Cyber Risk – Security Breach Notification Statutes

Date Posted

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Security breaches are making headlines the world over, with high-profile companies, including Target, Home Depot, LinkedIn, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, suffering crippling attacks over the past few years. Such breaches may be devastating to a business’ reputation. However, a breach may trigger important legal obligations under state and federal statutes. Nearly every state has enacted legislation governing a business’ obligation to notify an individual that his or her personal information may have been subject to a security breach. These laws are commonly referred to as “security breach” or “data breach” notification statutes. Fortunately, the expanding cyber liability insurance market offers insurance policies to cover the first-party and third-party expenses arising out of a security breach, including notification expenses. This survey is intended to examine several key, common issues with respect to state security breach notification laws. Below is an explanation of each column in the survey:

Who Must Comply

This column identifies who must comply with the statute. A majority of states provide that a “maintainer” of personal information is not required to provide notice to an impacted individual. Rather, a maintainer is charged with notifying the “owner” or “licensor,” and the “owner” or “licensor” must notify the impacted individual. Please consult the specific statute for the definition and responsibilities of a “maintainer.”

What is Personal Information

This column utilizes icons to define the phrase “personal information.” Please consult our key on the next page for the meaning of each icon

Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual

Every state with a notification statute requires that an individual impacted by the breach be notified. This column identifies whether there are any additional notice obligations.

When Must Notification Must Be Given

This column identifies when the notice obligation is triggered: when the security breach is discovered, or when there is a reasonable belief that “personal information” was acquired by an unauthorized person. This column also identifies the timeframe in which the impacted individual must be notified. A majority of states provide that notice may be delayed if a law enforcement agency determines that notification will impede a criminal investigation, notification shall typically be made after the law enforcement agency determines that notice will not compromise an investigation. A significant minority of states provide that if an entity conducts a good-faith investigation and determines there is not a reasonable likelihood of harm to the consumer, then notification is not required. Typically, the determination must be: (1) in writing, (2) maintained for a statutorily prescribed period of time, and (3) made in conjunction with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Please consult the specific state statute for detailed requirements.

Private Cause of Action

This column identifies whether a law expressly provides an impacted individual with a private cause of action for an entity’s failure to comply with the notification requirements

Fines and Penalties

This column identifies whether the statute allows for fines and/or penalties to be assessed for failure to comply with the statute’s notification requirements.

KEY TO PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • General Professional Information: Individual’s name + one of the following: Social Security number, driver’s license number, state issued identification number, and information sufficient to access financial accounts (i.e., personal identification number “PIN,” debit or credit card number, bank account number, account password, etc.)
  • Abbreviated Terms:
  • AG = State Attorney General
  • PI = Personal Information

State Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
Following: Within:

Alabama

Al St § 8-38- 1, et seq. Persons, businesses, or gov’t entities that: acquire or use sensitive PI.
  • General Professional Information
  • Medical Information
  • Health Insurance Information
  • Username + Password for any online account
Yes: if over 1,000 individuals, notify AG and all national consumer reporting agencies Investigation and rea- sonable belief that PI was acquired by un- authorized person, and is reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to individuals to whom the information relates. Expeditiously without unreasonable delay, but within 45 days from notice of breach from third- party agent No
  • AG may bring suit for civil penalties under Deceptive Trade Practices Act Al St § 8-19-1.
  • Civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per day for each consecutive day that the covered entity fails to take reasonable action to comply with the notice provisions.
  • Gov’t entities exempt from any penalty Recovery limited to actual damages for knowing violation plus reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

Alaska

Alaska Stat.
§ 45.48.010, et seq.
Persons doing business, person with more than 10 employees, and gov’t agencies who:
  • Own or license PI
  • General Professional Information
Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Investigation and reasonable belief harm has or will result from breach Most expeditious time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute Silent
  • If information collector is gov’t agency: - liable to the state up to $500 for each state resident who was not notified; but not to exceed $50,000.
  • Enjoined from further violations
  • If information collector is not gov’t agency: - failure to notify is considered an unfair or deceptive act or practice under Alaska Stat. § 45.50.471 et seq. - liable to state up to $500 for each state resident who was not notified, but not to exceed $50,000.

