Cybersecurity

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services For years, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) could look at cybersecurity mandates and think, “That’s for the big guys.” But times have changed. Today, federal cybersecurity requirements and regulations are reaching deeper into the private sector — and SMBs are squarely in the spotlight. If your business handles sensitive customer data, partners with larger enterprises, or operates in a regulated industry, federal cyb

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services Facial recognition is everywhere — from unlocking your phone to identifying you in public spaces. While it’s revolutionizing security and convenience, it’s also raising serious concerns about privacy, bias, and control. The Rise of Facial Recognition In the past decade, facial recognition has evolved from a futuristic concept to an everyday utility. Businesses use it for authentication, personalization, and fraud preventi

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services Cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s a legal and regulatory expectation. Increasingly, the U.S. federal government is stepping in to ensure that organizations handling sensitive data are taking the right steps to protect it. Whether you run a small business or manage a large enterprise, understanding the federal mandate for cybersecurity is critical. Cyberattacks aren’t just a private problem — they pose a threat to

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services Cybersecurity responsibilities to your customers and suppliers are critical to maintaining trust, protecting data, and ensuring business continuity. ( Don't Forget Liability ) Here’s a breakdown of key responsibilities in each area: Cybersecurity Responsibilities to Customers 1. Protect Customer Data Encrypt sensitive data (e.g., personal, financial, health information). Use secure storage and transmission protocols (

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services Here's a breakdown of how a typical cybercrime business operates , especially those behind large-scale attacks like ransomware, phishing, or data breaches. It mirrors a legitimate startup in many ways, but its product is crime. 1. Business Model Selection Cybercriminals choose a model that generates profit: Model Description Ransomware-a

by: Michael M. Ralph | Cybersecurity, Legal Services Important to remember, cybercriminals operate like a business , and this is exactly how they make a living. It's crucial to understanding this major point. They’re not just rogue hackers in basements; many are part of organized, well-funded groups that: Have hierarchies and roles (like developers, customer support, marketers) Run operations for profit (ransomware-as-a-service, phishing kits, data sales) Target victims st