Updated ABA cybersecurity handbook helps lawyers protect sensitive client information from hackers

Cybersecurity breaches in law firms have made headlines and clients are asking questions about lawyers’ and firms’ security programs. From the massive Panama Papers breach that led to the dissolution of the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm in April 2016 to the WannaCry and Petya ransomware attacks, which led to a work outage at DLA Piper in June 2017, it is imperative that attorneys understand their obligations and the potential risk of inadequate information security practices to their practices and their clients.

“The ABA Cybersecurity Handbook: A Resource for Attorneys, Law Firms, and Business, Second Edition” is an updated edition of the handbook that expands on many of the issues raised in the 2013 first edition, while highlighting the extensive changes in the current cybersecurity environment.

It is co-edited by cybersecurity legal experts Jill D. Rhodes, chief information security officer at Option Care and former senior executive with the intelligence community; and Robert S. Litt, counsel, Morrison & Forester and former general counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,

This new edition will enable lawyers and law firms to identify potential cybersecurity risks and prepare a response in the event of an attack. It addresses the current overarching threat as well as ethical issues and special considerations for law firms of all sizes. It also includes the most recent ABA Ethics Opinions and illustrates how to approach the subject of cybersecurity threats and issues with clients, as well as when and how to purchase and use cyber insurance.