Arizona

Ariz. Stat. § 18-552 Individuals, businesses, and gov’t entities who:
  • Conduct business in AZ and
  • Own or license PI
  • General Professional Information
  • Username + Password for any online account
Yes: if over 1,000 individuals, notify three largest national consumer reporting agencies, AG, and director of AZ dept of homeland security. Investigation and reasonable likelihood of breach Within 45 days after determination of breach No
  • AG enforcement of civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per affected individual or the total amount of loss sustained by affected individual, but not to exceed $500,000 for a breach or series of breaches
  • Actual damages for willful or knowing violation

Arkansas

Ark. Code
§ 4-110 101, et seq.
Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
  • Own, license, or acquire PI
  • General Professional Information
  • Medical Information
  • Biometric Data
Yes: if over 1,000 individuals, simultaneously (or within 45 days) notify AG Reasonable belief that PI was acquired by unauthorized person and there is reasonable likelihood of harm to customers Most expedient manner and without unreasonable delay Statute silent AG may bring suit under Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Ark. Code § 4-88-101 et seq.)

California

Cal. Civ Code
§ 1798.29; § 1798.80, et seq.
Persons and businesses who:
  • Conduct business in CA and
  • Own or license PI
  • General Professional Information
  • Medical Information
  • Health Insurance Information
  • Date of Birth
  • Username + Password for any online account
Yes: if over 500 residents, provide copy of sample notification to AG Reasonable belief that PI was acquired by unauthorized person Most expedient manner and without unreasonable delay Yes Affected individual may seek damages For willful, intentional, or reckless breaches, customer may recover up to $3,000 per violation; otherwise, customer may recover up to $500 per violation
  • Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Any business that violates, proposes to violate, or has violated the statute may be enjoined
  • Colorado

    Colo. Rev Stat.
    § 6-1-716
    Individuals and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in CO and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Medical Insurance
    • Biometric Data
    • Passport Number
    • Username + Passport for any online account
    Yes: if over 500 Colorado residents, notify AG within 30 days and if over 1,000 residents, notify all national consumer reporting agencies Investigation and reasonable likelihood of misuse of PI Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay within 30 days of determination of breach Statute silent AG may bring action in law or equity to address violations of statute

    Connecticut

    Conn. Gen. Stat.
    §36a-701b
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in CT and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Taxpayer Identification number
    • Passport Number
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: simultaneously give notice to AG Reasonable belief that PI was acquired by unauthorized person

    Without unreasonable delay but not later than 60 days of discovery of breach.

    Note: See Bulletin IC-25 for provisions that apply to regis- trants and licensees of the CT Insurance Dept.
    Statute silent Failure to comply with statute constitutes an unfair trade practice under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-110b and is enforceable by AG

    Delaware

    Del. Code
    tit. 6
    § 12B-101,
    et seq.
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in DE and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Medical Information
    • Passport Number
    • Username + Password for any online account
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    Yes: If more then 500 residents, notify the AG Investigation to determine likelihood that PI was or will be misused Without unreasonable delay but within 60 days Statute silent AG may bring an action in law or equity for violations of statute and may recover direct economic damages or “other relief that may be appropriate to ensure proper compliance,” or both

    District of Columbia

    D.C. Code
    § 28-3851, et seq
    Persons and entities who:
    • Conduct business in DC and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Passport Number
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if over 50 residents, simultaneously notify the AG and if over 1,000 residents, notify all national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach Most expedient manner and without unreasonable delay Statute Silent
    • Failure to comply with statute constitutes an unfair trade practice under D.C. Code § 28-3904
    • The remedies are cumulative with each other and those available under other laws

    Florida

    Fla. Stat.
    § 501.171
    Businesses and gov’t entities who:
    • Acquires, maintains, stores or uses PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    • Passport Number
    Yes: if over 500 residents, notify FL Dept. of Legal Affairs (within 30 days) and if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Reasonable belief that PI was accessed as a result of a breach 30 days of determination of breach (may be given additional 15 days if good cause is shown) No
    • A violation of the statute is considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice
    • An entity shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $500,000 ($1,000 each day for the first 30 days following any violation and $50,000 for each subsequent 30-day period or portion thereof for up to 180 days)
    • Penalties apply per breach, not per individual
    • Fines & penalties do not apply to gov’t agencies
    State Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Georgia

