Government Agencies Send Mixed Messages on Ephemeral Messaging, Placing Regulated Entities in Apparent Double Bind

Officials with the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”) recently recommended Americans use encrypted messaging apps in response to the Salt Typhoon cyberattack that infiltrated at least eight U.S. telecommunications companies.  In a news call to address the Salt Typhoon attack, Jeff Greene, the executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, stated, “Encryption is your friend,” and an official with the FBI added that “responsibly managed encryption” benefits users who wish to protect their mobile device communications.  These statements acknowledge that ephemeral messaging, which generally refers to messaging applications that employ “end-to-end encryption” or auto-delete technology, minimizes the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.

But these recommendations and statements in favor of the legitimate benefits of encrypted messaging apps in enhancing a cybersecurity posture, may appear inconsistent with other statements disfavoring the use of such apps to conduct business.

Continue reading “Government Agencies Send Mixed Messages on Ephemeral Messaging, Placing Regulated Entities in Apparent Double Bind”

Duane Morris Partner Joseph M. Burton Discusses the “4 Steps to Getting Serious About Law Firm Cybersecurity”

The need for better cybersecurity, along with the responsibility to safeguard client and firm information from the risk of loss from cyberattack, has been the focus of considerable discussion by law firms for the past four years. While some law firms have recently awakened to this key issue, significant further work needs to be undertaken. Let’s look at the progress (or lack thereof) of law firm security over this four-year period — and four ways firms could improve both the speed and effectiveness of their cybersecurity going forward.

To read the full version of the article written by Duane Morris partner Joseph M. Burton, please visit the Law Practice Today website.

© 2009- Duane Morris LLP. Duane Morris is a registered service mark of Duane Morris LLP.

The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and are not to be construed as legal advice.

Proudly powered by WordPress