Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) recently experienced a major data breach in 2021, which led to the exposure of almost 100,000 New Yorkers’ sensitive data. This incident has caught the attention of New York Attorney General Letitia James and has prompted swift action, setting an example for other institutions to prioritize data protection.
After the breach, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) started investigating the incident. It was found that a hacker had gained unauthorized access to MMC’s systems, compromising bank and credit card information, as well as medical data. Unfortunately, MMC chose to pay a ransom to the hacker, who then deleted the stolen data.
Attorney General Letitia James has consistently advocated for cybersecurity and data protection. In response to the MMC breach, the OAG conducted a thorough review, emphasizing the need for strong digital protection measures. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Attorney General James took decisive action.
To address concerns about data breaches, the AG’s Office published a comprehensive data security guide. This guide emphasizes the importance of transparency in data collection and deletion practices. It also highlights the increasingly severe penalties faced by companies with weak data security, serving as a warning for organizations to strengthen their security protocols.
Attorney General James reached an agreement with MMC to address the security lapses and protect individuals’ personal data. As part of this agreement, MMC was required to invest $3.5 million in data encryption and enhanced security measures. This commitment is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of sensitive information.
The MMC data breach is a wake-up call for institutions and individuals in today’s technological era. While technology has made our lives more convenient, it has also exposed us to the risks of personal data breaches. Therefore, institutions must take proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.
In conclusion, the MMC data breach highlights the urgent need for institutions to prioritize data protection. New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken decisive action by conducting thorough investigations, publishing a comprehensive data security guide, and reaching an agreement with MMC. It is now the responsibility of all organizations to learn from this incident, strengthen their security measures, and ensure the safety of personal data in our interconnected world. By doing so, we can take meaningful steps towards a more secure digital future.