    Ga. Code § 10-1-910 to § 10-1-912, et seq. Persons, entities, and certain gov’t agencies who:
    • Maintain PI

    Note: for regulations specifically concerned with requirements of telephone records and a telecommunictaion company's obligations, see Ga. Code § 46- 5-214

    • General Professional Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if over 10,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies A breach where residents’ unencrypted PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent Statute silent

    Hawaii

    Haw. Rev. Stat.
    § 487N-1, et seq
    Businesses and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • Maintains or processes records containing PII
    • Are in the business of record destruction
    • General Professional Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify Hawai‘i Office of Consumer Protection and national consumer reporting agencies (Gov’t agency does not have to notify consumer reporting agencies) Immediately following discovery of breach Without unreasonable delay No
    • AG or Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection may bring an action
    • Penalties shall not exceed $2,500 for each violation
    • Reasonable attorney's fees
    • No action against a gov’t agency

    Idaho

    Idaho Code Ann.
    § 28-51 104, et seq
    Individuals, commercial entities, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in ID and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: when agency becomes aware of a breach notify AG within 24 hours Investigation to determine the likelihood that PI has been or will be misused Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • Intentional failure to give notice is subject to a fine, not to exceed $25,000 per breach
    • The “primary regulator” (usually the AG for individuals & commercial entities) of an agency/individual/commercial entity may bring a civil action to enforce compliance and to enjoin further violations
    • Gov’t employee who intentionally discloses PI, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 or by imprisonment of not more than 1 year (or both)

    Illinois

    815 Ill Comp. Stat. § 530/5, et seq Businesses and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Medical Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if business and over 500 residents, notify AG and if gov’t agency and over 250 residents, notify AG within 45 days, and if gov’t agency and over 1,000 persons affected, notify all national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of security breach Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent A violation of the statute is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act

    Indiana

    Individuals: Ind. Code § 24-4.9-1-1, et seq Individuals and businesses who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: notify AG and if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Breach where unencrypted PI was or may have been acquired by unauthorized person or encrypted PI was or may have been acquired by an unauthorized person with access to the encryption key Without unreasonable delay, but not more than 45 days after discovery of breach No
    • Failure to disclose or notify a resident is a deceptive act, actionable only by AG
    • For violations of the notification rules: The AG may bring an action to enjoin future violations of the statute, a civil penalty of not more than $150,000 per deceptive act, and the AG's reasonable costs
    • For violations of the record retention rules: The AG may bring an action to enjoin future violations of the statute, a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per deceptive act, and the AG's reasonable costs.
    Gov’t Agencies Ind. Code § 4-1-11-1, et seq Gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of breach where PI was or is reasonably believed to be acquired by unauthorized person Without unreasonable delay Statute silent Statute silent

    Iowa

    Iowa Code
    § 715C.1,et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PIused in the course ofthe person's business, vocation, occupation, or volunteer activity
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    Yes: if over 500 residents, notify the Director of Consumer Protection Division of the Office of AG within 5 business days of giving notice to resident Discovery of a breach Most expeditious manner possible andwithout unreasonable delay Statute silent Any violation of the statute is an unlawful practice (Iowa Code § 714.16) and AG may seek damages andequitable relief pursuant to Iowa Code § 714.16(7),including a civil penalty not to exceed $40,000
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Kansas

    Kan. Stat. Ann.
    § 50-7a01, et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in KS and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies An investigation to determine likelihood that PI has been or will be misused Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • AG may bring action in law or equity to address violations of the statute and for other appropriate relief
    • Insurance Commissioner has sole authority to enforce statute for violations by an insurance company licensed to do business in KS

    Kentucky

    Individuals: Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 365.732 Persons and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in KY and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify all national consumer reporting agencies and credit bureaus Breach where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute Silent Statute silent
    Gov’t Agencies Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 61.933 Gov’t agencies who:
    • Collect, maintain, or store PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Medical Information
    • Passport Number

