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Wonderling's Computer Breach
Bill Signed into Law
HARRISBURG -- Governor
Rendell signed 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. Senator Rob
Wonderling (R-24) was the sponsor of Senate Bill 712.
Senator Wonderling 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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