The Data Security and Breach Notification Act would set national standards for notifying people of unauthorized access to their personal information. Currently such scenarios are covered by 46 different state laws.

People could be notified by telephone, email or on paper. They would have to be told when the breach occurred and what information was compromised. The legislation cites specific examples of such personal data, including Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, and bank and credit card account numbers.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.