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Computer Breach Bill Clears General Assembly, Sent to Governor's Desk
HARRISBURG -- The
state Senate unanimously passed legislation that requires owners of computerized
data to disclose any breach of their system's security to individuals whose
personal information may have been accessed or acquired by unauthorized
persons. The bill was previously amended in the House. It now goes to the
Governor's office for signature.
Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24), who introduced
Senate Bill 712, said that his legislation would be a major tool in preventing
identity theft. Under the bill, notification of a computer breach would be
required when an individual's name could be viewed in combination with other
personal information, such as driver's license numbers, social security numbers
or credit card numbers. Consumers would be notified by various methods
including letter, telephone call, e-mail, or through statewide media. Following
a breach, if an organization fails to notify the public as required by the law,
a citizen victimized by identity theft can recover actual damages from the
organization.
“Almost every day we read a new story about a
major computer breach,” Wonderling said. “Already this year, computer breaches
have exposed more than 50 million consumers to potential fraud and loss.
Clearly, Pennsylvania residents need the protections provided by my bill so they
can safeguard their identity and their property.”
“Almost all financial, retail, government, and
medical service transactions are computerized,” Wonderling said. “Pennsylvania
consumers should have the confidence of knowing their personal information is
protected and not in the hands of a criminal.”
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