States begin taking data protection seriously

If you deal with customer information or personal data, your burden to protect that data is much greater than if you were just protecting the latest market analysis report from your marketing department. That data is content any way you slice it and it comes under the purview of content or data management. The Wall Street Journal reports that over the next few months several states are implementing stricter data protection laws in light of well-publicized data leaks that have happened over the last several years.

Author Ben Worthen writes:

"Nevada is the first of several states adopting new laws that will force businesses--from hair stylists to hospitals--to revamp the way they protect customer data. Starting in January, Massachusetts will require businesses that collect information about that state's residents to encrypt sensitive data stored on laptop computers and other portable devices. Michigan and Washington state are considering similar regulations."

This means your company needs to be paying attention to the changing regulatory and legal landscape. If data falls into the wrong hands, you could be liable and it could be expensive. History tells us that data leaks happen a lot more frequently then we would like to believe. Therefore, you need to take steps to protect yourself. Start by looking into the laws in the states where you do business and make sure you are in compliance. Secondly, don't wait to start looking for encryption, content and data protection solutions. Your company could be in serious trouble if you ignore data protection issues.

For more information:
- read the Wall Street Journal article

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