Indiana Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, Indiana businesses must prioritize cybersecurity and data protection. Understanding Indiana cybersecurity laws is essential for protecting your organization, maintaining compliance, and building trust with your customers. Below, we’ll explore the most important cybersecurity regulations that apply to Indiana businesses, along with key federal laws that influence compliance across industries.

Indiana Cybersecurity Laws

Indiana Data Breach Notification Law (Ind. Code § 24-4.9-3)

Indiana’s Data Breach Notification Law requires businesses to notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay after discovering a breach involving personal information. The Indiana Attorney General must also be notified if more than 500 residents are impacted. Notifications must include details about the type of data exposed and the actions taken to prevent future incidents.

Indiana Data Disposal Law (Ind. Code § 24-4-14-8)

This law mandates that businesses properly dispose of personal information in any format, electronic or paper, to prevent unauthorized access. Acceptable disposal methods include shredding, erasing, or otherwise making the information unreadable or indecipherable.

Indiana Computer Crimes Law (Ind. Code § 35-43-1-4)

The Indiana Computer Crimes Law makes unauthorized access, data alteration, or damage to computer systems a criminal offense. It also addresses network intrusions, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure systems.

Indiana Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Ind. Code § 26-2-8-101 et seq.)

This act recognizes electronic signatures and records as legally valid in Indiana, provided they are created and maintained using secure authentication and storage systems.

Federal and Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Regulations That Affect Indiana Businesses

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS applies to Indiana businesses that handle credit card transactions. Compliance includes implementing encryption, access controls, and routine vulnerability testing to prevent breaches.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA applies to Indiana healthcare providers and organizations that handle personal health information (PHI). It mandates administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect patient data.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

Financial institutions in Indiana must comply with GLBA, which requires data protection programs, employee training, and privacy disclosures to safeguard customer financial information.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Though a European Union regulation, GDPR applies to Indiana businesses that collect or process personal data from EU residents. It requires explicit consent and provides individuals with the right to access and delete their data.

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

Indiana financial institutions with operations in New York must comply with NYDFS cybersecurity rules, including incident reporting, multi-factor authentication, and encryption.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Indiana businesses across manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors often adopt the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to strengthen defenses. It provides guidance on identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity risks.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act

Under the FTC Act, Indiana businesses must avoid unfair or deceptive practices, including false claims about data protection. Companies that fail to protect consumer information can face federal enforcement actions.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

If your Indiana business collects data from children under 13, COPPA applies. It requires verified parental consent and limits how that data can be stored or shared.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

Publicly traded companies in Indiana must comply with SOX, which requires robust internal controls and data security measures for accurate financial reporting.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA applies to Indiana schools and education service providers, protecting student records and requiring written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information.

Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)

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

CAN-SPAM Act

The CAN-SPAM Act governs email marketing across the U.S., including Indiana. Businesses must provide clear sender information, truthful subject lines, and an easy opt-out mechanism.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

Indiana defense contractors must comply with DFARS cybersecurity requirements aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to protect controlled unclassified information.

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

Section 5 holds Indiana businesses accountable for misrepresenting their data security practices or failing to adequately protect customer data.

More Indiana Cybersecurity Laws to Be Aware Of

Indiana takes a proactive approach to cybersecurity through the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC), a public-private partnership that guides policy, strengthens cyber defense initiatives, and promotes best practices across industries.

In addition, Indiana’s Office of Technology (IOT) maintains standards for information security that often serve as best-practice models for private businesses.

To remain compliant, Indiana businesses should conduct regular cybersecurity assessments, maintain incident response plans, and train employees on data protection procedures.

Conclusion

Compliance with Indiana cybersecurity laws helps businesses safeguard customer data, reduce breach risk, and maintain consumer trust. By following both state and federal cybersecurity standards, including frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001, companies can demonstrate due diligence and minimize liability.

If your organization needs help aligning with cybersecurity laws in Indiana, we provide tailored compliance solutions to secure your systems and protect your business from growing cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Cybersecurity Laws

1. What is Indiana’s main cybersecurity law?
   Indiana’s Data Breach Notification Law (Ind. Code § 24-4.9-3) is the state’s core cybersecurity regulation, requiring prompt notice to affected individuals and the Attorney General after a data breach.
2. Who enforces cybersecurity laws in Indiana?
   The Indiana Attorney General’s Office enforces cybersecurity, privacy, and consumer protection laws. It also oversees breach reporting compliance.
3. Does Indiana have a safe-harbor provision for cybersecurity frameworks?
   No formal safe-harbor law exists, but businesses that adopt recognized frameworks like NIST, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001 can demonstrate “reasonable security” under state law.
4. Do small businesses have to comply with Indiana cybersecurity laws?
   Yes. All businesses, regardless of size, that handle personal information belonging to Indiana residents are required to comply with breach notification and data security requirements.
5. What data is protected under Indiana’s cybersecurity laws?
   Protected data includes names combined with identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account details, medical information, and biometric data.

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.