Last Fall, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a “High Impact” warning regarding increased ransomware attacks on U.S. businesses and organizations.[1] This is notable because, the last time the FBI addressed ransomware was in 2016. Ransomware is software used by cybercriminals to encrypt a victim’s electronic files, preventing access to... Read more →

Originally written and published by USI Affinity Professional Liability Practice Leader Mike Mooney on August 17, 2020. The current COVID-19 pandemic has shaken how, when and even where lawyers do business. With that said, we need to look forward and prepare for the reality of a post-COVID world. Solo practitioners... Read more →

CYBERSECURITY ALERT: TIPS FOR PURCHASING CYBER INSURANCE ISSUED BY THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION COMMITTEE OF THE NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION July 6, 2020 Opinions expressed are those of the Committee preparing this Cybersecurity Alert and do not represent those of the New York State Bar Association unless... Read more →

Your office manager accidentally clicks on a link in an email that appears to be from you. Now there are fraudulent emails being sent out from your office manager’s email account because a cyber hacker has gained access. You call your IT provider, get the situation under control, block the... Read more →

As lawyers, communicating with our clients is a vital part of our practice. Not only are our communications with clients a critical part of simply being able to handle matters on their behalf but keeping clients informed on active or ongoing matters is also an ethical obligation. Read more →

As cyber professionals often counsel, it’s “when, not if” a cyber attack will affect you, your firm and your clients. Our duties and obligations as practitioners require that we take steps to protect ourselves and our clients from the risks associated with such attacks, including developing and implementing plans and... Read more →

It was 2:32 a.m. in January 2019 at EQT’s headquarters. A senior level employee who was slated for a layoff the next day, entered the premises and connected his company-issued laptop to a private network, transferring confidential trade secrets to his personal Google drive. In addition, he removed a portable... Read more →

The dawn of a new year makes us pause for a moment and reflect upon the past year. Doing so within the cyber security space in 2018 reminds us once again that none of us are safe from the challenges and risks of living and practicing law in a technological... Read more →

What does this mean to you? It means the carrier will never settle a claim on your behalf, without your consent. Watch our latest video on the removal of the "hammer clause" and why this matters. Call or email USI Affinity today for additional information. 1.855.USI.0100 Read more →

On October 17, 2018, the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 483 on a lawyers' obligations after an electronic data breach or cyberattack. This opinion acts as the compliment to Formal Opinion 477R which opines on a lawyer's obligations to safe guard protected... Read more →