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Re: Senators propose sweeping data-security bill
From: InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>
Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 02:20:50 -0500 (CDT)
Forwarded from: Mark Bernard <Mark.Bernard () TechSecure ca> Dear Associates, We knew something had to happen and while US and Canadian companies are scrambling to become compliant with new SAS 70 and CICA 70 audit standards by November 16th yet another new regulation looms with even more changes coming. A couple things stand out the mandatory implementation of a "comprehensive personal data privacy and security program" , 5 years in prison for attempting to cover up a system intrusion/break in, the use of social security numbers by credit bureaus (that's not allowed here in Canada). Best regards, Mark. Mark E. S. Bernard, CISM, CISSP, PM, Principal, Risk Management Services, e-mail: Mark.Bernard () TechSecure ca Web: http://www.TechSecure.ca Phone: (506) 325-0444 Leadership Quotes by Kenneth Blanchard: "The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." ----- Original Message ----- From: "InfoSec News" <isn () c4i org> To: <isn () attrition org> Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 4:46 AM Subject: [ISN] Senators propose sweeping data-security bill
http://news.com.com/Senators+propose+sweeping+data-security+bill/2100-7348_3-5769156.html By Declan McCullagh Staff Writer, CNET News.com June 29, 2005 Corporate data-security practices would be hit with an avalanche of new rules and information burglars would face stiff new penalties under a far-reaching bill introduced Wednesday in the U.S. Senate. The bill represents the most aggressive--and at 91 pages, the most regulatory--legislative proposal crafted so far in response to a slew of high-profile security breaches in the last few months. "Reforms like these are long overdue," Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, said in a floor speech. "This issue and our legislation deserve to become a key part of this year's domestic agenda so that we can achieve some positive changes in areas that affect the everyday lives of Americans." One portion of the bill, named the Personal Data Privacy and Security Act, restricts the sale or publication of Social Security numbers. Also, businesses would be prohibited from requiring SSNs except in a narrow set of circumstances such as obtaining credit reports and applying for a job or an apartment. Leahy, who had hinted at his plans in a speech in March and had his personal information lost by Bank of America, is co-sponsoring the bill with Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter. Because Specter is the Republican chairman of the influential Judiciary committee, the measure could move swiftly through the normally torpid legislative process. "This is an evolving problem that is gigantic," Specter said at a press conference in the Capitol building. He predicted quick action because "we're not dealing with a highly controversial subject where there will be significant differences of opinion." While portions of the proposal are sure to be criticized by businesses that would be faced with more paperwork and compliance requirements, Congress nevertheless seems eager to act. In speech after speech, politicians have pledged to enact more laws to respond to the data mishaps--promises that have occasionally raised eyebrows because many of the intrusions were already illegal. Spurring politicians along has been series of security snafus involving firms including ChoicePoint--which claims to have fixed its problems--Bank of America, payroll provider PayMaxx, and Reed Elsevier Group's LexisNexis service. Other suggestions have included narrower measures to restrict the sale of SSNs or mandate notices of security breaches.
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