Privacy

As anger builds toward public-sector officials, at least one online privacy data company is reporting increased interest in its services. The company’s leader discusses his response to the current tension.

Lawmakers in Arkansas and Missouri are considering legislation that would bolster cyber reporting and data privacy standards for businesses; and, in Texas, tighten cybersecurity standards for water utilities.

The advanced cameras — which have faced criticism over privacy concerns — are being installed in southwest Dallas, and officials say they will combat violent crime and bolster public safety.

A proposed law in Nebraska would keep companies from being held liable in class-action lawsuits over data breaches unless the breach was caused by their own “willful, wanton, or gross negligence.”

The incident, part of a “vulnerability exploit,” did not expose the Social Security numbers or financial information of CPS Energy customers in San Antonio and adjoining Texas counties. They are nevertheless being notified.

The city has announced a data breach impacting Social Security and driver’s license numbers, credit card information and other data for nearly 18,000 people. There’s no indication of actual or attempted misuse.

The city’s inaugural Chief Privacy Officer Ciara Maerowitz is working to weave privacy into processes, get risk assessments done, and promote a culture of responsible data use and transparency in public services.

A January data breach at Middletown, Conn.-based Community Health Center Inc. may have exposed medical records and Social Security numbers of more than 1 million residents there and in several other states.

Officials at Arizona’s capital city have elevated an executive into the new role of chief privacy officer. She will help to improve data governance, mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with privacy laws.

U.S. officials commemorated Data Privacy Day in several ways, ranging from spreading awareness to sharing informational materials at state and local levels. Observance of the occasion originated in 2007.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about phony text messages sent to residents about supposed tolls they owe. The surge in SMS spam has been linked to increased activity by foreign bad actors.

District leaders should convene a privacy team to familiarize themselves with applicable privacy laws, conference speakers said. They should formalize a process for vetting apps and train staff on best practices.

The state Attorney General’s office sued Change Healthcare and two co-defendants over the alleged exposure of financial account details and protected health information of at least 575,000 Nebraskans.

The incident Dec. 1 downed computer and most phone systems at two hospitals in southeast Los Angeles County, and one in Los Angeles. Urgent care centers, doctors’ offices, and a home health and hospice agency were also compromised.

Once several were damaged, local officials decided they needed to clarify what these sensors were and weren’t. Last year, the town posted a small sign beneath many clarifying their function.

Between remotely monitoring their kids' laptops and texting and emailing them during class, some educators say that parents have become a significant source of distraction during class time.

Has your smartphone become a listening device? Are your apps gleaning information from your conversations? How can you check and what can you do to regain more privacy? Let’s explore.  

Information collected by wearable technology, from smartwatches to fitness trackers and smart rings, is safeguarded by laws in some states. But much of it falls outside the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and can be sold or provided to third parties.