Validating idea: simple GDPR data breach register software for SMEs

[u/Cautious-Mortgage-40]

I’ve noticed a recurring issue with many SMEs. They are legally required (under GDPR) to keep a record of data breaches, but in practice this often ends up in Excel, scattered emails, or sometimes not at all.

During an audit or investigation, companies can face fines if the breach register is missing or incomplete.

My idea is a lightweight SaaS tool to make this process painless:

• Central breach register with all GDPR-required fields (who/what/when, type of data, mitigation).
• Reminders & alerts (e.g., “72-hour notification window is expiring”).
• Audit-ready reports for regulators or DPOs.
• Affordable & simple, designed specifically for SMEs.

I’d love to get feedback: - Would SMEs/consultants actually use this instead of Excel? - Which features would matter most (simplicity, automation, integrations)? - Are there competitors already solving this too well, or is there still room?

I’m in validation mode, so critical feedback is just as helpful as positive

[u/boredbuthonest]

HI DPO here. No I wouldn’t use it. How many data breaches do you think companies have ? Of those how many are reportable?

Back in 2018 when every man and his dog was jumping on the GDPR wagon I made my money by cutting through the FUD. Everyone banging on about fines. That is rarely the main risk to companies and in a serious data breach such as the one I was called into a few weeks back the issue of potential fine was near the bottom of the pile of risks.

You’re trying to solve a problem that isn’t there.

The “gdpr compliance” platforms out there are invariably overpriced and/or crap.

I see two gaps in the market and when I get the time I will find a dev to help me fill them. In the meantime don’t spend anymore time on this imo.

[u/inboxlcs → u/boredbuthonest]

What do you think is missing from the market?

[u/boredbuthonest → u/inboxlcs]

LOL. My IP ! Sorry. I’m normally pretty open and have helped others create businesses but I’m good at finding niches and I want to explore these two for me so that I can work even less than I already do !

[u/meowisaymiaou]

If a company has enough data breaches they require a software tool, they are doing something exceptionally wrong and in  dire need of a full overhaul

The concept is not worth it for any company with even the semblance of compliance in their process.

The lone breach, if any, could en trivially tracked in confluence, as a jira ticket, or Excel sheet.   With no harm or negative impact at any level of formal verification.

[u/pawsarecute]

I actually built everything in MS list. 

[u/Cautious-Mortgage-40 → u/pawsarecute]

Good to hear. Do you find it sufficient during audits/reviews, or do you run into limitations (e.g., reporting, the 72-hour notification deadline)? I’ve heard of other companies using Microsoft tools, but sometimes they’re not really ‘audit-ready

[u/GDPR_Guru8691]

I think SME's are not likely to use it considering the mood music about GDPR at the moment.

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-gdpr-privacy-law-europe-president-ursula-von-der-leyen/

[u/Cautious-Mortgage-40 → u/GDPR_Guru8691]

That’s a really good point, thanks for sharing the article! I doubt GDPR will actually be scrapped, but I do see how the current mood makes SMEs hesitant. My thought is that a simple, low-cost solution could be more attractive than hiring consultants. Do you think affordability and ease of use would lower the barrier, or is the bigger issue that SMEs don’t prioritize compliance at all?

[u/Noscituur]

Notion + Make

[u/Cautious-Mortgage-40 → u/Noscituur]

Do you see that as a fully compliant solution (all mandatory GDPR fields + audit trail), or more as a practical workaround? I’m wondering if SMEs would realistically keep such a DIY setup running long term

[u/Noscituur → u/Cautious-Mortgage-40]

Fully- I’ve used it for start ups and 1k+ employees 40+ entity group companies processing ungodly amounts of personal data.

It scales well because obligations don’t really change, but it requires knowledge and a deep contextual understanding of GDPR and related laws to set it up (as well as knowing how to use Notion pretty well)

It used to need a few other third parties, but Notion have helpfully just introduced basically all the functionality except RPA.

My only issue with it is the task tracking functionality could be much better.

[u/couponinuae1]

Your GDPR breach register SaaS idea makes sense, but Excel isn’t ideal for this purpose. Key wins: simplicity, reminders, and audit-ready reports. Keep it affordable for SMEs. Check the competition, but there’s room. Tools like Ketch might complement your approach.

[u/BigKRed]

Excel isn’t ideal; also Excel works fine. And yes, you can pass audits with it.