According to Verizon’s 2018 Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing or other forms of social engineering cause 93% of all data breaches. In order for phishing or social engineering attacks to be successful, the attacker needs a target to take the
Latest from Privacy and Cybersecurity Perspectives - Page 3
The Importance of Information Security Plans
In the first installation of our weekly series during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we examine information security plans (ISP) as part of an overall cybersecurity strategy. Regardless of the size or function of an organization, having an ISP is a
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, each Friday this October, we will highlight a different step that organizations can take to increase awareness of potential cyber threats, reduce the risk of a cyber attack or minimize damage from an
More FTC Privacy Shield Settlements, But Will It Be Enough For The EU?
Just days before the EU Commission reassesses the EU-US Privacy Shield program in light of the EU Parliament’s recent adequacy criticisms, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced settlements with four companies allegedly falsely claiming participation in the program. One of
Uber to Pay $148 Million for 2016 Data Breach
The California Attorney General’s office reported today that Uber will pay $148 million to resolve claims related to a 2016 data breach that Uber concealed. In addition to failing to report the breach, Uber paid the hackers $100,000 as part
California Governor Approves Revisions to Consumer Privacy Act
On September 23, 2018, California’s governor signed into law the first round of revisions to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the most sweeping privacy legislation in this country. California enacted the CCPA in June and it takes effect on
Boston-Area Hospitals Pay Nearly $1M in Penalties for Permitting Filming of “Boston Med”
On September 20, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced separate settlements with Boston Medical Center (BMC), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) with penalties totaling $999,000. In each
Report on Cyber Readiness of Connecticut Utility Companies
On September 18, 2018, Connecticut’s governor released an annual report on the cybersecurity sophistication and readiness of the state’s electric, natural gas and major water companies. The four participating utility companies were Aquarion, Avangrid, Connecticut Water and Eversource.
OCR Releases Hurricane Florence Guidance Ahead of Storm
Hurricane Florence has caused the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to declare a public health emergency ahead of the storm. Accordingly, HHS’ Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) released guidance ahead of the hurricane. The focus of the guidance
NIST and NCCoE Offer Guidance on Mobile Device Security in Health Care
In recognition of the vulnerability of mobile devices and the daily use of those devices in health care, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) released a practice guide earlier this