Do Recent Cybersecurity Attacks Bring New Vulnerabilities to Federal LEOs?
Last month, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) discovered a ransomware attack that affected a USMS computer system containing “law enforcement sensitive information.” Personal information belonging to targets of investigations, returns from legal processes, administrative information, and personally identifiable information pertaining to third parties and certain USMS employees were compromised in the network hack. USMS disconnected the system and the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a forensic investigation. This was at least the second significant cyber incident affecting a federal law enforcement agency in February – previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified malicious activity within its computer network.
If a federal law enforcement agency is the victim of a ransomware attack, the cybersecurity personnel responsible for network security can expect to face scrutiny, blame, and calls for accountability from all angles – employees affected by the hack, the public, Congress, and agency officials, among others, may lodge complaints and allegations that can quickly turn into investigations and lawsuits. But cybersecurity personnel are not the only employees vulnerable. Any federal law enforcement employee within the impacted agency may be questioned about their adherence to internal cybersecurity practices, especially if their conduct led to any cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
After a high-profile incident, such as the USMS ransomware attack, federal employees should be prepared for potential agency investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and even civil lawsuits stemming from acts, errors or omissions made in the scope of their federal employment.
Federal law enforcement officers are among the most highly scrutinized employees of the federal government. Ransomware attacks on federal law enforcement agencies suggest that, despite an agency’s best efforts, law enforcement operations may not always remain private. If sensitive data pertaining to cases you worked on were affected in a hack, would you be prepared to defend every decision you made while performing your job duties? Facing allegations and lawsuits can be emotionally and financially tolling – a FEDS Protection professional liability insurance (PLI) policy can help.
FEDS Protection offers policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity for actions taken within the scope of your employment. Our policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs arising out of actions taken within the scope of your employment. FEDS Protection PLI is affordable – annual premiums start at just $290. LEOSA coverage for off-duty incidents is also available for qualified law enforcement officers. Additionally, federal law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of their PLI policy through their agency.
To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Federal law enforcement officers can protect themselves against investigations with a FEDS Protection PLI policy. FEDS Protection offers policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity for actions taken within the scope of your employment. Our policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs arising out of actions taken within the scope of your employment. Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290, which is less than it would typically cost to hire a federal employment lawyer for an hour. LEOSA coverage for off-duty incidents is also available for qualified law enforcement officers. Additionally, federal law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of their PLI policy through their agency.
To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.