Washington Cybersecurity Laws You Should Know (2025)

Mitch Wolverton

Washington has emerged as one of the most proactive states in the nation when it comes to data privacy and cybersecurity. With its strong consumer protection laws and strict breach notification requirements, businesses operating in Washington must stay informed and compliant. Below, we outline the key Washington cybersecurity laws that apply to organizations in 2025.

Washington Cybersecurity Laws

Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86)

The Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce, including misleading claims about data security or privacy practices. Businesses that fail to protect consumer information or falsely advertise their cybersecurity safeguards can face civil penalties and Attorney General enforcement.

Washington Data Breach Notification Law (RCW 19.255.010)

The Washington Data Breach Notification Law requires businesses and state agencies to notify affected individuals within 30 days of discovering a data breach that compromises personal information.

If the breach affects 500 or more Washington residents, the business must also notify the Washington Attorney General.
The notification must include the type of information exposed, the estimated number of individuals affected, and the organization’s mitigation measures.

This law applies not only to electronic data but also to paper records containing personal information.

Washington My Health My Data Act (RCW 19.373.010–19.373.900)

The My Health My Data Act, enacted in 2023, significantly expands privacy protections for health-related data beyond HIPAA-covered entities. It gives consumers the right to access, delete, and withdraw consent for the collection or sharing of their health information.

This law applies to any business that collects health-related data from Washington residents, even if it is not a healthcare provider, including apps, websites, and wellness services.

Violations can lead to enforcement by the Washington Attorney General or private lawsuits under the Consumer Protection Act.

Washington Computer Trespass Law (RCW 9A.52.110–120)

This law criminalizes unauthorized computer access, data theft, and cyber fraud. Penalties range from gross misdemeanors to Class C felonies, depending on the scope of the intrusion and intent of the offender.

Washington Electronic Authentication Act (RCW 19.34)

The Electronic Authentication Act provides legal recognition for electronic records and digital signatures. Businesses must ensure the authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality of electronic transactions using appropriate security technologies.

Federal and Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Regulations That Affect Washington Businesses

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS applies to Washington businesses that process credit card payments. It requires encryption, access control, and continuous monitoring to prevent payment data breaches.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA applies to Washington healthcare organizations and business associates that handle personal health information (PHI). It mandates administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for patient data.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

Financial institutions in Washington must comply with GLBA, which requires secure information systems, employee training, and consumer privacy notices.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

GDPR applies to Washington businesses that collect or process personal data from EU residents. It mandates explicit consent, transparency, and the right to delete personal information.

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

Financial institutions in Washington with operations in New York must comply with NYDFS cybersecurity regulations, requiring encryption, multifactor authentication, and incident reporting.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is widely used across Washington’s key industries, particularly technology, energy, and manufacturing, to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act

Under the FTC Act, Washington businesses must maintain reasonable cybersecurity standards and cannot misrepresent their data protection practices.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

If your Washington business collects personal data from children under 13, COPPA applies. It requires verified parental consent and limits data sharing or tracking.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

Publicly traded companies in Washington must comply with SOX, which enforces accurate financial reporting and secure data management systems.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA applies to Washington schools and businesses handling student educational records. It requires written consent before disclosing identifiable student data.

Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)

CIRCIA requires critical infrastructure entities, including those in energy, technology, and manufacturing, to report major cyber incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 72 hours.

CAN-SPAM Act

The CAN-SPAM Act governs commercial email marketing practices, requiring accurate sender information, clear subject lines, and simple opt-out mechanisms.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

Washington defense contractors must comply with DFARS cybersecurity standards aligned with NIST SP 800-171, ensuring protection of controlled unclassified information.

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

Section 5 prohibits deceptive or negligent cybersecurity practices, holding Washington businesses accountable for failing to protect consumer data or misrepresenting security controls.

More Washington Cybersecurity Laws to Be Aware Of

The Washington Office of Cybersecurity (OCS), part of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), oversees state cybersecurity initiatives and develops policies for data protection across public agencies.

Washington businesses are encouraged to:

  • Conduct annual cybersecurity risk assessments
  • Encrypt personal and financial data in storage and transit
  • Maintain written breach response and data retention policies
  • Adopt frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001 to demonstrate compliance

By implementing these practices, organizations reduce their legal exposure while improving cyber resilience.

Conclusion

Washington’s cybersecurity landscape is among the most advanced in the country, with strong consumer protections and a growing focus on data transparency. From the My Health My Data Act to the 30-day breach notification rule, businesses must stay proactive to remain compliant and maintain public trust.

If your organization needs help meeting cybersecurity and privacy requirements in Washington, we offer tailored compliance and risk management solutions to help you stay secure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Cybersecurity Laws

  1. What is Washington’s main cybersecurity law?
    The Washington Data Breach Notification Law (RCW 19.255.010) is the state’s primary cybersecurity statute, requiring notification within 30 days of discovery.
  2. What is the My Health My Data Act?
    This law expands privacy protections for health-related data, even for non-healthcare businesses like apps, fitness trackers, and online wellness platforms.
  3. Who enforces cybersecurity laws in Washington?
    The Washington Attorney General’s Office enforces consumer protection, privacy, and cybersecurity regulations.
  4. What penalties exist for failing to report a data breach?
    Failure to comply can lead to civil penalties, injunctions, and enforcement actions under the Consumer Protection Act.
  5. What cybersecurity frameworks are recommended in Washington?
    The NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Controls are recommended for managing cyber risk and compliance readiness.

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.

Mitch Wolverton

Mitch, Marketing Manager at PivIT Strategy, brings over many years of marketing and content creation experience to the company. He began his career as a content writer and strategist, honing his skills on some of the industry’s largest websites, before advancing to specialize in SEO and digital marketing at PivIT Strategy.