Tag Archives: Cybersecurity

Warning: Iranian Cyber Response Possible Against Government Contractors

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As a result of heightened tension between the United States and Iran, companies, especially those that do business with the Federal Government and with the Department of Defense in particular, would be well-advised to take immediate steps to confirm and strengthen their cybersecurity measures.  Read on for the post from our firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity Blog discussing how regulators are warning of a possible rise in cyber-attacks. ... After Friday’s announcement of the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani, a leader of Iran’s Quds Force, several regulators have put industry on [...]Read more

Jeniffer Roberts Quoted in Law360 Regarding Telecom Security Flaws

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Alston & Bird partner Jeniffer Roberts was quoted in Law360 on October 31, 2018 in the article, “Telecom Security Flaws Targeted With Bans, Compliance” The article takes a look at the telecom industry with a focus on cybersecurity threats on every level of communications networks.  It explains that uncertainly is rising over whether more aggressive rules may push smaller and new contractors to leave the telecom sector—which would have the effect of slowing overall network development.  Industry experts suggest that the telecom sector could see the most harm if the government imposes [...]Read more

Jeremy Silverman and Mark Wade, Jr. Published in the National Law Journal on Key Issues for Federal Contractor M&A Transactions

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Alston & Bird partner Jeremy Silverman and associate Mark Wade, Jr. were published in the November 2018 edition of The National Law Journal. Their article, “Three Hot Topics for Federal Contractor M&A Transactions,” takes a look at certain key legal and business issues that are unique in M&A transactions involving federal government contractors. Readers interested in how small-business considerations, audit risk, and foreign ownership considerations play a role in GovCon M&A transactions would find the insight provided in the article to be particularly relevant. The article [...]Read more

Jeniffer Roberts Quoted in Bloomberg Federal Contracting News Regarding Kaspersky Ban

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Alston & Bird partner Jeniffer Roberts was quoted in Bloomberg Federal Contracting News on October 1, 2018 in the article, “Defying Kaspersky Ban Could Trigger Plethora of Punishments.” The article takes a look at the effects that could impact federal contractors that don’t comply with the government-wide ban on Kaspersky Lab software. The ban is part of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 115-91), which is a result of the government concluding that Russia-based Kaspersky Lab could be used by the Russian government for cyber intrusion. “It is clear that based [...]Read more

Jeniffer Roberts and Katherine Veeder Published in Law360 Regarding Ongoing DFARS 252.204-7012 Implementation

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Alston & Bird partner Jeniffer Roberts and senior associate Katherine Veeder were published in Law360 on June 1, 2018 with their article, “Still Looking for Clarity in DOD Information Security Rule.” The article takes a look at the recently issued guidance related to DFARS 252.204-7012, “Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting,” offers their insight on how contractors and subcontractors alike are reacting to the new security requirements, and provides practical advice to contractors and subcontractors affected by the clause. Read the full article. Jeniffer [...]Read more

Government Contractors May See Changes in Cybersecurity and IT Procurement

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On Monday, June 19, 2017, President Trump’s newly established American Technology Council met for the first time at the White House to begin discussions on modernizing government information technology (IT) systems. As President Trump reportedly stated during the meeting, “Our goal is to lead a sweeping transformation of the federal government’s technology that will deliver dramatically better services for citizens.… Government needs to catch up with the technology revolution.” Executives from companies such as Amazon, Apple, Intel, Adobe, Akamai, and Microsoft were in attendance. When [...]Read more

Jeff Belkin and Tony Balloon Quoted in The Wall Street Journal

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On February 29, Jeff Belkin and Tony Balloon were quoted in The Wall Street Journal explaining the Office of Management and Budget’s new mandate on electronic invoicing and how it will impact government contractors and raise additional cybersecurity concerns. “Any time you’re talking about moving money—particularly this volume—there’s going to be a significant level of scrutiny on compliance infrastructure and risk mitigation and fraud mitigation. There will be more scrutiny on what is already a highly regulated area of finance,” said Balloon. “It’s not clear if any financial [...]Read more