Florida Information Protection Act

Under the Florida Information Protection Act, Florida residents are supposed to be notified if they are a victim of a data breach within 30 days. Given how expansive and complex our use of cyber platforms have become, we must take every precaution to protect the personal information of Floridians, and frankly all Americans, from being exposed and used against them.

This week, I along with 49 other attorneys general and the District of Columbia, reached a major settlement with the ride-sharing transportation company, Uber, after they allegedly failed to report a 2016 breach of their drivers’ personal information.

While it appears that no sensitive information was dispersed, Uber did not alert its drivers or report the incident until a year later. People with compromised information need to be alerted immediately so they can take steps and guard against identity theft and potential financial losses.

I am proud to say that Florida was one of the first states to launch this investigation that led to this $148 million settlement. I hope this settlement will send a strong message that quicker reporting of massive data breaches is essential.

We are always looking out for our citizens, but you also have the power to take measures in protecting your valuable and private information from ending up in the wrong hands. Next month happens to be National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. There are multiple ways consumers can be cyber smart, such as not oversharing your personal information online or protecting your password. The Department of Homeland Security has worthwhile lessons on their website about online safety. I encourage everyone to go check them out, https://www.dhs.gov/be-cyber-smart