Top 5 Cybersecurity Laws Your Business Might Be Violating in Louisiana
Most business owners in Louisiana don’t wake up thinking about cybersecurity regulations, until a data breach or compliance audit forces them to. But in reality, many businesses in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and across the state are unknowingly violating cybersecurity laws that could lead to fines, lawsuits, or reputational damage.
Whether you run a tech startup, a medical clinic, a retail store, or a professional services firm, your handling of customer data matters. Failing to follow state and federal cybersecurity laws could expose your company to serious consequences, even if no breach has occurred.
Here are five common cybersecurity laws that Louisiana businesses often violate, plus how working with a knowledgeable cybersecurity attorney can help you stay compliant and protected.
1. Louisiana’s Data Breach Notification Law
Louisiana law requires businesses to notify individuals within 60 days if their personal information was compromised in a data breach. This includes names in combination with Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or financial account information.
But many businesses fail to:
- Send timely breach notifications
- Keep proper documentation
- Understand what counts as a breach under Louisiana law
If your company delays or skips this process, you could face legal penalties, even if the breach was caused by a third-party vendor.
Not sure how to respond to a data breach? Bloom Legal Network can connect you with a cybersecurity attorney who understands Louisiana’s strict notification laws — and how to respond fast and effectively.
2. The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act)
The FTC considers it a deceptive or unfair business practice to fail to implement “reasonable” cybersecurity measures, and they’ve gone after companies that didn’t even experience a breach.
This law applies to nearly every Louisiana business that collects or stores personal data, including:
- E-commerce sites
- Marketing firms
- Professional service providers
If your business lacks security policies, employee training, or clear procedures for handling sensitive data, you may already be violating this law, whether or not you realize it.
Bloom Legal Network helps businesses across Louisiana stay ahead of federal compliance issues by connecting you with attorneys who can review your cybersecurity policies and help you avoid regulatory risks.
3. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
If your business handles any type of health-related data, including insurance, billing, or IT services for healthcare providers, HIPAA likely applies to you.
HIPAA violations are serious and can result in steep fines or even criminal charges. Common missteps include:
- Sharing patient data without authorization
- Failing to encrypt medical records
- Lacking breach response protocols
Even small businesses in Jefferson Parish or St. Tammany Parish can fall under HIPAA if they serve healthcare clients or process health-related information.
Working in healthcare or supporting healthcare businesses? Bloom Legal Network will match you with a Louisiana-based HIPAA compliance attorney who can guide your business through your legal obligations.
4. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards)
If you accept credit or debit card payments, you’re required to follow PCI DSS: a set of security standards created to protect cardholder data.
Unfortunately, many Louisiana businesses, especially smaller retailers, restaurants, or service providers, ignore or misunderstand these requirements. Common violations include:
- Using outdated payment terminals
- Storing cardholder data improperly
- Skipping routine system security tests
Violating PCI DSS doesn’t just risk fines. It can also result in being dropped by your payment processor, higher transaction fees, or lawsuits from affected customers.
Need help aligning your payment systems with PCI rules? Bloom Legal Network works with attorneys who understand how to bring Louisiana businesses into compliance without interrupting operations.
5. Inadequate Vendor Contracts and Third-Party Security Oversight
Your vendors, from cloud storage providers to payroll processors, can be a weak link in your cybersecurity chain. And if your contracts don’t address those risks clearly, your business could end up liable for their mistakes.
Your vendor contracts should include:
- Specific cybersecurity standards they must follow
- Responsibilities for reporting and responding to data breaches
- Indemnification provisions in case of a security incident
Too many businesses rely on generic contracts that don’t protect them under Louisiana law or federal standards.
Don’t leave yourself exposed. Bloom Legal Network can help you work with a contract attorney who ensures your third-party agreements reflect your cybersecurity risks and responsibilities.
Don’t Let Compliance Gaps Put Your Business at Risk
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a legal one. Whether you’re running a boutique firm in New Orleans or managing a growing enterprise in Metairie, failing to comply with cybersecurity laws can jeopardize your business’s future.
If you’re unsure whether your policies, systems, or contracts meet legal standards, now is the time to act.
📞 Need Help Understanding Your Cybersecurity Legal Obligations?
Bloom Legal Network connects businesses in New Orleans, St. Charles Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and throughout Southeast Louisiana with experienced cybersecurity attorneys who understand both the legal and technical sides of digital risk.
We assist businesses in:
- Reviewing data breach procedures
- Ensuring FTC and HIPAA compliance
- Drafting strong vendor contracts
- Navigating PCI DSS requirements
- Reducing exposure through proactive legal planning
📧 Email: info@bloomlegal.com
📞 Call us at 504-599-9997
Don’t let legal blind spots compromise your systems. With Bloom Legal Network, you get access to trusted cybersecurity lawyers who can help your business stay compliant, protected, and prepared.
