Small Business Cyber Security Seminar Presented By MHT

Posted on by joshdherman
Joshua Herman presents small business cyber security seminar

Joshua Herman, of Miller, Hall & Triggs, presented a Small Business Cyber Security seminar to local business owners. The presentation was held on May 23, 2017, in association with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (the “SBDC”) at Bradley University’s Turner Center for Entrepreneurship.

The presentation was part of an ongoing cyber security certificate series by the SBDC. Herman provided local businesses the legal information they need to operate their business in spite of today’s technological and legal risks and pitfalls. The presentation addressed issues important to small businesses.

State and Federal Cyber Security Laws Impacting Small Businesses

Herman gave practical advice regarding small business cyber security legal obligations. He explained what information small businesses must protect and the repercussions in the event of a cyber security breach. Some of his remarks addressed the following:

  • Illinois Personal Information Protection Act, Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, Use of Social Security Numbers, Illinois Trade Secrets Act, Illinois Personnel Records Review Act, HIPAA, FMLA, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act
  • Legal requirements to protect consumer and employee information and prevent cyber security breaches
  • Legal notice requirements in the event of a cyber security breach
  • Potential liabilities and penalties for failing to protect information or suffering a breach

 Protecting Against Common Cyber Security Vulnerabilities

Herman identified common cyber security vulnerabilities:

  • Third Party Contractors
  • Software and service providers, click-wrap agreements, browse-wrap agreements, Terms of Service Agreements, End-User License Agreements (EULAs)
  • Employees
  • Customers
  • Competition/Corporate Espionage
  • Hackers, etc.

He also provided helpful suggestions to protect against such risks and mitigate potential liability, including:

  • Conducting a needs, risks and vulnerabilities assessment
  • Preventative actions, such as hiring changes, training, and personnel manual changes
  • Technology upgrades and defenses
  • Obtaining cyber liability insurance against cyber security risks
  • Obtaining professional advice and legal counsel

Attendees appreciated Herman’s straightforward advice, giving positive reviews of the experience:

“Very informative and engaging with a difficult topic.” – Small business owner

“Very interesting, gave pertinent examples. He made content that would have normally been dry, very interesting and captivating. Very good.” – Small business owner

Small Business Cyber Security Information Available

Although the seminar is over, business owners with questions on cyber security can still receive a complimentary copy of the seminar materials by calling Joshua Herman at (309) 671-9600 or contacting us here.

Posted in Business Organization, Commercial Law, Joshua Herman, Labor and Employment, Seminar