    Yes: within 72 hours notify: Commissioner of the KY State Police, Auditor of Public Accounts, and AG. If over 1,000 residents notify national consumer reporting agencies

    See statute for additional requirements for individual agencies

    Investigation to determine reasonable likelihood of misuse of PI
    • 72 hours of completion of investigation: notify respective agency officials and Dept. for Libraries
    • 35 days after notification of agency officials, must notify affected individuals
    No AG’s office may bring an action in the Franklin Circuit Court against an agency or a nonaffiliated third party that is not an agency, or both, for injunctive relief, and for other legal remedies to enforce the statute

    Louisiana

    La. Stat. Ann.
    § 51:3071, et seq.; La. Admin. Code tit. 16, pt. III, § 701
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in LA or
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Passport Number
    Yes: notify the Consumer Protection Section of AG’s Office within 10 days of notifying residents Discovery of a breach that has reasonably resulted in unauthorized acquisition of and access to PI Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Yes
    • Failure to provide timely notice of a breach to AG may be punishable by a fine not to exceed $5,000 per violation
    • Each day notice is not received by AG is a separate violation
    • Civil action may be instituted to recover damages resulting from failure to disclosen

    Maine

    Me. Stat.
    titl 10 § 1346, et seq.
    Individuals, businesses, gov’t agencies, and information brokers who:
    • Maintain PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: notify appropriate state regulator within Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation (if not regulated by the Dept. then give notice to AG). If over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Investigation to determine the likelihood that PI has been or will be misused As expediently as possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • A violation of the statute is a civil violation and is subject to one or more of the following: (1) a fine not to exceed $500 per violation, but a maximum of $2,500 for each day the person is in violation (this does not apply to gov’t agencies), (2) equitable relief, or (3) enjoinment from further violations
    • Enforcement is by the appropriate state regulators within the Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation or AG

    Maryland

    Individuals: Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-3501, et seq. Businesses who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Medical Information
    • Biometric Data
    Yes: notify AG (before notifying residents and even if investigation deems notification unnecessary) and if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Investigation to determine the likelihood that PI has been or will be misused As soon as reasonably possible, within 45 days Yes A violation of the statute is an unfair or deceptive trade practice and is subject to enforcement and penalties provided in Md. Code Commercial Law § 13-301 et seq
    Gov't Agencies: Md. Code, State Gov't. § 10-1305, et seq Gov’t agency, department, board, commission, authority, public institution of higher education, public corporation unit or instrumentality of the State, or any political subdivision of the State who:
    • Collects computerized data that includes PI
      Non-affiliated third party who:
    • Maintains computerized data that includes PI (if contract with gov’t entity authorizes notification)
    • General Professional Information
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Passport Number
    Yes: notify Office of the AG and the Dept. of Information Technology; if 1,000 or more individuals, also notify national consumer reporting agencies An investigation to determine whether the unauthorized acquisition of PI has resulted or is likely to result in the misuse of the information As soon as reasonably practicable after investigation Statute Silent Statute silent
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Massachusetts

    Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93H, § 1 et seq.; 201 Mass. Code Regs. 17.01, et seq Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: notify AG and Director of Consumer Affairs & Business Reg. If executive dep’t breach, notify Information Technology Division of Public Records When a person or agency (1) knows or has reason to know of a breach of security or (2) knows or has reason to know that PI was acquired or used by an unauthorized person or used for an unauthorized purpose As soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • AG may bring an action pursuant to Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A, § 4 for violations of the statute
    • Penalties may include injunctive relief and civil penalties

    Michigan

    Mich. Comp. Laws
    § 445.63; § 445.72
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach Without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • A person that knowingly fails to provide any notice of a security breach is subject to a civil fine not to exceed $250 for each failure to provide notice, with aggregate liability not to exceed $750,000
    • AG or prosecuting attorney may bring an action to recover civil fines

    Minnesota

    Individuals:
    Minn. Stat. § 325E.61
    Persons and businesses:
    • Conduct business in MN and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 500 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent AG has enforcement powers
    Gov’t Agencies: Minn. Stat. § 13.01; § 13.05, et seq Gov’t agencies who:
    • Collect, create, receive, maintain, or disseminate private or confidential data on individuals
    See statute for definitions of:
    • Confidential data on individuals
    • Private data on individuals

