Privacy and data breach readiness for Australian businesses
Understand the personal information you hold, protect it properly and know exactly what to do if a data breach happens.
The challenge
Would you know what to do after a data breach?
Client records, ID documents, health details and staff files are valuable to attackers. If they’re exposed, you may need to act quickly and, in some cases, notify the people affected and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Privacy rules are also changing. The small business exemption is narrowing, and more businesses now have obligations under the Privacy Act.
Signs you need a plan
- Personal information scattered across email and shared drives
- No clear record of who can access client data
- Old records kept long after they’re needed
- No written data breach response plan
- Unsure whether the Privacy Act applies to you
What’s included
Privacy and breach readiness services
Every arrangement is scoped around your business, but most include:
Personal information mapping
Find where personal information is collected, stored and shared across your systems and suppliers.
Access & data protection
Tighten who can see sensitive data, with encryption, MFA, sharing controls and access reviews.
Data breach response plan
A written, practical plan covering containment, assessment, notification and recovery, with clear roles.
Retention & secure disposal
Agree how long records are kept and securely remove data and devices that are no longer needed.
Staff privacy awareness
Simple guidance for staff on handling personal information and avoiding risks such as misdirected emails.
Supplier & software review
Check how your key software providers store and protect the personal information you share with them.
How we work
Our process
Discover
Map the personal information you hold and where it lives.
Assess
Identify gaps against your obligations and key risks.
Protect
Put practical technical and process controls in place.
Rehearse
Walk through your breach response plan so the team is ready.
Why Zenvia
Why choose Zenvia for privacy readiness?
Much of privacy compliance comes down to good IT practice: knowing your data, controlling access and being ready to respond. We handle the technical and operational side and work alongside your legal adviser where needed.
- Practical controls, not just paperwork
- Informed by OAIC guidance
- Breach response plans your team can actually follow
- Works alongside your legal or privacy adviser
- Plain-English explanations for decision-makers
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Does the Privacy Act apply to my small business?
Many businesses with annual turnover of $3 million or less are exempt, but there are important exceptions, including health service providers, businesses that trade in personal information and, from 1 July 2026, businesses regulated under anti-money laundering laws. Check the OAIC’s guidance or ask your legal adviser to confirm your position.
What is the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme?
If a business covered by the Privacy Act has a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, it must notify the affected individuals and the OAIC. A suspected breach must be assessed promptly, within 30 days.
Do we have to report a ransomware payment?
Under the Cyber Security Act 2024, businesses with annual turnover above $3 million must report a ransomware or cyber extortion payment to the Australian Signals Directorate within 72 hours. We can build this into your incident response plan.
Is this legal advice?
No. We help with the technology and processes that support your privacy obligations. For questions about how the law applies to you, speak with a qualified legal or privacy adviser.
Related services
You might also need
IT Governance & Compliance
IT policies, risk management, access reviews and privacy readiness that bring structure to your technology.
Cybersecurity
Practical protection for accounts, devices, email and data, based on Australian Cyber Security Centre guidance.
Backup & Recovery
Monitored backups for Microsoft 365, computers and servers, with recovery that is planned and tested.
Ready to get started?
Not sure where your personal information lives or what you’d do after a breach? Let’s work it out together.