The Monthly Ten

The top ten must-reads of the month

We like to write our own articles, but we think others do it well, too

1. The Complicated Threat of Biometric Data Privacy Class Actions 

Whether or not an individual has standing to bring a case continues to be a topic of discussion as it relates to privacy concerns.  Under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, the Illinois Supreme Court held “actual injury” is not required; a plaintiff may be “aggrieved” under BIPA and have the standing to sue for statutory damages. (D&O Diary)

+See also, a lawsuit against Facebook alleging that Illinois residents didn’t consent to have photos scanned with facial recognition technology  (Tech Crunch)

2. Cyberattacks Now Cost Companies $200,000 on Average, Putting Many Out of Business

Cybercriminals continue to target small businesses with 43% of online attacks now directly aimed at them.  It’s time to make cybersecurity a priority. (CNBC)

3. WhatsApp is Suing the World’s Top Hacking Company 

In an unprecedented step, WhatsApp is suing a hacker group, accusing them of exploiting a vulnerability to target phones and devices with malware to conduct surveillance on specific users. (MIT Technology Review)

4. Zendesk Hit with Data Breach-Related Securities Suit

Securities class action lawsuits continue to be filed after cyber incidents.  Software company Zendesk is the latest example. (D&O Diary)

5. Preparing for Data Breaches: Data Mapping, Response Team, and Insurance

Preparing for a cyber incident is no small feat, but doing so greatly reduces the impact. (Tech Risk Report)

6. How to Keep Your Smart Assistant Voice Recordings Private

Is Alexa listening to you? Probably.  Here’s how to opt out. (Wired)

+See also, tips on protecting your health data from the Googles of the world. (Wired)

7. UniCredit Suffers Third Breach Despite Investing Billions in Cybersecurity

Investing in cybersecurity is non-negotiable in today’s world.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you are immune from a cyberattack – or multiple. (Threat Post)

8. New Privacy Bill Proposes Jail Time and Financial Penalties for Privacy Violations

A new proposed privacy bill includes jail time and large fines for violators.  Privacy advocates are on board, but will it ever go to a vote? (CPO Magazine)

9. Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity 

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Quantum Computer! Oh my! (Financier Worldwide)

10. How Can We Better Protect Our Medical Devices When It Comes to Cybersecurity?

The threat of a cyber incident of a technology-enabled medical device is real.  Government agencies such as the FDA are starting to address this with fines imposed for poor cybersecurity measures in implantable devices. (JD Supra)