Arkansas Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, Arkansas businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches, ransomware, and other digital attacks. Understanding Arkansas cybersecurity laws is critical for protecting your organization’s data, maintaining compliance, and building customer trust. Below, we’ll break down the key state and federal cybersecurity laws that apply to businesses in Arkansas.

Arkansas Cybersecurity Laws

Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 4-110-101 et seq.)

The Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) is the state’s primary cybersecurity law. It requires businesses to notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay when personal information has been compromised. If a breach affects more than 1,000 residents, the business must also notify the Arkansas Attorney General and all nationwide consumer reporting agencies.

Arkansas Breach Notification Requirements

Arkansas’s breach notification law applies to both electronic and paper records. It defines personal information as an individual’s name combined with identifying data such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number, or financial account information. Notifications must describe what happened, what information was affected, and what steps are being taken to protect consumers.

Arkansas Computer Crime Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-41-101 et seq.)

This law criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems, data tampering, and electronic fraud. It also covers the introduction of malicious code and other computer-related crimes. Offenders can face civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 4-88-101 et seq.)

The Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act prohibits unfair or deceptive conduct, which includes misrepresenting cybersecurity practices or failing to safeguard consumer data. The Attorney General can bring enforcement actions against violators.

Arkansas Electronic Records and Signatures Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-32-101 et seq.)

This act gives legal validity to electronic records and digital signatures in Arkansas. Businesses must implement authentication and storage safeguards to protect the integrity of digital transactions and contracts.

Federal and Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Regulations That Affect Arkansas Businesses

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS applies to Arkansas businesses that process or store credit card payments. It requires encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability testing.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA applies to Arkansas healthcare providers and organizations handling personal health information (PHI). It mandates administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for protecting patient data.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

Financial institutions in Arkansas must comply with GLBA, which requires secure data protection programs and consumer privacy disclosures.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

GDPR applies to Arkansas companies that collect or process personal data from EU citizens. It requires explicit consent, data minimization, and gives individuals control over their data.

Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies (NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500)

Financial institutions in Arkansas that operate in New York must meet NYDFS cybersecurity requirements, including multifactor authentication, encryption, and incident reporting.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Many Arkansas businesses adopt the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to manage cybersecurity risks. It outlines five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act

Under the FTC Act, Arkansas businesses must maintain reasonable cybersecurity measures. The FTC may take enforcement actions against companies that mislead consumers or fail to protect personal information.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

If your Arkansas business collects information from children under 13, COPPA applies. It requires verified parental consent and limits the use and sharing of children’s data.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

Publicly traded companies in Arkansas must comply with SOX, which requires accurate financial reporting and protection of electronic records from tampering.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA protects the privacy of student educational records and applies to Arkansas schools and organizations managing student data.

Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)

CIRCIA requires critical infrastructure entities in Arkansas to report significant cyber incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 72 hours.

CAN-SPAM Act

The CAN-SPAM Act governs commercial emails, requiring clear sender details, truthful subject lines, and opt-out options. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

Arkansas defense contractors must meet DFARS cybersecurity requirements aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to safeguard controlled unclassified information.

Section 5 of the FTC Act (Unfair or Deceptive Practices)

Section 5 holds Arkansas businesses accountable for unfair or deceptive practices related to cybersecurity and data protection.

More Arkansas Cybersecurity Laws to Be Aware Of

Arkansas has taken proactive steps to enhance its cyber readiness through partnerships between the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) and the Arkansas Division of Information Systems (DIS). These agencies coordinate cybersecurity strategy for both public and private organizations.

Businesses should conduct annual risk assessments, maintain written information security policies, and adopt frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001 to demonstrate reasonable data protection practices.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with Arkansas cybersecurity laws helps businesses protect customer information, avoid penalties, and reduce operational risk. By following both state and federal data protection requirements, Arkansas businesses can safeguard their systems and maintain customer confidence.

If your organization needs help achieving cybersecurity compliance in Arkansas, we provide solutions to strengthen your defenses and keep your data secure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Cybersecurity Laws

1. What is Arkansas’s main cybersecurity law?
   The Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 4-110-101) is the state’s core cybersecurity law, requiring prompt notification of affected individuals following a data breach.
2. Who enforces cybersecurity laws in Arkansas?
   The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office enforces data breach and consumer protection laws, investigating violations of PIPA and deceptive trade practices.
3. Does Arkansas have specific biometric or privacy laws?
   While Arkansas doesn’t have a biometric law like Illinois’ BIPA, it requires reasonable data security for all forms of personally identifiable information.
4. Do small businesses in Arkansas have to comply with these laws?
   Yes. Any entity that collects or stores personal information about Arkansas residents, regardless of size, must comply with PIPA and related data security requirements.
5. How can Arkansas businesses demonstrate cybersecurity compliance?
   By conducting regular risk assessments, adopting frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001, encrypting sensitive data, and developing incident response plans.

Read More Cybersecurity Laws by State:

Florida Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

Ohio Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

Virginia Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

North Carolina Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult qualified legal counsel for advice specific to their organization or situation.