On July 25, 2019, the Governor of New York signed a law that would alter the way in which companies in New York could hold and secure the private information of its residents. Known as the Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (The “SHIELD Act”), this new law expanded the definition of a security breach, offering more security to the consumer. In the previous version of the act, a “breach” simply meant to access data in an unauthorized manner. Now the meaning is more broad, allowing the consumer to more privacy as well as forcing the reporting agency, or any company holding information for that matter, to utilize more secure methods of information storage and follow stricter guidelines of compliance.
The SHIELD ACT made some significant changes to the original law, those being
What could this mean for the future? Ideally, companies would be held to a higher standard of accountability when it comes to the storage and acquisition of private, sometimes sensitive information.
For some good security tips, check out October’s Tip of the Month highlighting data security!