The FTC settled with Ascension Data & Analytics, LLC for violating the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act's Safeguards Rule by failing to ensure its vendor properly protected consumer data. The company must strengthen its security safeguards and increase oversight of vendors. No monetary penalty was imposed.
The company is required to implement and maintain a comprehensive information security program, ensure third-party vendors have adequate safeguards, and increase oversight of vendors.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor and data processing agreements, particularly those involving financial or consumer data. Focus on clauses addressing data security standards, third-party vendor oversight, compliance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Safeguards Rule, encryption requirements, access controls, regular risk assessments, audit rights, and breach notification procedures. Changes may be needed to mandate that vendors implement specific security measures (e.g., encryption, password protection), require annual security audits or certifications of GLBA compliance, include indemnification for data breaches, and grant termination rights for non-compliance with security obligations.
Entity
Ascension Data & Analytics, LLC
Also known as: Ascension Data & Analytics
Industry
Financial ServicesOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/12/ftc-finalizes-order-mortgage-analytics-firm-requiring-it-strengthen-security-safeguards-increase
mortgage analytics company settles ftc allegations it failed
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/mortgage-analytics-company-settles-ftc-allegations-it-failed
1923126ascensionslaughterdissent
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1599131/1923126ascensionslaughterdissent.pdf
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
Ascension Data & Analytics, LLC, a mortgage analytics company, settled FTC allegations that it violated the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act's Safeguards Rule by failing to ensure its vendor adequately protected consumer data. The vendor stored sensitive mortgage information in plain text on a cloud server, leading to unauthorized access. Ascension must implement a data security program, undergo biennial assessments, and report future breaches.
The FTC filed a complaint alleging that GovAssist LLC, Entry LLC, and Scott Zuckerman used deceptive paid search ads, misleading service and pricing claims, and fake reviews to deceive consumers seeking passport services. The complaint alleges violations of the FTC Act, the Impersonation Rule, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; the case will be decided by the court, and no penalty or remedy is reported as imposed.
The FTC issued its annual report to Congress describing fraud trends affecting older adults and the agency’s enforcement, education, and outreach efforts. The report is not a specific privacy enforcement action and announces no penalty or remedy.
The FTC referred a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. and company executives, alleging they bypassed ticket-issuer security controls and purchasing limits to acquire millions of tickets for resale. The complaint was filed by the Department of Justice, and the case will be decided by the court; the press release does not report a penalty or other remedy imposed.
$106.8M
A federal court entered a $106.8 million default judgment against corporate defendants in an alleged debt-relief scheme that impersonated banks and government entities and targeted seniors and veterans. The judgment permanently bans the defendants from the debt-relief industry and imposes additional prohibitions, including on impersonation, telemarketing, and misrepresentations.
The FTC sued Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and affiliated defendants, alleging they misled sextortion victims with promises of investigative and monitoring services that often were not provided, and used fake positive reviews. A federal court granted the FTC’s request to temporarily halt the defendants’ activities; the complaint remains for the court to decide.