What is Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme?
The Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the Privacy Act requires organisations covered by the Act to notify affected individuals and the OAIC when a data breach is likely to result in serious harm. Notification must happen as soon as practicable, and suspected breaches must be assessed within 30 days.
Why Notifiable Data Breaches matters for Australian businesses
Australian businesses face a growing web of regulatory obligations, from the Privacy Act and Essential Eight to industry-specific standards like PCI DSS. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, reputational damage, and loss of client trust. Understanding these frameworks helps you build a security posture that satisfies regulators and reassures your clients.
For small and medium businesses in particular, the NDB scheme can make a real difference in maintaining a secure, efficient, and resilient IT environment. Whether you are reviewing your current setup or planning improvements, understanding the role of the NDB scheme in your broader IT strategy will help you have more informed conversations with your IT provider and make better decisions for your business.
Related terms
Privacy Act 1988 • Incident Response • Cyber Insurance
How All IT Services can help
At All IT Services, we help businesses across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and regional NSW implement and manage the NDB scheme as part of our comprehensive compliance services. If you have questions about how this fits into your IT strategy, contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NDB scheme?
It is the Australian regime requiring organisations to notify the OAIC and affected individuals about data breaches likely to cause serious harm, with timely assessment obligations.
Which businesses must comply with the NDB scheme?
Generally organisations covered by the Privacy Act — including businesses with turnover above $3 million and many smaller ones such as health providers handling sensitive data.
What must a breach notification include?
A description of the breach, the kinds of information involved, and clear recommendations about steps individuals should take to protect themselves from harm.