Cyber Attack Response and Emergency Legal Assistance
A cyberattack is a crisis situation where every minute counts. When a company's systems are breached, data is encrypted, or information is leaked, management is under immense pressure. The first 24-72 hours, the so-called "Golden Hours," determine the company's legal and financial future. Incorrect actions (e.g., hiding the incident, deleting evidence, or paying a ransom) can lead to criminal liability, massive fines, and reputational destruction. Cyber attack response legal services involve the immediate engagement of a crisis management team to handle the situation within the bounds of the law.
Lawyers on our platform offer operational legal assistance during a cyber incident. The service includes:
- Managing Mandatory Notifications: Informing the Personal Data Protection Service and other regulators within legally established deadlines (e.g., 72 hours) to avoid fines for concealing the incident.
- Legal Preservation of Evidence: Overseeing the process of preserving digital footprints (logs, system files) so they remain admissible in court or for police investigations.
- Communication with Law Enforcement: Filing a report with the police and cooperating with the investigation as a victim.
- Negotiation with Extortionists (Legal Risks): Consulting on the legal risks of paying a ransom during a ransomware attack (e.g., financing sanctioned individuals).
- Notifying Affected Parties: Drafting the text and method for informing clients and partners to minimize panic and the risk of lawsuits.
In practice, the biggest mistake is panic and concealment of the incident. For example, a company quietly pays a ransom, but hackers release the data anyway. As a result, the company is fined by the Data Protection Service for failing to report the incident and simultaneously loses money. In another case, the IT team tries to restore the system and accidentally deletes the hacker's traces, making it impossible to find the perpetrator or claim damages. The international aspect is also complex—if EU citizens are affected, GDPR regulations come into play, requiring specific legal responses.
The legal framework for cyber attack response is based on the Law on Personal Data Protection, the Law on Information Security, and the Criminal Procedure Code. The law strictly defines notification deadlines and formats. Every hour of delay increases liability risk. The Criminal Code protects the company as a victim of a crime, but this status must be secured through correct legal actions.
Working with a lawyer during a crisis is a 24/7 operation. Specialists form a crisis unit with IT and PR teams. They vet every public statement so the company does not prematurely admit liability. The lawyer also evaluates contracts with clients to determine if force majeure clauses apply to the cyberattack.
Legal.ge offers access to lawyers with crisis management experience. A cyberattack is an inevitable threat, but its consequences are manageable. Do not face the crisis alone—act quickly and legally with the help of our experts.
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