We live in a world run by technology, where everyone is connected to a mobile device, and daily routines have become mindless actions. We no longer have to wait in lines to order food, worry when we get lost, or even remember to lock our doors behind us.  The digital world has made life’s simplest tasks a push of a button away.  The speed, efficiency and convenience of living in the era of technology makes life so much easier. Unfortunately, some of our clients have experienced the darker side of technology when their systems or data are hacked.  The attorneys at Lardiere McNair have devoted their careers to advocating for victim rights while working with clients to discuss all possible outcomes and narrowing in on the best solution.

With such endless digital access, comes dangerous consequences.  Cybercriminals are starting to take advantage of the new mobile life style by “launching sophisticated cyberattacks targeting businesses seeking financial gain or the personal information of customers. “[1] Many businesses have been victims of cyber hacking, as it becomes easier for hackers to infect devices and attack.  Think about all the personal, important and confidential information you keep on your phone or computer and with the same click of a button, a hacker can take control.  Many times, when these cybercriminals take control, they refuse to retreat until a ransom is paid or until they have all your business’ information.

Ohio recently launched a collection of cybersecurity initiatives called CyberOhio.  CyberOhio is aimed to help businesses fight back on cyberattacks and threats.  “The goal of CyberOhio is simple, to provide the best legal, technical, and collaborative cybersecurity environment possible to help Ohio’s businesses thrive.”[2]  CyberOhio is run by a volunteer Advisory Board.  This board is filled with experts that know the industry.  The board members have duties such as: giving guidance and advice all while coming up with practical solutions for dealing with cyber challenges.  The board works hard to fight against victim vulnerabilities and risks.  The board is diverse in that it includes a cross-section of industries and organizations; many of which were past victims of cybercrimes.  The initiatives that the board is working so thoroughly on, will significantly help businesses thrive with assurance of consumer protection.

The board is currently working on a legislative proposal that will incentivize and reward businesses for achieving a high level of cybersecurity.  It should be encouraged for business owners to be proactive in protecting their devices and all information on those devices. When consumer and client information is at stake, businesses want to make sure all material is secure and safe.

Furthermore, the board is providing training for small businesses to learn how to protect themselves from vulnerabilities of cyberattacks.  This allows business owners to understand the details and intricacies that come with hacking and how to protect against it.  CyberOhio is excited about the new internship program and a Cyber and Privacy Unit that allows students to start training and working with these initiatives early on.  CyberOhio focuses on passing the knowledge of security across the industry to ensure better protection for all.

As a law firm, we deal with personal confidential information that may be of interest to cybercriminals.  At Lardiere McNair, our staff is extremely diligent in the protected interests of our clients, as we are tedious with our cybersecurity.  Lardiere McNair keeps in mind the expectations of the client and strives for a secure environment for the client.  If you are unsure if you are protected or have been a victim of a cyber-attack and need legal advice, please trust LM to fight for you.

[1]DeWine, Mike. “CyberOhio Initiative Aims to Help Ohio Businesses.” Ohio Lawyer May & June 2017: 8-9. Print[2] http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/CyberOhio

Annemarie Gill is a Law Clerk at Lardiere McNair, LLC.  To read more about our firm, please visit www.lmcounsel.com.

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