States Moving Toward Stricter Data Security Laws

Over the course of the last few years, most states have adopted data security and breach notification laws designed to provide greater protections against identity theft for state residents. The laws vary by state but generally focus on alerting residents to incidents in which their personal financial information has been lost or compromised. While these laws may afford residents the opportunity to mitigate risks resulting from security breaches, they do little to prevent them from occurring.

In recent months, states have begun to focus more aggressively on standards designed to prevent security breaches. The result is a trend toward stricter data security laws that include specific requirements for encryption of personally identifiable consumer information stored on laptops or other portable devices, or sent via electronic transmission (e-mail). Nevada's security law went into effect on October 1, 2008. A similar Massachusetts law will take effect in January 2009. Michigan and Washington are also considering similar proposals.

Experts recommend that all businesses or entities that access, store, or transmit personal, customer, or consumer information review their policies and procedures for storage and transmission of electronic data and monitor compliance with data security laws in every state in which they operate.

GA Contact Information

The Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund has moved to a new location. As of November 1, 2008, the Fund can be reached at:

Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund
2820 Walton Commons West, Suite 135
Madison, WI 53718-6797

The office phone and fax numbers have not changed.