As we’ve discussed previously, medical identity information is worth more than ten (10) times that of financial information on the black market. This gives hackers a financial incentive to obtain such information that is maintained not only by medical providers and pharmacies but also by employers who provide medical insurance coverage to their employees. Employers
FCC Issues First Data Security Fine
On October 24, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its intention to fine two telecom companies $10 million for several violations of laws protecting the privacy of phone customers’ personal information. This marks the FCC’s first data security case and the largest privacy action in the FCC’s history.
According to the FCC, TerraCom, Inc.
Delaware Joins List of States Regulating Data Disposal
On January 1, 2015, Delaware employers who dispose of records which contain the unencrypted personal identifying information of employees must take steps to ensure the privacy of such information. The bill, H.B. 294, was recently signed by Delaware’s Governor Jack Markell.
The new law defines personal identifying information as an employee’s first name
NY Department of Financial Services Proposes Virtual Currency Rule
The New York Department of Financial Services recently published proposed regulations which would require virtual currency businesses operating in New York State to safeguard data and protect customer privacy.
Notably, the proposed regulations include requirements for virtual currency business to maintain cyber security programs and business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
Virtual currencies under the
Prepare For Increased HIPAA Fines
Since mid-2013, the Department of Health and Human Services has recovered more than $10 million from numerous entities in connection with alleged violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). However, during a recent American Bar Association conference, Jerome B. Meites, a chief regional civil rights counsel at the Department of Health and
Florida Legislature Seeks to Overhaul Existing Data Security Law
On the heels of recent nationwide data breaches of consumer personal information, the Florida State Senate has proposed SB 1524, which if adopted will become effective on July 1, 2014, to revamp and replace existing state data security law and, in particular, impose a statutory requirement to safeguard personal information, reporting a breach to
Best Practices For Gramm-Leach-Bliley Compliance
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission) issued a Staff Advisory on best practices for financial institutions that must comply with Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) provisions on data security and customer privacy.
GLBA was enacted to ensure that financial institutions respect the privacy of their customers and protect the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information.
Top 14 for 2014
In honor of National Data Privacy Day, we provide the following “Top 14 for 2014.” While the list is by no means exhaustive, it does provide critical areas businesses will need to consider in 2014.
- Location Based Tracking. As the utilization of GPS enable devices becomes more and more prevalent, employers are often faced
New Jersey Settles Alleged COPPA Violation
In a recent consent order, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs settled an investigation involving Dokogeo, Inc., a California based mobile application developer.
Under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) websites and online services which collect information from children younger than 13 are subject to certain parental notice and consent requirements.
In
Florida Considers Prohibition on Employers Requesting Access to Social Media Accounts
The Florida Senate is considering joining a multitude of states which have banned employers from requesting or requiring access to current or prospective employees’ social media accounts.
Senate Bill SB198, entitled “An Act Relating to Social Media Privacy,” would prohibit employers from requiring or requesting access to employee or applicant social media accounts and