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Data Breach Risks by State: Is Your State a Cybercrime Target?

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 14 February 2025
  • 8 mins read

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Did you know? Some US states are far more vulnerable to data breaches than others due to weak privacy laws and enforcement.

A new study highlights how states like Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Tennessee are leading the way in data protection. Meanwhile, South Dakota and Alaska rank among the worst due to insufficient regulations and rising cyber threats.

Let’s break down the findings, the risks involved, and what businesses and individuals can do to stay protected.

Which States Are the Safest from Data Breaches?

According to a study, the states with the lowest rates of data breaches are:

  • Kentucky (99.32 safety score)
  • Rhode Island (97.14 safety score)
  • Tennessee (High enforcement & compliance)

Kentucky citizens have many rights under the KCDPA (Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act). Some of them are as follows:  

  • Confirm if their private data is monitored and processed 
  • Rectify inaccuracies of private data 
  • Request to delete personal information 
  • Get a complete copy of their private data if they have signed up to a business entity
  • Send opt-out requests to remove their data and prevent unwanted advertising 

These states have strong data privacy laws and enforce them effectively, leading to fewer cyberattacks and data leaks. However, having strict laws doesn’t automatically mean a state is safe. Central US states have always been high-value cyber targets.

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Which States Face the Highest Cyber Threats?

South Dakota (65.14) and Alaska (66.50) have the weakest privacy laws, making them the most vulnerable, while other states with high cyber risks include:

Nevada (77.64 score)

Despite solid privacy laws, the state’s casinos and entertainment businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals.

California (89.3 score)

Home to the tech industry, frequent attacks target major corporations.

Delaware

A financial hub where breaches are common among lending services.

Data Breach Risks by State frequent attacks target major corporations
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How Are States Enhancing Data Privacy?

As data breaches become more frequent and costly, every American state tries to regulate data privacy and enforce stricter compliance. In 2025, several states are introducing new data privacy laws and enhancing enforcement mechanisms to hold companies accountable for protecting personal data.

  1. Delaware’s Data Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) Is Now in Effect

Delaware has officially enacted its Data Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to enhance consumer rights over personal data. The law requires businesses to:

  • Get consumer consent before collecting sensitive data.
  • Allow consumers to opt out of data sharing and targeted advertising.
  • Implement stronger security measures to prevent breaches.
  1. Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and New Jersey Introduce New Regulations

Most American states follow suit by implementing comprehensive data privacy laws and establishing clear guidelines for businesses handling personal data.

Some of these laws focus on:

  • Increased transparency in data collection and processing.
  • Strong consumer rights to access, delete, and correct personal information.
  • Strict penalties for companies that fail to comply with data security standards.
Data Breach Risks by State Increased transparency in data collection

Texas Cracks Down on Privacy Violations

Texas took a more straightforward and aggressive approach to enforcement by actively suing companies that violate state privacy laws:

  • In January 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Allstate Insurance, accusing the company of unlawfully tracking consumer data without consent.
  • This move put financial penalties on businesses that fail to comply.

As AI-powered technologies become more integrated into businesses and government systems, states also expand privacy regulations to address AI-related risks.

Colorado is leading the charge with one of the first state-level AI regulations to prevent algorithmic bias and discrimination. 

How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches

If you live in a high-risk state, take extra precautions:

  1. Monitor your online accounts.
  2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). 
  3. Beware of phishing and hacking attempts. 
  4. Use dark web monitoring tools. 

Data breaches often end up exploiting your data on the dark web. Use PureVPN and enable dark web monitoring to get alerts if your data is exposed on the dark web, monitor your privacy status, and stay proactive against data misuse.

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

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Final Thoughts

Data protection will be the next legislative priority in the US. Regulatory changes, compliance programs, and cybersecurity practices are improving with time. Being responsible, companies must treat cybersecurity as compliance and the ultimate risk management strategy.

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