PRIVACY + SECURITY BLOG

News, Developments, and Insights

high-tech technology background with eyes on computer display

Ransomware The Horror Grows

As the FBI warned, ransomware has proven to be a formidable threat costing businesses over $1 billion in 2016, averaging 4,000 attacks per day. Ransomware forces victims to choose between losing access to their files or paying a fee that can range between hundreds and thousands of dollars. Ransomware has already made headlines in the first […]

Law Firm Cybersecurity: An Industry at Serious Risk

Last year, major incidents involving law firm data breaches brought attention to the weaknesses within law firm data security and the need for more effective plans and preparation. An American Bar Association (ABA) survey reveals that 26% of firms (with more than 500 attorneys) experienced some sort of data breach in 2016, up from 23% in 2015.

Passwords Cartoon – Security Awareness Training

Cartoon Passwords - TeachPrivacy Security Awareness Training 01

Here’s a cartoon I created to illustrate the importance of security awareness training.  I hope you find it amusing.

New Resource Page: How to Make Security Training Effective

Effective Security Training

I recently created a new resource page —  How to Make Security Training Effective.  The page contains my advice for how  to make security training memorable and effective in changing behavior. Training the workforce is an essential way to protect data security, but not all training endeavors are successful.  Poor training is akin to shouting […]

New Resource Page: Security Awareness Training FAQ

Security Awareness Training FAQ 01

What laws require security awareness training?  What topics do the laws require to be covered?  What should be covered?  How frequently should training be given? I recently created a new resource page — Security Awareness Training FAQ — to answer the above questions and more.  I discuss various legal and industry requirements for security awareness […]

Ransomware on a Rampage

Ransomware Training 01

Ransomware is on a rampage!  Attacks are happening with ever-increasing frequency, and ransomware is evolving and becoming more powerful. Several major media sites, such as the New York Times, BBC, AOL, and the NFL, were recently infected with malware that directed visitors to sites attempting to install ransomware on their computers. Ransomware has the potential […]

New Privacy and Security Awareness Training Programs

security awareness training

I created some new training programs last year, and here are some of the highlights: The Ransomware Attack (~5 mins) This short program (~5 minutes) consists of an interactive cartoon vignette about malware.  The program is highly interactive, and trainees engage with a scenario involving ransomware. Although this program involves ransomware, the lessons it teaches […]

Law Firm Cyber Security and Privacy Risks

law firm data security

By Daniel J. Solove Law firms are facing grave privacy and security risks. Although a number of firms are taking steps to address these risks, the industry as a whole needs to grasp the severity of the risk. For firms, privacy and security risks can be significantly higher than for other organizations. Incidents can be […]

Does Training Really Work? Can It Reduce Data Security Breaches?

by Daniel J. Solove According to a recent report by Enterprise Management Associates, 56% of employees are not receiving any sort of data security awareness training. This is a rather distressing statistic. It is particularly distressing because according to another study, “when specific employee behaviors are addressed in a meaningful way to bring about a […]