Data breaches are evermore in the news, and are getting larger, if the recent hack by Russian criminals is any indication. Huron Consulting Group has scented an opportunity, and has announced the launch of Huron Legal’s Cyber Security Incident Response offering to help companies that have experienced network data breaches.
Huron Legal’s slate of services includes assistance in incident investigations, identification of compromised data and aid in remediation steps. In effect, it’s stepping into the role that cybersecurity firms are most often hired to do.
“Data breach concerns have intensified for companies in recent months,” said Bob Rowe, executive vice president at Huron Legal, in a statement. “Threats stem from both internal and external sources. Perpetrators are using constantly evolving and complex methods to breach systems. Our experts can provide immediate incidence response, along with digital forensics, to help clients identify compromised data and develop plans to resolve the situation quickly and effectively.”
When data breaches occur, Huron Legal said that it will respond on site within 24 hours to assess the scope of damage, and locate points of entry to determine the source of the attack. Huron Legal will also collaborate with law enforcement to supplement investigations, and will assess financial and reputational damage before developing action plans to mitigate both. Once breaches are remedied, Huron Legal works with its clients to develop incident response plans to reduce the risk of future attacks.
“Our team has experience working side by side with corporations and government agencies during these investigations,” said Chris Salsberry, senior director at Huron Legal. “We work not only on identification and remediation, but also on damage assessment and, if necessary, interface with companies as they prepare to brief their board of directors on these matters.”
Huron Legal also has a Digital Forensics division, whose services include: data management; data security assessment; and incident response plan development and assessment.
It’s no secret that data breaches are escalating. Trend Micro’s second quarter security roundup report shows that the severity of these attacks have intensified, especially against financial and banking institutions as well as retail outlets. As of July 15, 2014, more than 400 data breach incidents had been reported, with a total exposure of more than 10 million personal records. The attacks in the second quarter mainly affected consumer’s personal information, such as customer names, passwords, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth.