According to a New York Times story this weekend, the Security Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against SolarWinds is driving discussions in boardrooms and corporate security departments of large organizations about the handling and reporting of cybersecurity breaches. It turns out that such boards and departments may not be the only ones following the SEC’s increased focus
Data Protection Update: Q4 Noteworthy Dates
Cross Border Transfers of Data.
UK Data Transfers. The UK government has published a U.S. “adequacy decision” which permits U.S. organizations that have certified to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) and UK Extension to receive personal data transferred from the UK to the U.S. after October 12, 2023.
China Data Transfers. November
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Series: FBI Director Asks for Help to Fight Cyber Attacks
When hit with a cybersecurity attack, organizations are often not inclined to bring in federal law enforcement. Recent comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray at Mandiant’s annual mWISE 2023 conference seek to encourage the private sector to reconsider, as reported in CIODive. Doing so is an important consideration and depending on certain factors, it
New SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Requirements Place Pressure On Public Companies To Investigate Potential Breaches Quickly And Involve Leadership In Data Security Compliance
This summer, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted rules to enhance and standardize disclosures by public companies regarding cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incidents.
The rules will impose a number of new requirements, including disclosures regarding:
- Material cybersecurity incidents, which must be made within four (4) business days – a tight timeline
SEC to Advisors and Funds – Adopt and Implement Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures
On February 9, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) voted to propose rule 206(4)-9 under the Advisers Act and 38a-2 under the Investment Company Act (collectively, “Proposed Rule”). In general, the Proposed Rule would require all advisers and funds to adopt and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures containing several elements. While acknowledging spending on cybersecurity
SEC Issues Privacy and Data Security Risk Alert
Following recent examinations of SEC-registered investment advisers and broker-dealers, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) published a privacy risk alert on April 16, 2019. OCIE is hoping to remind advisers and broker-dealers about providing compliant privacy and opt-out notices, and adopting and implementing effective policies and procedures for
The SEC Signals Heightened Attention to Cybersecurity and Public Disclosure Requirements
Through its actions and publications, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shown an increased focus on cybersecurity and the public disclosure of cybersecurity risks and incidents. In early 2018, the SEC issued a statement and an interpretative guide to assist companies with understanding and carrying out the agency’s disclosure obligations concerning cybersecurity risks and
Email Privacy Act Introduced With Bi-Partisan Support in the House
On January 9, 2017, lawmakers in the House re-introduced legislation, the Email Privacy Act, which, if enacted, would require the government to obtain a court-issued warrant to access electronic communications, including emails and social networking messages, from cloud providers (e.g., Google, Yahoo) when such communications are older than 180 days. Current law, the Electronic
SEC’s Division of Investment Management Issues Cybersecurity Guidance
In Guidance Update No. 2015-02, the Division of Investment Management (Division) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued some high-level suggestions concerning the importance of cybersecurity for registered investment companies and registered investment advisers. The guidance outlines a number of measures these entities should consider for addressing cybersecurity risks. Of course, while some