2025 FTC Safeguards Guide & Enforcement Heat Map
The FTC isn't just enforcing its Safeguards Rule—it's targeting specific industries and locations. This guide provides an interactive quiz to see if you're affected and a live enforcement heat map to show your specific risk level.
Quiz: Does the FTC Safeguards Rule Apply to You?
Stop guessing. This 3-question quiz gives you a definitive answer in 30 seconds. It's based directly on the FTC's broad definition of a "financial institution."
1. Do you help customers get loans, advise on financial matters, or provide other financial services?
2. Do you collect or store sensitive customer financial information (e.g., for payments, applications)?
3. As a service provider (e.g., an agency), do any of your clients fall into the categories above?
FTC Enforcement Heat Map (Q2 2025 Data)
Compliance risk isn't uniform. The FTC targets specific areas and industries. Our heat map shows exactly where and who the FTC is focusing on.
Enforcement Actions by State
No Data for this Area
Top 5 States
Risk Assessment
California, Texas, and Florida show highest overall enforcement activity.
Compliance Tip
High-enforcement states typically indicate areas where the FTC has identified patterns of violations. Consider enhanced compliance measures in these regions.
The Cost of Inaction: A "Minor" FTC Fine
Even a small fine can be devastating when you include legal fees and reputational damage.
Anatomy of a Typical FTC Fine
Base FTC Fine (per violation):
$51,744
Estimated Legal & Remediation Costs:
+$100,000
Total Cost of One Mistake:
~$151,744
9-Step Implementation Checklist for Developers & Agencies
- Designate a Qualified Individual:Appoint one person to be responsible for your information security program.
- Conduct a Risk Assessment:Identify and document all potential risks to customer data security.
- Implement Technical Safeguards:Put access controls, encryption, and other protective measures in place.
- Monitor and Test Continuously:Regularly test and monitor the effectiveness of your safeguards.
- Train Your Staff:Ensure every employee receives security awareness training.
- Oversee Your Service Providers:You are responsible for the security practices of your vendors.
- Maintain Your Security Program:Security is not "set it and forget it." Keep your program updated.
- Create an Incident Response Plan:Have a written plan for what to do in the event of a breach.
- Report to the Board:The Qualified Individual must report on the security program to your board of directors or governing body at least annually.
Embeddable Badge: The Link Magnet Upgrade
Offer this embeddable badge to partners and clients who use your compliance framework.
Download the Enterprise Compliance Toolkit
Includes policy templates, a risk assessment guide, and a vendor management questionnaire.