On September 18, 2024, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the launch of a groundbreaking online portal designed to enhance the efficiency of reporting data breaches affecting over 500 residents. This new tool aligns with recent amendments to the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (BPINA), which now requires businesses to promptly notify the Attorney General’s Office in the event of a significant data breach. The portal aims to simplify the reporting process, ensuring that companies can quickly and accurately fulfill their legal obligations.
The updated BPINA legislation mandates that companies not only report data breaches but also provide affected individuals with 12 months of credit monitoring and access to their credit reports if the breach involves sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details. The newly introduced portal facilitates this process by guiding businesses through each step necessary to submit comprehensive details about the breach. This measure is intended to ensure timely and effective breach response, helping to protect consumers’ personal data.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the critical role of this portal in improving data security for Pennsylvanians. By making the breach reporting process more accessible and streamlined, the portal is expected to enhance overall data protection and ensure that individuals receive prompt notifications when their personal information is compromised. Businesses operating in Pennsylvania are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new requirements and utilize the portal to comply with the updated regulations.
The launch of this portal represents a significant advancement in data breach response, reflecting Pennsylvania’s commitment to safeguarding residents’ personal information. As businesses adapt to these new legal requirements, the Attorney General’s Office continues to prioritize data security and transparency.