    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies

    Note: Eventually affected individual must be given a copy of the report detailing the breach

    Discovery of the breach where private confidential data was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Yes
    • Gov’t entity is deemed to have waived immunity
    • Gov’t entity is subject to actual damages, costs and attorney’s fees
    • For willful violations, gov’t entity shall be liable for exemplary damages of not less than $1,000, nor more than $15,000 for each violation
    • Gov’t entity may also be enjoined from future violations

    Mississippi

    Miss. Code Ann.
    § 75-24-29
    Individuals and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in MS and
    • In ordinary course of their business functions: own, license or maintain PI
    • General Professional Information
    No Breach of security, where there is an unauthorized acquisition of PI that has not been rendered unreadable or unusable Without unreasonable delay No Failure to comply with the statute constitutes an unfair practice and shall be enforced by AG

    Missouri

    Mo. Rev. Stat.
    § 407.1500
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify AG and national consumer reporting agencies Unauthorized access to and unauthorized acquisition of PI that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the PI Without unreasonable delay No AG has exclusive authority to bring an action for actual damages for a willful and knowing violation and may seek a civil penalty not to exceed $150,000 per security breach or series of breaches of a similar nature (discovered in a single investigation)

    Montana

    Individuals: Mont. Code Ann. § 30- 14-1701, et seq. Individuals and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in MT and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Passport Number
    • Medical Information
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    No Discovery of a breach, where unencrypted PI was or is reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person Without unreasonable delay Statute silent Statute silent
    Gov't Agencies: Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-501 State agencies or third parties on behalf of state agencies who:
    • Maintain PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    Yes: simultaneously when issuing notification to affected individuals, send notification to MO’s chief information security officer at dept of administration and AG’s consumer protection office Discovery or notification of a breach, where PI was or was reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person Without unreasonable delay Statute silent Statute silent
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Nebraska

    Neb. Rev. Stat. § 87-801, et seq. Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in NE and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Username + Password for any online account
    No An investigation and determination that PI was used, or is reasonably likely to be used, for an unauthorized purpose As soon as possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent AG may issue subpoenas and seek and recover direct economic damages for each affected resident injured by a violation of the statute

    Nevada

    Nev. Rev. Stat. § 603A.010, et seq. Businesses and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Medical Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Breach of security where unencrypted PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent AG or a district attorney may bring an action to obtain a temporary or permanent injunction against a person who violates, proposes to violate, or has violated the statute

    New Hampshire

    N.H. Rev. Stat.
    § 359-C:19, et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in NH and
    • Own or license PI
    Note: for specific regulations concerning data breach of school records, see N.H. Rev. Stat. §189.66
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: notify the regulator who has primary authority over the specific trade/commerce (all others notify AG’s office) and if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies A determination of the likelihood that PI has been or will be misused As soon as possible Yes
    • A person may institute an action for actual damages and for equitable relief, including an injunction
    • If the violation is willful or knowing, the court shall award as much as three times, but not less than two times, the amount of recovery
    • AG shall have enforcement power

    New Jersey

    N.J. Rev. Stat. § 56:8-161; § 56:8-163; § 56:8-166 Businesses and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business inNJ or
    • If gov’t agency –whether the agency complies or maintains records with PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: notify Division of State Police in theDept. of Law and Public Safety and if over 1,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach, where aresident’s PI was,or is reasonably believed to have been,accessed by anunauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent but see Holmes v. Country wide Fin. Corp., 5:08- CV00205-R, 2012 WL2873892 (W.D. Ky.July 12,2012).
    • It is an unlawful trade practice to willfully, knowingly, or recklessly violate the statute
    • AG may investigate breaches and impose penalties

    New Mexico

    NM St § 57- 12C, et seq. Persons who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    Yes: If over 1,000 New Mexico residents notify AG and major consumer reporting agencies no later than 45 days calendar days following discovery of breach Discovery of a breach. Notification shall be made in the most expedient time possible, but no later than 45 calendar days following discovery of the security breach No
    • Enforcement by AG only
    • If knowing or reckless violation, the court may impose a civil penalty of the greater of ($25,000)
    • In the case of failed notification, ($10.00) per instance of failed notification up to a maximum of ($150,000).

