In today’s interconnected world, an organization dedicated to fraud protection like the United States Federal Trade Commission is vital, especially when you consider how advanced digital technology has become and continues to grow. The FTC works to ensure consumer data stays protected by the businesses to which they entrust it. Let’s look at the Safeguards Rule and what your business should know about it.

Explaining the FTC Safeguards Rule

In essence, the FTC’s Safeguards Rule forces financial institutions to adhere to strict and comprehensive security measures to protect consumer data. This rule doesn’t just apply to banks; it also applies to other entities like mortgage lenders, credit unions, and other financial service providers. With so much sensitive information on the line, the FTC enforces adherence to this rule and works to ensure these entities are taking data protection seriously.

The Important Bits of the Safeguards Rule

• Risk Assessment - This mandates that financial institutions conduct a thorough risk assessment for potential issues with their information systems. By performing this assessment, the institution can identify potential risks and address them in kind.
• Designated Employee - This rule states that the institution must assign an employee, or a group of employees, to look after and manage the information security system. These individuals should have skills that allow them to manage and implement any necessary technology to protect the institution’s clients.
• Information Security System - These institutions must also have developed and implemented a comprehensive information security program that includes physical, technical, and administrative measures. The program’s prerogative must be to protect consumer data from unauthorized access, including data breaches and other types of security risks.
• Regular Monitoring and Testing -  Not only do institutions need to have systems in place, but they must also regularly monitor, test, and update these security systems. Financial institutions must also evaluate their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed for emerging threats.
• Service Provider Oversight - If financial institutions outsource their oversight process, they must perform their due diligence to ensure that whoever they work with is reputable and prioritizes the appropriate safeguards.

There Are Consequences for Non-Compliance

If institutions cannot meet the FTC’s regulations, they face severe penalties and fines. That’s just the beginning, though. Non-compliance can also mean a loss of reputation, depleted consumer trust, and even legal trouble.

You don’t want to mess around with the problems that come from non-compliance. To learn more about how you can stay apprised of the requirements associated with the FTC, reach out to us at (410) 531-6727 today.