AUBURN HILLS – In the wake of the Target and Neiman Marcus data breaches, new data security laws are being introduced at both the federal and state levels. Beyond federal acts that address specific types of data, there are conflicting state data protection and breach notification laws. Protecting your organization and the data of your customers should be a priority for any business.

Oakland University INC held a free public seminar on August 21 called Growing Your Business, Tools For Success Workshop: Data and Security Laws to educate attendees on these laws. The seminar was lead by Kathy Ossain who has 30 years of experience in information technology transactional work and litigation. Throughout the session, Ossain shared knowledge about data related laws from HIPPA to Anti-Phishing laws. Types of businesses, countries, and even transaction types can impact the legal responsibility of a business.

OU INC is a SmartZone Business Accelerator that works with the City of Rochester Hills, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and various industry partners. The Technology sector is not the only specialty for OU INC. They also support various energy and medical device innovations with a variety of client business resources.

The breakdown of these investment areas is related to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. According to SciencePioneers.org: ?In 2009, the United States Department of Labor listed the ten most wanted employees. Eight of those employees were ones with degrees in the STEM fields [like] accounting, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, information sciences and systems, computer engineering, civil engineering, and economics and finance.?

OU INC reaches out to these Entrepreneurs to foster a healthy environment for the growth of these much needed innovations. This Data Breech seminar was one of a series designed to help those companies and individuals that are just starting out. There are additional topics such as financing to grow, the art of negotiation, and getting FDA approval. The workshops provide the opportunity to learn more about their sector and get the chance to gain a new skill. The networking and interactive sessions both provide knowledge and give insight into what it takes to be successful.

The investment of time from the attendees will help their companies stay compliant and protect consumer data. STEM related business growth and diversification of Michigan?s economy through OC INC is a huge goal of the 21st Century Jobs Fund. The fund helped back this OU INC initiative to have Kathy share her years of experience in the form of practical advice during this informative legal data breech session.

For more information on OU INC or more on Data Privacy:

OU INC click on Oakland.Edu