Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)
In today’s digital landscape, Pennsylvania businesses face growing pressure to comply with evolving cybersecurity regulations. Staying informed about Pennsylvania cybersecurity laws is essential to protect your business, your customers, and your reputation. Below, we’ll outline the key IT and cybersecurity laws that apply to Pennsylvania businesses and share insights to help you stay compliant.
Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Laws
Pennsylvania Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (73 P.S. § 2301 et seq.)
The Pennsylvania Breach of Personal Information Notification Act requires businesses operating in Pennsylvania to notify affected individuals of a data breach “without unreasonable delay.” If the breach affects more than 1,000 residents, the business must also notify consumer reporting agencies. Notifications must include the types of data compromised and measures taken to mitigate harm.
Pennsylvania Identity Theft Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 4120)
The Pennsylvania Identity Theft Act criminalizes the use or possession of another person’s identifying information without authorization. Businesses must take reasonable measures to safeguard personal data to prevent identity theft and fraudulent use.
Pennsylvania Electronic Transactions Act (73 P.S. § 2260.101 et seq.)
This law recognizes electronic records and signatures as legally binding in Pennsylvania, provided businesses follow secure authentication and record-keeping practices for digital transactions.
Federal and Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Regulations That Affect Pennsylvania Businesses
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
Although not specific to Pennsylvania, PCI DSS applies to any business accepting credit card payments. Compliance helps Pennsylvania businesses secure cardholder data using encryption, firewalls, and regular vulnerability assessments.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA applies to Pennsylvania businesses in the healthcare sector that handle personal health information (PHI). Compliance requires administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect sensitive data.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
Financial institutions in Pennsylvania must comply with the GLBA, which mandates the protection of customer financial data and requires institutions to communicate their privacy practices.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR, while a European Union regulation, applies to Pennsylvania businesses that collect or process personal data from EU citizens. Businesses must obtain explicit consent and provide users with access and deletion rights over their data.
Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies (NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500)
Pennsylvania financial institutions with operations in New York must comply with NYDFS cybersecurity standards, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is widely adopted across Pennsylvania industries, especially in critical infrastructure and manufacturing. It focuses on five pillars: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act
The FTC Act applies to Pennsylvania businesses, requiring them to protect consumer data and avoid deceptive claims about their cybersecurity practices. Companies that fail to meet reasonable security standards may face enforcement actions.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
If your Pennsylvania business collects data from children under 13, COPPA applies. It requires verified parental consent and places limits on the collection, use, and sharing of children’s personal information.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
Publicly traded companies in Pennsylvania must comply with SOX, which strengthens internal controls and data protection in financial reporting systems.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA protects the privacy of student records and applies to Pennsylvania schools and organizations managing educational data. Parental consent is required before disclosing student information.
Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)
CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act governs email marketing in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Businesses must provide accurate sender information, a valid return address, and a clear opt-out option for recipients.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
Pennsylvania contractors doing business with the Department of Defense must comply with DFARS cybersecurity controls, which align with NIST standards to protect controlled unclassified information.
Section 5 of the FTC Act (Unfair or Deceptive Practices)
Section 5 prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in cybersecurity. Pennsylvania businesses must safeguard customer data and accurately represent their data protection measures.
More Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Laws to Be Aware Of
While the laws and regulations above are among the most important, they’re not the only cybersecurity rules that may apply to your business. Depending on the type of data you handle or the industry you serve, additional state, federal, or international regulations may apply. Sectors such as energy, defense, healthcare, and education have their own compliance frameworks under entities like FERC, DFARS, and HIPAA.
Regularly reviewing your compliance obligations, consulting with legal experts, and maintaining updated cybersecurity practices are critical steps to avoid penalties and protect your reputation.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with Pennsylvania cybersecurity laws is vital for businesses across all sectors. Understanding and adhering to these regulations helps safeguard data, maintain customer trust, and prevent costly cyber incidents. Review these laws regularly and adopt proven cybersecurity frameworks to stay resilient in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
If you need help aligning your business with cybersecurity compliance requirements, we provide solutions designed to keep your systems secure and your operations compliant.
Read More:
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.
