Internet Security, Data Protection, and Privacy

Our law firm represents clients in internet security, data protection, and privacy laws. The internet has been defined as an international network of interconnected computers. It is the outgrowth of what began as a military program called ARPANET which was designed to enable computers operated by the military, defense contractors, and universities conducting defense-related research to communicate with each another by redundant channels even if parts of the network were damaged in a war. Now, even though ARPANET does not exist any longer, yet it has provided an example for the development of a number of civilian networks that are able to communicate with each other and to access vast amounts of information.

The internet refers to the global information system that is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol or its subsequent extensions. It’s able to support communications using the Transmission Control/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”) suite or its subsequent extensions or other IP-compatible protocols. It also provides access to high level services layered on the communication and related infrastructures.

The internet is collectively the myriad of computer and telecommunication facilities which comprise the interconnected world-wide-web of networks that employ specific transmission protocols to send and receive information.

Internet security is a multi-faceted procedure and may be achieved by using various tools and resources, including, but not limited to, hardware devices and software programs. For example, hardware devices such as switches, gateways, proxy servers, and routers can be used to secure the network infrastructure. Software programs may include firewalls, encryptions, virtual private networks, and intrusion detection services. There are other security software applications that can be used to detect, identify, and locate the culprits. In some cases, our clients have implemented Unified Threat Management (“UTM”) to enhance security by using a single hardware or software installation for multiple security functions.

A UTM can provide network firewall, intrusion detection, gateway antivirus, proxy firewall, deep packet inspection, web proxy and content filtering, data loss prevention, security information and event management, virtual private network, and network tarpit. However, with every kind of technology there could be certain advantages or disadvantages. That is why we work with highly-qualified information technology experts who can assist our clients. We also render legal services to clients who may be using traditional methods for information security management. However, at a minimum, every business owner should have some form of information security management protocol. Now, that may include installing packet-filtering firewalls, intrusion detection systems, network access controls, proxy servers, web filters, network load balancers, spam filters, or antivirus software.

Security certificates are used to increase security. It includes information that is used by the security sockets layer (“SSL”) protocol to establish a secure network connection. It is a special protocol that permits encrypted, authenticated communications across the web. It provides privacy, authentication, and message integrity.

We have represented clients who needed to verify that an electronic record is that of a specific person or detect errors or alterations in the communication or storage of the electronic records. Our internet security and privacy attorneys have rendered professional legal services to clients. We understand data protection, privacy, and security laws. Our legal team advises companies and their employees on cybersecurity policies, data protection programs, incident response programs, disaster recovery programs, and data retention policies. We have worked with local law enforcement agencies and state or federal government agencies in their investigations.

Data protection is a key component of network security. It comprises of assessing and implementing security measures to decrease the possibility of a data breach. In general, companies must take reasonable steps to notify their customers and other affected parties about the data breach and take steps to remedy the situation based on state or federal laws. In California, Civil Code §§ 1798.29 and 1798.82 outline the guidelines. Please click on this link for more information.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has provided several security tips which can be found on its website. It has listed helpful steps to take for securing network infrastructure devices (e.g., routers, firewalls, switches, servers). For example, the agency recommends segmenting and segregating the networks. It also recommends physically separating sensitive information such as trade secrets.

We work with clients regarding internet security, data protection, and privacy laws. We have an extensive background in data security protection and work with technology experts to achieve client goals. Please feel free to contact our law firm to speak with an attorney who has knowledge about these topics.