Colorado lawmakers look to bolster consumer protections after Equifax breach

The Denver Post: In the wake of last year’s Equifax security breach, Colorado lawmakers in both parties are looking to crack down on companies that collect and store personal information that could be used by identity thieves.

Mass hacks of private consumer data, such as Social Security and credit card numbers, birth dates and addresses have become commonplace in recent years, none more potentially damaging than the Equifax breach, which was made public in September.

The credit rating agency said cybercriminals last year may have obtained the personal data of as many as 143 million Americans, leaving more than a third of the population vulnerable to identity fraud. Then, to make matters worse, Equifax waited a full six weeks to disclose the breach to the public — and tried to coax consumers into signing away their right to sue.

The outrage was widespread — and now has culminated in the introduction of at least three bills before the Colorado General Assembly.

The most significant of the proposals is House Bill 1128, sponsored by Assistant House Minority Leader Cole Wist, R-Centennial, and Rep. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village.

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