Digital forensics expert Erin Nealy Cox of Stroz Friedberg LLC says proposed legislation reflects policy makers' growing data-security concerns.
Whether it's computer viruses like the conficker worm threatening to turn your PC into a foot soldier in a vast drone computer army or the skyrocketing number of data breaches, the electronic age is constantly presenting new perils, and businesses, consumers and policy makers are still struggling to respond. Three separate bills under consideration by Texas lawmakers could strengthen statutes aimed at growing data security threats to businesses and individuals.

Senate Bill 28 would outlaw the creation and use of botnets in Texas. Under the proposal, those victimized by botnets, such as ISPs and businesses, or the Texas Attorney General could bring a cause of action and potentially recover up to $100,000 per violation, legal costs and treble damages. Senate Bill 327/House Bill 345 would require businesses to adopt e-commerce security standards already in use by the payment card industry. Senate Bill 962 would require businesses to use encryption software when dealing with sensitive personal information.

Erin Nealy Cox, a deputy general counsel at Stroz Friedberg LLC, an international digital forensics, cybercrime response and electronic discovery firm, says the legislation reflects the growing number of data security risks. "Lawmakers across the country are feeling pressure to respond to these dangers," she says. "For businesses operating in multiple states, the result can be a confusing patchwork of statutes from one state to another." To interview Ms. Nealy Cox, contact Robert Tharp at 800-559-4534 or robert@androvett.com.