New Jersey Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)
As cyber threats continue to evolve, New Jersey businesses face growing responsibility to protect customer data and maintain compliance with state and federal cybersecurity regulations. Understanding New Jersey cybersecurity laws is essential to avoiding penalties, preventing data breaches, and earning customer trust. Below, we’ll cover the most important cybersecurity and privacy laws that apply to New Jersey businesses and what you can do to stay compliant.
New Jersey Cybersecurity Laws
New Jersey Identity Theft Prevention Act (N.J. Stat. § 56:8-161 et seq.)
The New Jersey Identity Theft Prevention Act requires businesses to protect personal information and notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay following a data breach. If more than 1,000 residents are affected, companies must also notify consumer reporting agencies.
New Jersey Data Breach Notification Law (N.J. Stat. § 56:8-163)
This law sets forth specific breach notification requirements. Businesses must inform affected parties of the type of data compromised, how it occurred, and the steps being taken to mitigate harm. Electronic or written notice is required as soon as possible after the breach is discovered.
New Jersey Computer Related Offenses Act (N.J. Stat. § 2A:38A-1 et seq.)
The Computer Related Offenses Act makes unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of computer data or networks a civil and criminal offense. It also allows victims to seek damages for computer-based crimes.
New Jersey State Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC)
Established under Executive Order 178, NJCCIC acts as the state’s central hub for cybersecurity information sharing and coordination. It helps public and private organizations strengthen cyber resilience through monitoring, threat intelligence, and best-practice recommendations.
New Jersey Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (N.J. Stat. § 12A:12-1 et seq.)
This act recognizes electronic records and signatures as legally valid. It also establishes the requirement for secure electronic storage and transmission practices for businesses operating digitally.
Federal and Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Regulations That Affect New Jersey Businesses
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
PCI DSS applies to New Jersey businesses that process credit card payments. Compliance helps prevent breaches by requiring encryption, access restrictions, and routine system audits.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA affects New Jersey healthcare providers and organizations handling personal health information (PHI). It mandates strong data privacy and security measures to protect patient data.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
Financial institutions in New Jersey must comply with GLBA, which requires the safeguarding of customer financial data and clear disclosure of privacy policies.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Though a European Union law, GDPR applies to New Jersey businesses that collect or process personal data from EU citizens. It emphasizes user consent, transparency, and the right to deletion.
Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies (NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500)
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework offers voluntary guidance widely adopted by New Jersey businesses in finance, energy, and technology sectors to manage and reduce cybersecurity risks.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act
The FTC Act requires businesses to maintain reasonable data protection practices. The FTC can pursue enforcement actions against companies that misrepresent their cybersecurity or fail to protect consumer information.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
If your New Jersey business collects data from children under 13, COPPA applies. It requires verified parental consent and limits how personal information can be used.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
Publicly traded companies in New Jersey must comply with SOX, which strengthens data integrity and internal controls in financial systems.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA protects the privacy of student educational records for New Jersey schools and organizations. Parental or student consent is required before sharing identifiable data.
Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)
CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act regulates commercial email communications. New Jersey businesses must provide accurate sender details, truthful subject lines, and a clear opt-out option.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
New Jersey defense contractors must comply with DFARS cybersecurity controls aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to protect controlled unclassified information.
Section 5 of the FTC Act (Unfair or Deceptive Practices)
This section holds New Jersey businesses accountable for deceptive or negligent cybersecurity practices that result in consumer harm or data loss.
More New Jersey Cybersecurity Laws to Be Aware Of
While the above laws cover most business needs, certain industries, such as healthcare, energy, defense, and finance, have additional compliance obligations. The NJCCIC continues to expand its role in cybersecurity coordination, helping organizations meet state and federal expectations for data protection.
New Jersey also supports cybersecurity education and workforce development through partnerships between the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and local universities, reinforcing the state’s leadership in cyber readiness.
To maintain compliance, New Jersey businesses should regularly review data protection policies, perform risk assessments, and adopt frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001 to reduce cyber risk exposure.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with New Jersey cybersecurity laws is essential for businesses of all sizes. By understanding these regulations and following best practices, companies can prevent breaches, avoid fines, and strengthen customer trust.
If your organization needs guidance aligning with cybersecurity compliance standards, we provide solutions designed to safeguard your data and keep your operations secure.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Cybersecurity Laws
- What is New Jersey’s main cybersecurity law?
The Identity Theft Prevention Act and Data Breach Notification Law form the foundation of New Jersey’s cybersecurity framework, requiring timely breach notifications and reasonable data protections. - How quickly must a business report a data breach in New Jersey?
Businesses must notify affected individuals and relevant agencies without unreasonable delay once a breach is confirmed and its scope determined. - Who enforces cybersecurity laws in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General oversee cybersecurity and consumer protection enforcement in the state. - Do small businesses in New Jersey need to comply with these laws?
Yes. Any entity that collects or stores personal information about New Jersey residents is subject to these requirements, regardless of size. - Does New Jersey require a specific cybersecurity framework?
No single framework is mandated, but adopting recognized standards like NIST, CIS Controls, or ISO 27001 helps demonstrate compliance and strong security posture.
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.
