Monthly Archives: January 2016

INTERIM. State Creates Office of Data Privacy and Protection

What State created an Office of Data Privacy and Protection? Washington

Did it do it by legislative action? No. It was created by Executive Action.

2 Reasons Why Washington State Created this new Data Office:

  • Washington is the “world’s center for digital commerce.”
    • That’s sure to make Texans happy.
  • “good cybersecurity is essential to the continuity of global commerce and to a thriving economy”

3 Powers the new Office of Data will have:

  • Train state agencies on best privacy…

INTERIM. 4 Points from the EU to Guide Texas Data Security Legislation

The EU is revamping its data security statutes, why should Texas care? Because E.U. courts have taken a very libertarian and conservative view to protect personal information.

Did the EU take any actions that might translate to Texas? Yes, 4 Points to consider:

  • Stronger requirements for obtaining consent to collect/store data
  • Memorializing the “right to be forgotten”.Sounds an awful lot like the Texas Do Not Call List.
  • 72 hour noptification requirement for comapnies to notify the…

Looking for Clients in a booming business? Look to data security insurers.

 Data security insurance is a hot commodity. Here’s why:

  • Gross income from premiums will rise by 300+%  in the next 5 years
  • More income is on the horizon, even with factoring in new regulatory and legislative changes for this burgeoning market

Why the boom? High profile data security breaches lead to more data security policies being written.

Bloomberg | Cybersecurity Insurance Explosion Poses Challenges

Power Grid Vulnerable to Hacking. 3 Reasons Why.

  • A cyber security researcher in California discovered that Cyberattackers had opened a pathway into the networks running the United States power grid.
    • Digital clues show hackers tied to Iran have possession of passwords and engineering drawings of dozens of power plants
    • In 2012 and 2013 Russian hackers sent encrypted commands to points on the US power grid
  • Why is the power grid so vulnerable? An aging, outdated power system
  • Just like other hacks, vulnerabilities occur in 3rd party…

INTERIM Lege Trend: Education Contractors Contracting Changes for Data Security

California revamped its data security statutes for education last year. California Education Code Section 49073.1 requires education contractors to:

• a statement that pupil records continue to be the property of and under the control of the local educational agency;

• a description of the means by which pupils may retain possession and control of their own pupil-generated content, if applicable, including options by which a pupil may transfer pupil-generated content to a personal…

INTERIM 2015 Health Care Data Breaches Leaked 112 Million Health Records. 3 Points to Know.

  • Health care comapnies are required by HIPPA to report breaches 
  • The federal government publishes breach information. Check out: Office of Civil Rights (OCR) under Health and Human Services
  • 90% of health care breaches in 2015 were the result of a Hacking/IT Incident

Remember when Texas passed laws to go above and beyond over HIPPA? Look for it in health care data protection too.

Forbes | Data Breaches In Healthcare Totaled Over 112 Million Records In 2015

3 New Rules from Cyber Insurance Coming to a Regulator Near You

  • Lots of cyber insurance policy litigation.
    • You know what lawyers mean- lawsuits and legislation.
  • 2015 was once in a lifetime groeth in cyberinsurance market
    • Hyper growth leads to regulation and legislation as the unintended consequences emerge
  • health care cyber insurance renewal rates are seeing 150% premium increases
    • Big premium cases mean, big regulatory and legislative changes are afoot

 

Property Casualty 360 | Cyber insurance 2015: Inside a robust and rapidly changing market