On 11 June 2015, Hogan Lovells’ Paris office hosted a seminar on cybercrime, focusing on practical ways for companies to address cybersecurity challenges.
Whether it takes the form of thefts or misappropriation of personal data or of attacks against a computer system or website, cybercrime is a threat that has considerably increased over the last years and that all companies must now face. The seminar featured presentations of renowned experts who provided their insight on how to improve companies’ cybersecurity.
This seminar was introduced by Christine Gateau, Winston Maxwell and David Taylor, Partners in Hogan Lovells’ Paris office, all three members of the firm’s TMT (Technology, Media and Telecoms) industry sector team.
A keynote speech on cybersecurity was given by Nick Coleman, IBM’s Global Head Cyber Security Intelligence Services. Nick underlined that, nowadays, cybercrime has several faces and may reach a very high level of sophistication that calls for a variety of innovative solutions to ensure cybersecurity.
Jean-Pierre Mistral, VP & Director Global Data Privacy at Gemalto, then shared his experience on how to best protect data and focused in particular on the challenges associated with the notion of personal data. Jean-Pierre highlighted the value of encryption techniques in order to address cybercrime risks.
Anne Souvira, Chief Superintendent in charge of Cybercrime of the Prefect of Paris, and former Chief of the Brigade for the Investigation of Information Technology Fraud, presented the views of French authorities. Anne notably stressed the need for companies to prevent cybercrime attacks by increasing and improving employees training in this respect. Anne also gave indication on how to best react after a cyberattack.
Finally, Marcus Schreibauer, a Partner in Hogan Lovells’ Düsseldorf office, presented a case study based on a real matter in which the firm assisted a media company to identify and sue offenders who had anonymously sold illegal access to protected media content. This case study gave an occasion for attendees to exchange views with the various speakers.
The discussions went on while everyone enjoyed a sunny summer evening on Hogan Lovells Paris’ terrace!