Discerning Data

FTC Litigation with D-Link Ends with Comprehensive Settlement

In 2017, the FTC filed a complaint against D-Link Systems, Inc. (D-Link) alleging that the Taiwan-based computer networking equipment manufacturer had taken inadequate security measures which left its wireless routers and Internet-connected cameras vulnerable to hackers. In early July, D-Link agreed to a settlement that includes a requirement that it implement a comprehensive software security program, and obtain biennial, independent third-party assessments of its software security program for 10 years.

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Texas Amends State Breach Notification Law and Creates Advisor Council to Study Privacy Laws

Businesses in Texas that own or license computerized data will expect a shortened data breach notification deadline for any breach of sensitive personal information after January 1, 2020. Meanwhile, reporting to state attorney general (“AG”) will become mandatory if more than 250 Texans are involved in a single data breach.

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Further Expansion of Data Security Requirements in FTC Order with LightYear Dealer Technologies

The FTC has entered into a settlement with LightYear Dealer Technologies, doing business as DealerBuilt, a technology company that develops and sells dealer management system (DMS) software and data processing services to automotive dealerships nationwide. The settlement resolves allegations that DealerBuilt engaged in a number of unreasonable data security practices. The DealerBuilt’s DMS software tracks, manages, and stores information related to all aspects of a dealership’s business, including sales, finance, inventory, accounting, payroll, and parts and service and collects and maintains personal and competitively sensitive information about consumers and employees.

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Nevada’s Privacy Law Granting Opt-Out Rights Is First Out of the Gate

On May 29, 2019, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed into law SB 220, which amends Nevada’s security and privacy law to require an operator of a website or online service for commercial purposes to permit consumers to opt-out of the sale of any covered personally identifiable information that the operator has collected or will collect about the consumer. The law becomes effective October 1, 2019, several months before the California Consumer Privacy Act’s (CCPA) effective date of January 1, 2020, and is therefore set to become the first of its kind to be implemented in the U.S.

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Oregon Amends Data Breach Notification Law to Apply to Vendors

On May 24, 2019, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed into law Senate Bill 684, which requires vendors, service providers and other entities that maintain or possess consumers’ personal information to notify consumers of a security breach.

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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Issues Risk Alert Regarding Safeguarding Customer Records and Information Stored on Cloud-Based Platforms

On May 23, 2019, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) issued a Risk Alert entitled “Safeguarding Customer Records and Information in Network Storage – Use of Third Party Security Features” (the “Risk Alert”). The Risk Alert highlights the risks associated with the storage of customer records and information by broker-dealers and investment advisors on cloud-based storage platforms.

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