New York State Advances Personal Information Protections
And Commemorates Data Privacy Day

- Governor Paterson Proclaims January 28, 2009 Data Privacy Day in New York State -
- Consumer Protection Board Releases Anatomy of a Data Breach to Assist Businesses -

As part of New York State’s ongoing effort to protect its residents from identity theft and address consumer and business concerns regarding data privacy and security issues, Governor David A. Paterson and several New York State agencies are today joining with government officials from across the United States and Europe, privacy professionals, academics, legal scholars, representatives of international businesses, and others to mark the importance of data privacy and protection through the statewide observance of National Data Privacy Day.

As part of the commemoration, Governor Paterson issued a proclamation declaring January 28, 2009 Data Privacy Day in New York State and noting that the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), the State’s Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) and the State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIC) are all issuing privacy resources to assist consumers and businesses.

“More than 2 million records of New York State residents were impacted by nearly 550 data breaches in 2008, highlighting the need for vigilance among every entity that handles personal identifiable information in our State,” said Governor Paterson. “Through Agency efforts, we are providing important information and resources to help businesses avoid data breaches, protecting the records compiled by State government, tracking data breaches and assisting thousands of consumers who have fallen victim to identity theft. New York’s participation in the National Data Privacy Day is a symbol of our commitment to protecting the privacy and personal information of our residents.”

Nationally, more than 1,000 data breaches compromised more than 236 million records containing sensitive personal information in the past year, and data security breaches have put more than 100 million Americans at risk for identity theft according to reports by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Identity theft is the most common consumer fraud complaint in the United States affecting approximately ten million Americans each year. Moreover, reports of data breaches increased dramatically in 2008, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported last year that New York State is sixth per capita in identity theft complaints in the nation.

“The Consumer Protection Board is pleased to coordinate our State’s commemoration of Data Privacy Day, and to join the Governor and other State agencies in helping to combat data breaches, raising awareness and educating the public on data safeguards,” said CPB Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein. “Our concerted efforts to partner with the business community and represent consumer interests regarding data privacy, security and identity theft mitigation are making a difference for New Yorkers statewide. Let this Day serve as a catalyst for all of us to improve the way we manage personal identifiable information.”

As part of the Data Privacy Day commemoration, the CPB is launching “Anatomy of a Data Breach: What Your Business Needs to Know,” a new video targeted to help businesses understand and protect against data breaches. New York State became one of only two states in the nation to provide written privacy guidance for businesses when the CPB recently issued its highly acclaimed Business Privacy Guide. Through the CPB’s new Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program, launched in January 2009 pursuant to a law signed by Governor Paterson last summer, trained personnel are available to assist New York State residents in dealing with the threat and consequences of this crime.

Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, Ph.D., New York State’s Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office for Technology said, “The Office of the Chief Information Officer /Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) plays a large role in protecting the State’s data. CIO/OFT is responsible for the state data center facilities that house State agency computer systems and is the custodian for over 200 terabytes of data for State government. We are pleased to participate in this year’s commemoration of Data Privacy Day in New York State.”

William Pelgrin, CSCIC Director said, “Data security and privacy are important issues that demand our continued vigilance. The NYS Information Security Breach and Notification Act, which is an important component of a multi-layered strategy, requires that CSCIC, the CPB and the NYS Attorney General’s Office receive reports of data breaches impacting New York State residents. Working together with these agencies and the Governor, we are helping to provide for a more secure New York. We’re pleased to support Data Privacy Day in recognition of the need for heightened awareness in protecting our private information.”

Anatomy of a Data Breach, the Business Privacy Guide and numerous business and consumer resources can be accessed on the CPB’s website at: www.nysconsumer.gov. Cyber security tips can be found at: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ocs. New York’s information technology guidelines and related resources can be obtained at http://www.cio.ny.gov.


The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State’s top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB’s core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.

To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information.