From time to time I share news about clients here. This latest news from my client GuideMark may be more than simply interesting to some readers. It may be relevant to you or your business.
Tough new laws about data breaches go into effect in January in Massachusetts, and they will impact any firm — large or small — that handles client private data of Massachusetts residents. Social security numbers. Bank account numbers. Driver’s License numbers.
Firms that accept credit card payments, whether online or off, have already had to consider the ramifications of breaches due to the many and much publicized hacks of credit card processing systems. But the new Mass law impacts any organization that has client private data of a Massachusetts citizen. That means professional services firms like accountants, lawyers, investment advisors and insurance brokers, whether or not you are located in Massachusetts.
GuideMark has developed a set of consulting services to help firms comply with the law, and has partnered with The McLane Law Firm to kick everything off with a free two-hour seminar June 4th in Woburn and a free one-hour webinar on June 11th.
If your firm is potentially affected by the law, worth checking out. And if you are a Massachusetts resident, worth asking your advisors how they are protecting your data and preparing for the new laws.