    New York

    N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law§ 899-aa;N.Y. StateTech. Law§ 208
      Persons and businesses who:
    • Conduct business inNY and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: notify AG, Dept. of State, and Division of State Police. If over5,000 residents, notify national consumer reporting agencies Any breach of a security system where PI was, or is reasonably believed to havebeen, acquired by aperson without valid authorization Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • AG may bring action to enjoin and restrain violations
    • Court may award actual costs or losses incurred byan affected resident, including consequential financiallosses
    • If a person or business knowingly or recklesslyviolates the statute a civil penalty of the greater of thefollowing: $5,000 or $20 per instance of failed notification (latter not to exceed $250,000)
    Note: Statute of limitations: an action must be commenced within 3 years immediately after the date of theact or the date of discovery of the act

    North Carolina

    N.C. Gen. Stat.
    § 75-61;§75-65
    Businesses who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: notify Consumer Protection Division ofAG’s Office and if over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach Without unreasonable delay No unless individual is injured as a result of the violation
    • Violation of the statute is an unfair or deceptive act or practice
    • See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1
    • Civil penalities of up to $5,000
    • See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-15.2
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    North Dakota

    N.D. Cent. Code
    § 51-30-01,et seq.
    Persons who:
    • Conduct business in ND and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Signature
    • Passport Number
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Date of Birth
    • Mother's Maiden Name
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    Yes: Over 250 people notify the AG Discovery of a breach where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • A violation of the statute is considered an unlawful deceptive practice or act (see N.D. Cent. Code § 51-15-01 et seq.)
    • AG has enforcement powers

    Ohio

    Individuals: Ohio Rev. Code
    § 1349.19
    Individuals and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in OH and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Signature
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Date Of Birth
    • Employer Identification Number
    Yes: over 1,000 residents, notify all consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person, where there is a reasonable belief of a material risk of identity theft or other fraud Most expedient time possible but not later than 45 days following discovery of the breach Statute silent AG has investigative powers and right to bring a civil action against any person who fails to comply with the statute
    Gov't Agencies: Ohio Rev. Code
    § 1347.12
    Any state agency or agency of a political subdivision who:
    • Owns or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: over 1,000 residents, notify all consumer reporting agencies Discovery of any breach where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person if the access and acquisition by the unauthorized person causes or reasonably is believed to cause a material risk of identity theft or other faud to a resident of this state Most expedient time possible but not later than 45 days following discovery of the breach Statute silent AG, pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § § 1349.191 and 1349.192, may conduct an investigation and bring a civil action upon an alleged failure by a state agency or agency of a political subdivision to comply with the requirements of this section

    Oklahoma

    Individuals: Okla. Stat. tit. 24, § 161, et seq. Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    No Discovery of a breach where unencrypted and unredacted PI was or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person and there is a reasonable belief identify theft or fraud has occurred or will occur Without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • A violation of the statute that results in injury or loss to residents constitutes an unlawful practice under the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act and is enforceable by AG
    • AG may bring an action to obtain actual damages or a civil penalty not to exceed $150,000 per security breach or series of breaches of a similar nature discovered in a single investigation
    • A violation by a state-charted or state-licensed financial institution is enforceable exclusively by the primary state regulator of the financial institution
    Gov't Agencies: Okla. Stat. § 74-3113.1 Any state agency or agency of a political subdivision.
    • Owns or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    No Discovery or notification of the breach or is reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person. In the most expedient time possible without unreasonable delay. Statute silent Statute Silent

