Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after President Obama called for legislation requiring companies to notify customers when their data has been illegally accessed:

“I’m pleased the president reiterated his support for a strong national standard to notify consumers when their personal data has been compromised. I have sponsored legislation in the past requiring companies to notify individuals when their data is breached so they can be on guard against identify theft, and I plan to introduce a similar bill soon.

“I firmly believe we need a three-pronged approach to cybersecurity. First, we must enact stronger requirements for the security of electronic information. Second, we must allow private companies and the government to share information about cyber threats and vulnerabilities to better defend against them. And third, on those occasions when attacks do happen, we must inform consumers that their personal information has been stolen so they can defend themselves.

“In just the last 18 months, many millions of Americans have had data stolen in hacks of Target, Neiman Marcus, Home Depot, Sony, JP Morgan Chase and other companies. Cyber attacks cost the economy hundreds of billions of dollars a year, and this will only get worse. Congress must take steps to minimize the damage.”

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