Cyber Ethics: Technological Competence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) hosted a virtual program titled "Cyber Ethics: Technological Competence During the COVID-19 Pandemic" on January 15, 2021. This 60-minute session addressed the heightened importance of technology and cybersecurity in the legal profession due to the shift to remote work during the pandemic.

The program covered ethical issues and cybersecurity concerns related to Shadow IT, Business Email Compromise, Multifactor Authentication, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. These topics were discussed in the context of the upcoming Key Takeaways report from the Second Annual Cybersecurity Thought Leadership Conference of the Technology and the Legal Profession Committee. Practical tips were provided to help lawyers fulfill their ethical duty of technological competence while working remotely and communicating with clients and courts through virtual meeting platforms and other technologies.

The session featured speakers including Gail G. Gottehrer, Esq., Ronald J. Hedges, Esq., Aishwarya Minocha, and Debbie Reynolds. The event was conducted online, allowing participants to engage virtually.

This program was designed for attorneys seeking to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity and ethical obligations in the context of remote legal practice. It was particularly relevant for those aiming to improve their technological competence during the pandemic.