Bono Mack Says New Data Breach Highlights Need for Legislation to Protect U.S. Consumers

Statement

Following a major new data breach involving the payment processing company Global Payments, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45),Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, released this statement:

"This latest online assault on tens of thousands of American consumers brings into sharp focus the urgent need for Congress to pass data security legislation this year. I am strongly urging House leaders to include my Secure and Fortify Electronic (SAFE) Data Act -- passed out of my subcommittee last year -- as part of the broader cybersecurity debate which we will be taking place in the coming weeks. The time to act is now.

"You shouldn't have to cross your fingers and whisper a prayer when you type in a credit card number on your computer and hit "enter.' E-commerce is a vital and growing part of our economy. We should take steps to embrace and protect it -- and that starts with robust cybersecurity. Most importantly, consumers have a right to know when their personal information has been compromised, and companies and other organizations have an overriding responsibility to promptly alert them.

"With nearly 1.5 billion credit cards now in use in the United States -- and more and more Americans banking and shopping online -- sophisticated hackers and cyber thieves have a treasure chest of opportunities to get rich quick. The SAFE Data Act will provide American consumers with better safeguards in the future."

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