    Oregon

    Rev. Stat.
    § 46A.600; § 46A.602; § 46A.604; § 46A.624; § 46A.626
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own PI and
    • Use PI in the course of the individual or entity’s business, vocation, occupation or volunteer activities.
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Passport Number
    Yes: if over 250 individuals, notify AG, if over 1,000 residents, notify all national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach, i.e., an unauthorized acquisition of computerized data that materially compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of PI Discovery of a breach, i.e., an unau- thorized acquisition of computerized data that materially compromises the se- curity, confidentiality, or integrity of PI Possibly, see Or. Rev. Stat.
    § 646A.62 4(4)
    • Director of Dept. of Consumer & Business Protection may conduct an investigation
    • Director may issue a “cease and desist” order or require a person to pay compensation to injured individuals
    • Any person who violates, procures, aids, or abets a violation is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 per violation and $500,000 total (each violation is a separate offense and each day is a separate violation)

    Pennsylvania

    73 Pa. Stat.
    § 2301, et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Maintain, store or manage PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a security breach, where unencrypted and unredacted PI was or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person Without unreasonable delay Statute silent A violation of the statute is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and AG has exclusive authority to bring an action
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Rhode Island

    11 R.I. Gen. Laws
    § 11-49.2-1, et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own, maintain, or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Medical Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    No Discovery of a breach where PI is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible but no later than 45 days after the confirmation of the breach Statute silent
    • Each reckless violation a penalty of not more than $100
    • Each knowing and willful violation a penalty of not more than $200

    South Carolina

    S.C. Code Ann.
    § 39-1-90
    Persons who:
    • Conduct business in SC and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 residents, notify Consumer Protection Division of the Dept. of Consumer Affairs and national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person and there is a material risk of harm to the resident Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Yes A person who knowingly and willfully violates the statute is subject to a $1,000 administrative fine for each resident whose information was accessible by reason of the breach, with the total amount decided by the Dept. of Consumer Affairs

    South Dakota

    S.D Codified Laws § § 22 40-19 to26 Person or business that:
    • Conduct business in SD and
    • Own or licenses computerized personal or protected information
    • General Professional Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    Yes: if over 250 people notify the AG and all consumer reporting agencies. Discovery of breach if there is a rea- sonable belief that personal or PI has been acquired by an unauthorized person No later than 60 days from discovery. Statute Silent

    Tennessee

    Tenn. Code Ann.
    § 47-18-2107
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Conduct business in TN and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery of a breach where PI is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person Immediately but no later than 45 days following the discovery or notification to covered entity of a security breach Yes Violations fall unter the Tennessee Consumer protection act and are an unfair or deceptive act

    Texas

    Tex. Bus. & Com. Code
    § 521.002; § 521.053; § 521.151
    Persons who:
    • Conduct business in TX and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Mother's Maiden Name
    Yes: if over 10,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Yes: if over 10,000 per- sons, notify all national consumer reporting agencies and if over 250 residents notify AG no later than 30 days after discovery of breach Within 60 days after breach is deter- mined and without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • Civil penalty of at least $2,000 but not more than $50,000 for each violation
    • AG may: (1) bring an action to recover penalty, (2) file a TRO or (3) file a temporary or permanent injunction
    • Violator of § 521.053(b) is liable to the state for a civil penalty of not more than $100 for each individual to whom notification is due and for each consecutive day the person fails to comply
    • Civil penalties may not exceed $250,000 for all individuals to whom notification is due after a single breach
    • AG has enforcement power
    • For criminal penalties see Tex. Pen. Code § 33.02

    Utah

    Utah Code
    § 13-44-101; § 13-44-202; § 13-44-301
    Persons who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if 500 or more residents, notify AG and Utah Cyber Center and if 1,000 or more notify all consumer reporting agencies An investigation to determine likelihood that PI has been or will be misused for identity theft or fraud purposes Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay No
    • Enforcement by AG
    • Civil fine no greater than $2,500 for a violation or series of violations concerning a consumer; and no greater than $100,000 in the aggregate for related violations concerning multiple consumers
    • AG may also seek injunctive relief and person may be liable for AG’s costs to investigate
    • Div. of Corporations & Commercial Code may revoke person’s authorization to do business in Utah if person does not pay AG’s costs

