Holding statement template
A holding statement says you know about the incident and are dealing with it, before the details are confirmed; it is a few sentences long.
Template
We are aware of [incident] and are treating it as a priority. [The safety of those affected / our customers' data] comes first. We will share confirmed information at [time] on [channel]. Questions: [contact].Rules
- Publish within the first hour; silence feeds speculation.
- Do not guess or blame.
- Update at the promised time, even with no news.
- Drafts prepared and legally checked before a crisis save hours.
General information, not legal advice. In real cases we work alongside lawyers who specialise in digital rights.
Frequently asked questions
Should a holding statement apologise?
Expressing concern for those affected is right; an apology that accepts responsibility should wait for the facts.