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Connecticut Attorney General’s Office Plans to Target Internet Crime

In addition to being responsible for investigating data security issues, the department will help educate the public and business community about such matters as protecting sensitive data.

(Tribune News Service) -- To battle a rising tide of Internet-based crime, Connecticut will open a new Privacy and Data Security Department within the attorney general's office.

Attorney General George Jepsen said Wednesday that the department will devote itself exclusively to investigations and litigation tied to privacy and data-security concerns. He named Assistant Attorney General Matthew Fitzsimmons to lead the department and said it would be formed without the need for any extra appropriations.

Jepsen said formation of the department follows his appointment in 2011 of a Privacy Task Force to look into the issue more closely. Among the cases Jepsen's office has investigated were data breaches at Anthem, Target and Home Depot as well as privacy concerns raised by Google Street View.

"Sadly there is no reason to predict that the demands of privacy and data security concerns will subside in the foreseeable future," Jepsen said in a statement. "Formation of a dedicated Privacy and Data Security Department within my office will maintain Connecticut's standing as a national leader on this important topic."

Jepsen said the new department will have an unspecified number of attorneys dedicated to it. In addition, department personnel will be able to consult with experts from other departments in the course of their investigations.

In addition to being responsible for investigating consumer privacy and data security issues, the department will help educate the public and business community about such matters as protecting sensitive data and sending prompt notifications when a data breach is detected.

©2015 The Day (New London, Conn.)

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