Breach notification laws in most states would be preempted if legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday becomes law. But that’s a big if, at least as it now stands. The 10 Democrats and eight Republicans on the committee split along party lines in approving the three different, but related measures, with overlapping provisions, aimed at strengthening privacy…
IL: VA notifies vets about missing info
The Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System recently notified 518 veterans that sensitive personal information was not properly safeguarded. Veterans were informed that an appointment book listing their last names and last four digits of their Social Security numbers was discovered missing on July 14 and has not been found. “Our top priority is to…
Health industry lacks patient data safeguards: poll
Alina Selyukh reports: New technologies are flooding into the healthcare world, but the industry is not adequately prepared to protect patients from data breaches, according to a report published on Thursday. A vast majority of hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and insurers are eager to adapt to increasingly digital patient data. However, less than half are addressing…
Cyber Security Division shields attacks on Marine Corps network
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – War has been waged throughout history, and new tactics and technology emerge to provide an upper hand against one’s opposition. Unremitting innovations of one’s combative tools and elements are reactive and proactive measures that address the evolving wares and strategies of the adversary in order to maintain dominance…
AL: Man unknowingly 'buys' medical records
Hannah Mask reports: When Athens native Bobby Roberts placed a bid of more than $1,000 for the contents of a delinquent storage unit in Florence, he said he thought he was buying medical equipment and maybe old office files. But on Sept. 10, when he opened the 20 or so boxes in the unit at…
Pa. Senate OKs bill requiring heads up on data breaches
The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously passed legislation that would require state and local government agencies to notify the public of data breaches involving personal information within one week. Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said he drafted the measure, Senate Bill 162, after three separate thefts of state-owned computers with personal information. Pileggi said that even though…