Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook user data – and how it may have influenced the last American election – raised once again the issue of how well our data is protected online. Equally important is our knowledge – or lack thereof – around cyber security risks to business, and how these risks may be mitigated.Insights spoke to Dr Allison Stanfield, Principal of SG Legal about the most urgent cyber security issues and risks facing businesses today. Insights spoke to Allison about the workshop, and the most urgent cybersecurity issues and risks facing businesses today.
With over 20 years’ experience in cyber law, Allison has seen how technology has evolved to impact every aspect of legal practice and court procedure. She has advised courts, including the Federal Court, state Supreme courts, and international courts, on how to best implement technology.
As an expert in cyber security law, Allison works closely with law firms and corporations to identify and manage cyber security risks.
“What is most often overlooked in cyber security are non-technical risks,” said Allison. While intense focus is placed by businesses and individuals on the risks posed by technical faults and flaws in data management and online systems, the human factor is often the weak link.
“Some of the biggest risks are from the people charged with handling information,” Allison said.
“As a result, the key topics covered by the College of Law cyber security workshop will include accurately identifying all the cyber security risks faced by a business or an individual – and outlining strategies to minimise these risks.”
It is an area in which she is uniquely qualified. In addition to her extensive advisory experience, Allison is a specialist in electronic evidence and e-contracts, e-signatures and e-discovery. She holds a PhD in the authentication of electronic evidence. Allison also founded e.law, a niche legal technology company which won an iAward for innovation in court technology. Its technology was used in high profile court technology matters including the HIH Royal Commission, and Channel 7 v News Limited. Her entrepreneurialism in legal tech was recognised when she was named a Telstra Business Women’s finalist.
“I have always maintained a keen fascination with anything technological,” said Allison. “Although I am not a technical specialist, I do understand technical terms and have an ability to explain these in terms which lawyers can understand.”
- Legal Industry Trends
- Practitioner
- Business Management
- Legal Operations and Technology
- News