About Data Security
If your company collects or has access to any consumer or employee data, such as social security numbers, addresses, credit card information, payment information, criminal records or health records, you should consider enlisting the assistance of a data security lawyer. This data might be useful to improve user experience and target marketing operations, but it’s crucial that your company takes the necessary precautions to store and protect the information to avoid fines and lawsuits. A Priori data security lawyer can help your company develop processes and policies to ensure you are taking necessary precautions.
A complicated framework of federal and state law governs data security. There are numerous federal regulations surrounding the data security obligations companies face, including the Federal Trade Commission Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Additionally, many states have data security laws on their books, with California enacting particularly strong legislation. A lawyer can advise you on which laws, both federal and state, apply to your business and how to best comply with them.
Among other obligations, these laws may require your company to take appropriate steps to ensure that certain data is safeguarded. Failure to comply may result in sanctions being levied against your company. Compromised data can result in a series of damaging consequences, including fraud and identity theft. As a result, your company takes a hit to its reputation, but there can also be very real monetary and legal consequences, such as lawsuits against your company for publication of private information.
There is a strong set of best practices for obtaining and storing personal data, as well as protecting your digital intellectual property. All businesses will want to ensure that they are complying with these best practices and protecting themselves from the reputational damage and legal exposure resulting from data security breaches.
Priori Pricing
Legal fees for technology lawyers vary based on the specifics of the matter, generally ranging from $150 to $450 per hour. Priori clients enjoy a net-15% discount on standard hourly rates. In order to get a better sense of cost for your particular situation, put in a request to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a free price quote from one of our lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if these laws apply to my business?
Subject to specific, narrow exemptions, the Federal Trade Commission Act applies to all entities doing business in the United States. The numerous other data security laws, as well as state laws, may apply to your business. Consulting an experienced technology lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are compliant with all relevant data security laws.
I looked into this when launching my business and have solid data security protections in place -- am I all set?
This is one of the fastest moving and most quickly evolving fields of law. Given the speed at which technology is changing, the federal government and states are constantly working to keep regulations up-to-date and relevant. It is a challenge to stay abreast of the numerous laws governing your business, and consulting a lawyer with their finger on the pulse of data security law is your best bet for protecting yourself.