Practice Areas

Submitted by Jessica on August 25, 2009 - 23:29

DATA PROTECTION, PRIVACY & CYBERSECURITY

In today's interconnected world, collecting and using personal information, as well as the importance of protecting that information, is a complex challenge that has both business and political ramifications. Even companies that are not regulated by some of the major data-protection rules can find data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity to be daunting challenges that quickly turn a relatively minor incident into a time-consuming test of a firm's business practices.

The Monument Policy Group can assist clients in all of these areas - from the substance of a data protection regulation to the political fallout from a data breach. Additionally, our firm can help companies monitor or influence the ever-changing landscape that today dominates the protection of personal information. Whether a company seeks help understanding Congressional activity on third-party use of personal information or is hoping to sell cybersecurity services to the government, we are able to help. In addition, we are experienced at assisting firms who have discovered cyber vulnerabilities or data compromises, and need a Washington D.C. strategy to mitigating potential problems.

Our team includes Partner Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, who most recently served as the Staff Director and General Counsel of the House Homeland Security Committee. In that capacity, she oversaw the Committee’s cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection work. Previously, she served as Senior Counsel to the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department, where she was the leader for the cybercrime team of investigators and prosecutors. She is a member of the CSIS Cybersecurity Commission and has also served as the Vice-Chair of the U.S. Delegation to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) Experts Group on international information security and represented the United States on security and privacy issues at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (“APEC”) and the Organization of American States (“OAS”). She has written several chapters on privacy, cybercrime and cybersecurity and appears regularly in the media on the issues.

In addition, Partner Andrew Howell has extensive experience in the cyber security realm, having led a number of private sector efforts in this area. He helped found the National Cyber Security Alliance, a private sector organization that has been at the lead of cyber security for several years. In addition, he served on the Corporate Information Security Working Group, called for by Rep. Adam Putman (R-FL) as a response to calls for regulation in this area. Andrew has testified on corporate information security practices and procedures, and been a media resource in this area.

Associate Colin Bortner is experienced in the analysis of key privacy and cybersecurity issues and has followed closely the debates within the Administration, agencies, and on the Hill. He also regularly assesses issues from both the technologist's and policymaker's viewpoint, thereby providing invaluable advice to clients.

Monument Policy Group maintains close relationships with key Congressional members and committees with jurisdiction over t data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity issues, including the Senate and House Judiciary, Senate and House Commerce, Senate and House Intelligence, House Oversight and Government Affairs, and Senate and House Appropriations committees. We also work closely on a bipartisan basis with congressional “high-tech” caucuses. In addition, we have excellent relationships with many agency CIO’s and agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and White House offices with a role in technology and security policy.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Support major online travel service on a variety of issues including privacy, advertising, taxes, and security.

Represent Silicon Valley online movie rental company on issues relating to data protection, privacy, and related high-tech issues.

Advocate on behalf of Fortune 50 software, entertainment, and media company on a wide range of high-tech issues, including broadband, Internet, gaming, and cybersecurity.

Provide Fortune 100 company strategic advice, counseling, and support on its civilian programs relating to cybersecurity.

Advise the association representing video game manufacturers and publishers on its Washington D.C. agenda relating to a number of issues including privacy, FCC and FTC regulation, and cybersecurity.

Advised Registered Traveler program provider on issues relating to data protection and privacy.

Advise major intergrator on its business development efforts within the government.

Advise online clients on the impact of privacy legislation on advertising and content issues.