AG Schneiderman Reports Increase in Data Breach Notifications; Unveils Electronic Submission Form

State Attorney General Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security

On May 4, New York AG Schneiderman announced that, from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2016, his office received 459 data breach notices – more than a 40% increase compared to the 327 notices received during the same time last year. Due to the increased volume of data breach notices and in an effort to provide greater efficiency in the reporting process, AG Schneiderman announced an electronic breach reporting form. The new form allows companies to submit data breach notices via web submission: “[c]ompanies may now notify the Attorney General’s Office of a data breach via a web submission form in order to expedite and streamline the process. Previously, and consistent with most other state attorneys general offices, companies were required to mail, fax, or email a separate data breach form.” AG Schneiderman’s office expects to receive “well over” 1,000 data breach notices in 2016.