Mar. 22, 2023

Cyber Risks in Aviation: Navigating Turbulent Skies Ahead

The nature of modern air travel makes the aviation industry an enticing target for cybercriminals due to the wealth of sensitive data involved, such as passports and financial information. Any impact on the operation of the aviation industry can result in massive, globally impactful consequences in national security, the global economy, foreign trade, the supply chain and tourism. Yet, airlines and aircraft manufacturers struggle to keep up with the pace of technological change, leaving them vulnerable to various cybersecurity risks and challenges. In this guest article, Foley & Lardner attorneys Aaron Tantleff and Alex Misakian discuss recent FAA outages and Southwest Airlines cancellations, the risks of outdated technology, the latest TSA and White House cybersecurity initiatives and essential cybersecurity measures all industries should implement. See “How to Prepare for the Cybersecurity Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act” (Aug. 3, 2022).

Managing Legal Issues Arising From Use of ChatGPT and Generative AI: Industry Considerations and Practical Compliance Measures

When ChatGPT was introduced in November 2022, it became an overnight household name. Four months later, Microsoft announced its integration of OpenAI’s GPT-4 model into Bing, providing a ChatGPT-like experience within the search engine. While these tools have demonstrated that generative AI has tremendous operational and business potential, there is already a visible constellation of privacy and data security risks associated with their use. In this two-part guest article series, Ballard Spahr attorneys explore a number of these legal and regulatory issues. This second article addresses product liability, healthcare and employment risks, and potential liability under wiretapping laws. It also offers practical compliance measures. Part one covered AI collection and use considerations under U.S. and E.U. privacy laws and regulations. See our two-part series on the practicalities of AI governance: “Tips From a Chat Platform on Building a Program,” (Feb. 1, 2023), and “Core Compliance Strategies” (Feb. 23, 2023).

ECJ Ruling Expands Legal Professional Privilege

A recent ruling in the European Union’s highest court clarified that, outside of exceptional circumstances, individuals who consult an attorney can reasonably expect that their communications will be kept private and confidential. However, these expanded protections do not appear to extend to in-house counsel. The Cybersecurity Law Report spoke with Jindrich Kloub, a partner at Wilson Sonsini, Chris Warren-Smith, a partner at Morgan Lewis, and Cormac O’Daly, a partner at Wilmer Hale, about the practical implications of the ruling and how companies can best manage privilege expectations and protections. See our two-part series on in-house counsel and privilege: “Importance of Discerning Their Client and Managing Evolving Attorney-Client Privilege Issues” (Aug. 3, 2022); and “Tips for Navigating Typical Ethical Dilemmas and Conflicts of Interest” (Aug. 10, 2022).

Husch Blackwell Adds Data Privacy Partner

Husch Blackwell has welcomed Brad Hammer as a partner in its data privacy and cybersecurity group, as well as its technology, manufacturing and transportation business unit. Hammer advises on data protection incidents and compliance. Based in Minneapolis, he joined the firm’s virtual office. For insights from Husch Blackwell, see “A Roadmap to the Final Regulations Under the CPRA” (Mar. 15, 2023).

Blank Rome Welcomes Privacy-By-Design Specialist

Basileios (Bill) Katris has joined Blank Rome in its Chicago office as a partner in its commercial litigation group. A Certified Information Privacy Professional, Katris advises companies on implementing privacy by design and, more broadly, creating and upgrading data privacy and cybersecurity programs. For insights from Blank Rome, see our two-part series on shaping the BIPA landscape: “Notable Trends and Developments” (Sep. 7, 2022), and “Avoiding Liability” (Sep. 14, 2022).