Keywords: computer security.

Computer security incidents pose substantial and growing threats to businesses. A company's readiness to respond in the immediate aftermath of an attack is the key to minimizing the financial, reputational and legal damage associated with such an event.

Mayer Brown is pleased to announce the publication of a new guide, Preparing For and Responding To a Computer Security Incident: Making the First 72 Hours Count, which offers insights on how to prepare for a computer security incident and how to implement a timely, effective response. Authored by lawyers in the firm's global Cybersecurity & Data Privacy practice, this 60-page guide serves as a valuable resource for in-house counsel, executives and other stakeholders as they assess and strengthen their companies' incident response capabilities.

"Stakes have never been higher for businesses involved in information security incidents," said Raj De, leader of Mayer Brown's global Cybersecurity & Data Privacy practice and recent former General Counsel of the National Security Agency. "While preventative measures are essential, unfortunately even the most robust networks can fail. Every company, no matter the size or industry, must be ready to respond swiftly and effectively with a risk-based cybersecurity program in place to mitigate operational damage, reputational harm, and legal liability."

Author and Mayer Brown partner Marcus Christian explains: "There has been an endless series of high-level attacks, and businesses are coming to the realization that they not only need to prevent attacks, but also to respond effectively to them. Assessing and enhancing a company's information security incident response capability is an urgent matter, and preparing for an incident is a dynamic and ongoing task that companies need to tailor to their own circumstances. Effectiveness is all about preparedness."

The guide is designed to:

  • Guide companies as they develop written computer security incident response plans and implement them in response to an incident;
  • Provide an overview of applicable regulatory requirements; and
  •                     Help board members, senior management, in-house counsel and other stakeholders anticipate and minimize financial, reputational and legal harm.

For a copy of Preparing For and Responding To a Computer Security Incident, please send  us  your  request.

The guide's launch coincides with the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2015. Mayer Brown is an official Champion of NCSAM. View the press release.

Originally published October 2015.

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