Consumers Affected
130,000
SkyMed International, Inc. settled FTC allegations that it failed to secure sensitive consumer data, including health information, leaving a cloud database with 130,000 records exposed to the public. The FTC also alleged that SkyMed misrepresented HIPAA compliance on its website. As part of the settlement, SkyMed must implement a comprehensive security program, undergo biennial third-party assessments, and send notices to affected consumers.
SkyMed is required to establish and maintain a comprehensive information security program, obtain regular third-party audits, notify affected consumers about the data breach, and cease making false claims about its data security and HIPAA compliance.
In-house legal teams should review all agreements involving the processing of consumer health data, including vendor contracts, customer membership agreements, and data processing addendums. Specific clauses to examine are data security provisions, HIPAA compliance representations, breach notification obligations, and audit rights. Changes may be needed to mandate robust security measures like encryption and access controls, require regular third-party assessments, ensure accurate compliance certifications, and establish clear, timely breach notification procedures to protect sensitive health information.
Entity
SkyMed International, Inc.
Also known as: SkyMed International
Industry
HealthcareOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/12/company-provides-travel-emergency-services-settles-ftc-allegations-it-failed-secure-sensitive
skymed complaint
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/skymed_-_complaint.pdf
skymed consent order ftc signed
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/skymed_-_consent_order_ftc_signed.pdf
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"SkyMed International, Inc."
"HIPAA"
"failed to take reasonable steps to secure sensitive consumer information"
The FTC finalized a settlement with SkyMed International, Inc., an emergency travel services provider, for failing to secure sensitive consumer data and deceiving consumers about HIPAA compliance. The company left a cloud database with 130,000 membership records unsecured, containing personal and health information. Under the settlement, SkyMed must notify affected consumers, implement a security program, undergo biennial assessments, and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data practices.
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.