In today’s digital age, online privacy concerns are increasingly paramount. As technology evolves, so does the potential for privacy violations, making it crucial to understand which states pose the greatest risks to your personal data. Here, we delve into the 15 states where your online privacy is most at risk, backed by actual sources.

California

Despite its stringent privacy laws, California’s massive tech industry presence places vast amounts of data at risk. A recent study by Forbes Advisor indicates that it topped the list of states for data breaches for five years from 2017 to 2021. This juxtaposition of high regulatory standards and high breach incidents highlights the continuous battle between privacy legislation and cyber threats.

Texas

Texas ranks high for identity theft and cybercrimes. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), a data breach in Texas compromised the personal information of 1.8 million individuals in 2022. The state’s large population and significant economic presence make it a prime target for cyberattacks. Additionally, Texas lacks comprehensive state legislation on consumer data privacy, leaving residents more vulnerable to data misuse and exposure.

Florida

Florida is a hotbed for identity theft, consistently ranking among the top states for the number of fraud reports per capita. In 2023, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the records of over 3.4 million patients in Florida were compromised. The state’s aging population and high tourist rates contribute to its high risk, making personal information particularly susceptible to theft.

New York

With its status as a global financial hub, New York faces substantial cyber risks. ABC7 even reported that a 2023 cyberattack compromised sensitive information relating to approximately 45,000 students from New York City Public Schools, along with Department of Education staff and service providers. New York’s laws are robust, but the sheer volume of personal data processed daily significantly increases the likelihood of data breaches and fraud.

Illinois

Illinois has witnessed a notable increase in cyberattacks. Figures from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reveal that 96 Illinois companies reported falling victim to data breaches in 2022, a significant increase from the 41 corporate data breaches reported in 2021. The state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act does provide some safeguards, but the overall risk remains high.

Georgia

Georgia’s lack of stringent privacy laws makes it a breeding ground for cyber threats. In Atlanta alone, over 200,000 residents have been victims of cybercrimes, including credit card fraud and identity theft. The state’s growing tech industry paradoxically increases the risk as more personal data goes online without adequate protections.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a high incidence of phishing attacks and malware infections, largely due to its dense population and significant commercial sector. Last year, residents reported over 15,000 incidents of cyber fraud. Pennsylvania’s laws on data privacy are in flux, making it difficult to combat new methods of cyberattacks effectively.

Ohio

In 2023, negotiations with the perpetrators of a ransomware attack against a statewide history organization in Ohio failed, potentially exposing the personal data of more than 7,000 individuals. Moderate state laws on data protection exacerbate situations like this. Ohio’s strategic efforts to enhance cybersecurity are still in the early stages, leaving much room for improvement.

Michigan

Michigan is another state where your online privacy can be put at risk. In 2024, it was reported that data breaches occurred from March to July 2023 and impacted over 2 million individuals. The cybercriminals involved in these incidents managed to steal not only names, dates of birth, email addresses, and phone numbers but also sensitive details such as medical diagnoses, health insurance information, and Social Security numbers.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s privacy laws are moderately strong, yet the rapid growth in data-centric businesses outpaces current legislative measures. In 2023, security breaches affected more than 3 million residents of North Carolina, marking the second-highest annual figure on record. This number is surpassed only by the 2017 Equifax data breach, which impacted nearly 5 million North Carolinians.

Arizona

Arizona sees a high volume of cyber scams, and 2022 alone saw a record spike in healthcare data breaches, with Critical Insight Cybersecurity reporting 679 breaches that affected 45 million individuals. The state’s privacy protections are relatively weak, offering minimal recourse for victims of data breaches, so be vigilant when you’re there.

Virginia

Virginia’s status as a data center hub exposes it to significant cyber risks. In 2023, EdScoop reported that following a data breach, Virginia Tech experienced a leak of files containing the personal information of its students and employees. While Virginia has strong data protection laws, the concentration of data centers makes it a perennial target for sophisticated cyberattacks.

Colorado

In late May 2023, an “unauthorized actor” accessed files containing names, Social Security numbers, and medical information in Colorado. The state’s robust tech sector contributes to its high-risk status when it comes to data branches. And while Colorado has progressive privacy laws, the prevalence of tech companies means more personal data is at risk.

Washington

Home to tech giants, Washington state is a prime target for cyber threats. In 2023, 4.5 million data breach notifications were issued to residents of Washington. The state has strong privacy laws, but the scale of data managed by local tech firms presents ongoing challenges in safeguarding personal information.

Nevada

Known for its entertainment and hospitality industries, Nevada faces unique cyber risks related to transactional data breaches. In 2019, MGM Resorts experienced a data breach that compromised the personal information of up to 10.6 million customers, including celebrities, journalists, and government officials. And again, In 2022, the state saw a significant uptick in cyber incidents.