The Risk module in Secure Privacy's Governance Solution gives compliance and data protection teams a structured framework for identifying, scoring, and mitigating privacy risks tied to data processing activities. It supports GDPR risk assessments, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), and ongoing mitigation tracking — all within a single auditable register.
Who Is This For?
Data Protection Officers (DPOs) managing organization-wide privacy risk posture
Compliance teams performing risk assessments and DPIAs under GDPR
IT and security teams evaluating technical and operational risks
Executive leadership reviewing risk reports and mitigation progress
Risk Module Capabilities
The Risk module enables your team to:
Identify and document risks associated with specific data processing activities
Score risks using a standardized likelihood-impact matrix
Define and track mitigation measures with deadlines and assigned owners
Link risks to processes in the Process Register for end-to-end traceability
Trigger DPIA workflows for high-risk processing activities
Export audit-ready risk reports for regulatory submissions and board reviews
How to Create a Privacy Risk Assessment
Step 1: Navigate to the Risk Module
From the main navigation, click Risks to open the privacy risk register.
Step 2: Add a New Risk
Click Add Risk and complete the following fields:
Risk name — A clear, specific identifier (e.g., "Unauthorized access to customer database")
Description — A detailed explanation of the risk scenario and its potential consequences
Type — The risk category: Security, Compliance, or Operational
Likelihood — How probable the risk is (1–5 scale)
Impact — How severe the consequences would be (1–5 scale)
Step 3: Define Mitigation Measures
For each risk, document the mitigation measures you plan to implement or have already implemented. Assign an owner and a target completion date to ensure accountability.
Step 4: Save the Risk Record
Save the risk. It will be scored automatically using the risk matrix and appear in your privacy risk register.
GDPR Risk Scoring Matrix
Risks are scored by multiplying Likelihood by Impact. The resulting score determines the risk level and the action required.
Likelihood / Impact |
Negligible (1) |
Minor (2) |
Moderate (3) |
Major (4) |
Severe (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rare (1) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Unlikely (2) |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
Possible (3) |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
Likely (4) |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
Almost Certain (5) |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
Risk Score Thresholds and Required Actions
Score Range |
Risk Level |
Action Required |
|---|---|---|
1–6 |
Low |
Monitor and review periodically |
7–12 |
Medium |
Implement additional controls |
13–19 |
High |
Urgent action required |
20–25 |
Critical |
Immediate intervention needed |
Key Features of the Privacy Risk Register
Process Register Integration
Risks can be linked directly to documented processing activities in the Process Register. This creates a clear, auditable chain from data processing activity to identified risk to mitigation measure.
DPIA Workflow Support
When a risk assessment reveals high or critical scores, the module initiates Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) workflows, including pre-screening, structured assessment, and mitigation planning — supporting your GDPR Article 35 obligations.
Audit Trail
Every change to a risk record — including score updates, ownership transfers, and mitigation changes — is logged with timestamps, providing a complete audit history for regulatory review.
Risk Reporting and Export
Export risk reports for board presentations, regulatory submissions, or compliance audits. Reports include risk distribution by level, mitigation status, and trend analysis over time.
Common Privacy Risk Management Use Cases
Ongoing GDPR Privacy Risk Assessments
Regularly assess risks associated with your data processing activities as part of a continuous GDPR compliance program. Use the risk register to maintain a current view of your organization's privacy risk posture.
Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
For processing activities likely to result in a high risk to individuals — as required under GDPR Article 35 — use the integrated DPIA workflow to conduct a thorough assessment before processing begins.
Mitigation Tracking Across Teams
Track the implementation status of mitigation measures across your organization. Identify overdue items, reassign ownership, and escalate where needed to keep your risk register current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I add a new risk?
Verify that your account has Risk module write permissions. Contact your Secure Privacy account administrator to review your role and access settings.
Why is the risk score not calculating?
Both the Likelihood and Impact fields must be set for the score to calculate automatically. Ensure neither field is left blank when saving the risk record.
Why can't I assign a risk to a team member?
The team member must have an active user account with the appropriate role assigned within your Secure Privacy organization. Ask your administrator to verify the user's role and status.
What triggers a DPIA in the Risk module?
Risks scored as High (13–19) or Critical (20–25) can trigger a DPIA workflow. The module supports pre-screening, structured assessment, and mitigation planning to satisfy GDPR Article 35 requirements.
Next Steps
Link identified risks to processing activities in the Process Register for full traceability
Set mitigation deadlines and monitor them using the Calendar module
Export your risk register report for your next compliance review, DPIA submission, or board meeting