Professional sports organizations are facing a new off-field risk: potential exposure of their proprietary data. In this new age of data in professional sports, teams are spending millions of dollars on sabermetrics and other data science techniques to obtain a competitive edge. But as the recent alleged breach of the Houston Astros’ computer database by

In light of the growing concern over cybersecurity, the United Stated Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued guidance last week on how to prepare for and respond to cyber attacks.  Taking lessons learned by federal prosecutors while handling cyber investigations, and input from private sector companies that have managed cyber incidents, the guidance contains a step-by-step guide on what to do before, during and after a cyber incident.

Specifically, the DOJ recommends having a plan in place before any cyber attacks occur.  That plan should include identifying critical data and assets that warrant increased security, having the technology and services needed to respond to a cyber incident in place, having legal counsel that is familiar with legal issues associated with cyber incidents, and ensuring that your team knows who is responsible for what tasks in the event of an attack.   If an attack happens, the DOJ recommends assessing the scope of the incident and working quickly to prevent any on-going damage, collecting and preserving data related to the attack, and notifying law enforcement.  The DOJ cautions against using any systems that have been compromised and trying to “hack back” against the system involved in the attack.Continue Reading United States Department of Justice Announces “Best Practices” for Addressing Cyber Attacks

The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) announced last week a series of measures it plans to take “to help strengthen cyber hacking defenses at insurers.” Those measures include, among other things: regular, targeted assessments of cyber security preparedness at insurance companies; putting forward enhanced regulations requiring institutions to meet heightened standards for cyber security; and considering the ways in which NYDFS can support and encourage the development of the cyber security insurance market. The NYDFS stated that it plans to initiate these measures in the coming weeks and months.
Continue Reading New York Department of Financial Services Announces New Cyber Security Measures Directed at Strengthening Insurers’ Cyber Defenses