    Vermont

    Vt .Stat. Ann.
    Tit. 9§ 2430;§ 2435
    Businesses and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Medical Information
    • Health Insurance Information
    Yes: notify AG within 14 days, if regulated by Dept of Financial Regulation notify the dept, and if over 1,000 residents, notify all national consumer reporting agencies Discovery or notification of a breach With the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, but not later than 45 days after discovery of the breach or notification Statute silent Dept. of Financial Regulation, AG, and the state's attorney have sole and full authority to investigatepotential violations and to enforce, prosecute, obtain,and impose remedies
    STATE Authority Who Must Comply What is Personal Information? Notification Required Beyond Affected Individual When Must Notification Be Given: Private Cause of Action Fines & Penalties
    Following: Within:

    Virginia

    Va. Code Ann.
    § 18.2-186.6
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Passport Number
    Yes: if over 1,000 persons, notify AG and national consumer reporting agencies A reasonable belief that unencryptedor unredacted PI was accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person which causes, or the individual or entity reasonably believes will cause, identity theft or fraud Without unreasonable delay Yes AG may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $150,000 per breach of the security of the system or aseries of breaches of a similar nature that are discovered in a single investigation
    Va. Code Ann.
    § 32.1- 127.1:05
    Gov’t agencies who:
    • Own or license medical information
    • Medical Information

    See Va. Code § 32.1- 127.1:05
    Yes: notify AG and Commissioner of Health. If unencrypted or unredacted medical information was or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person Without unreasonable delay Statute silent Statute silent

    Washington

    Individuals: Wash. Rev. Code § 19.255, et seq. Persons and businesses who:
    • Conduct business in WA and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    No Discovery of a breach Most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Yes Any business that violates, proposes to violate, or has violated the statute may be enjoined
    Gov't agencies: Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.590, et seq Gov’t agencyies who:
    • Owns or licenses PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Medical Information
    • Passport Number
    • Biometric Data
    • Date of Birth
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Signature
    • Username + Password for any online account
    Yes: if more than 500 residents, must notify the AG no more than 30 days after breach discovered Following discovery where PI was, or is reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person Most expedient time possible and without unreason- able delay, no more than 30 days after the breach was dis- covered Yes Any agency that violates or proposes to violate this section may be enjoined

    West Virginia

    W. Va. Code
    § 46A-2A101, et seq
    Individuals, businesses, and gov’t agencies who:
    • Owns or licenses PI
    • General Professional Information
    Yes: if over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Discovery or notification of a breach, where unencrypted and un- redacted PI was or is reasonably believed to have been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized person and is reasonably likely to lead to identity theft or fraud Without unreasonable delay Statute silent
    • Failure to comply constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice, enforceable by AG
    • No civil penalty shall exceed $150,000 per breach or series of breaches of a similar nature that are discovered in a single investigation
    • Court must find that defendant engaged in a course of repeated and willful violations
    • Violation by a licensed financial institution shall be enforceable exclusively by the institution’s primary functional regulator

    Wisconsin

    Wis. Stat.
    § 134.98
    Businesses who:
    • Maintain or license PI in WI
    • General Professional Information
    • Biometric Data
    Yes: if over 1,000 persons, notify national consumer reporting agencies Business’ knowledge that PI, in its possession, has been acquired by an unauthorized person A reasonable time not to exceed 45 days Statute silent Statute silent

    Wyoming

    Wyo. Stat. Ann.
    § 40-12-501, et seq.
    Individuals and commercial entities who:
    • Conduct business in WY and
    • Own or license PI
    • General Professional Information
    • Username + Password for any online account
    • Medical Information
    • Healthcare Information
    • Biometric Data
    • Taxpayer Identification Number
    No An investigation to determine the likelihood that PI has been or will be misused As soon as possible, in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay Statute silent AG may bring an action in law or equity to address any violation and for other relief that may be appropriate to ensure proper compliance, to recover damages, or both

    Disclaimer: This survey is current as of 5/2018. This material is made available for general informational purposes only. The field of insurance law is ever-evolving, and courts may change their views at any time. Readers are advised to independently verify the information contained herein. This material is not intended to, and does not constitute, legal advice, nor is it intended to constitute a solicitation for the formation of an attorney-client relationship. 

    For more information or questions on cyber risk strategies, please contact us at coverage@sdvlaw.com.

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