FTC Expects More Data Security Settlements

The FTC has settled 53 data security law enforcement actions since 2000, a number expected to rise in the future, said the agency on its blog Friday. To better protect consumers, the FTC is proactively reminding companies that their “data security measures should be reasonable and appropriate in light of the sensitivity and amount of consumer information you have, the size and complexity of your business, and the availability and cost of tools to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities,” said the agency. To ensure companies understand what is expected of them when it comes to data security basics, the commission published all data security resources in one place on its website and created a “to-the-point” brochure, 20-minute interactive tutorial and an imaginary text conversation between a business person and an FTC staff member on key data security points.