The Computer Security Practice Group at Proskauer helps companies manage the legal risks related to cybercrime or cyberterrorism. For more information about this practice area, contact:
If a computer system is hacked into or infected with a virus, or if a malicious current or ex-employee infiltrates a network, the effects on a business can be disastrous. Not only might normal business activities be interrupted, data may be corrupted, privacy of information may be breached, and customers, clients or the public may be harmed because of the computer breakdown.
The risks are not speculative: computers are hacked into and networks infiltrated with alarming frequency, according to government reports. Cybercrime and cyberterrorism are on the rise. And businesses are expected to take reasonable steps to avoid the harm from such attacks.
The Proskauer lawyers in the Computer Security Practice Group help clients deal with the risks of cybercrime and cyberterrorism. We assist in devising and documenting the steps a company takes to become aware of and to prevent computer intrusions. If there is a challenge to the company's reasonableness in anticipating and dealing with a computer attack, it can show that it paid careful attention to the problem. We also help in preparing and testing contingency plans in the event of computer breakdowns -- again, so a company can provide evidence of its prudence. We help establish relationships with the FBI, Secret Service or other law enforcement agency so that a coordinated response to possible computer crime is set up in advance. And we examine public statements regarding computer security. If a company misstates or overstates its level of computer security (or fails to state problems), those statements or omissions may form the basis of shareholder or regulatory action.
In addition, we help our clients evaluate their contractual rights and obligations stemming from the operation of their computer systems. And we examine insurance coverage for cyberattacks. Often, we work with computer professionals assisting a company.
In short, we look at the possible legal risks of a computer system breakdown, and we help our clients implement safeguards against liability should those risks become real.
The Computer Security Practice Group is headed by Chris Wolf, who is resident in our Washington, DC office. Chris serves on the New York and Washington Electronic Crimes Task Forces, is a founding member of the CyberCrisisNetwork, and he has lectured around the country on computer security legal issues. For example, he was a featured speaker at a recent Greater New York Hospital Association forum on computer security. Chris headed Proskauer's Y2K Liability Practice Group. He is joined in the Group by other lawyers at the Firm conversant with the technical and legal issues surrounding cybercrime and cyberterrorism. For further information on the Proskauer Computer Security Practice Group, contact Chris Wolf at 202-416-6818 or cwolf@proskauer.com
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