Compliance Stuff

The power of AI is creating new and evolving cyber risks. This article explores those risks, the legal landscape and consequences for organizations in the UK and US that fail to implement sufficient cyber protections, and the steps that legal departments should be taking to protect their organizations. AI cyber risk – both an internal and external challenge From an internal cyber defense perspective, AI as a technology is not substantially more risky than other new and novel IT systems . The internal risk stems from the rapid adoption of new technologies creating new attack avenues. AI is fueling a boom in new AI companies and the integration of AI into existing platforms. The speed of this change means the new technology may be less well tested and, accordingly, comes with heightened risks of undetected or unpatched vulnerabilities.  It also introduces change risk as new technology is onboarded . This often requires bringing new systems onto an existing IT estate or new connection...

  The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (OCR) announced on September 26, 2024, that it had entered a   settlement   with Cascade Eye and Skin Centers (together, Cascade) for $250,000 following an investigation of a ransomware attack against them. This is the fourth settlement against a victim of a ransomware attack. According to the OCR’s press release, “ Ransomware and hacking are the primary cyber-threats in health care. Since 2018, there has been a 264% increase in large breaches reported to OCR involving ransomware attacks.” The OCR’s investigation found that 291,000 files were affected by the attack. During its investigation, it alleges that Cascade potentially violated HIPAA by failing to conduct a risk analysis and to have sufficient monitoring of its systems to prevent a cyber-attack. The settlement is a stark reminder to covered entities and business associates that even if you are a victim of a criminal attack, you are still ...