EU residents’ personal data, triggering the GDPR’s territorial and material scope. The 72-hour window is the maximum statutory period, not a recommended target, and failure to comply can result in administrative fines under Article 83.
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48 hours
Why it's wrong here
48 hours is not specified in GDPR for breach notification.
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24 hours
Why it's wrong here
24 hours is not the GDPR requirement; some other regulations may have shorter timelines.
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96 hours
Why it's wrong here
96 hours exceeds the GDPR requirement.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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