Cloud Computing and Security: Issues for Providers and Users

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  There's a new phenomena racing through digital platforms across the country and around the world. Cloud computing is more reliable, cost-effective and efficient than data systems of the past, but as with any data system, there are a host of security issues that must be addressed.

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Both providers and end users of cloud computing resources need a clear understanding of the compliance issues and risks at hand when deciding to enter this space. The very nature of cloud computing – with its external management concept – opens the door for questions about data security and how this process should be managed. The model allows companies hosting the cloud services to monitor communications and data between the end user and the host – opening the door for privacy and security concerns.

Get answers to pressing issues surrounding cloud computing at BNA's November 15 webinar, Advanced Cloud Computing. This 90-minute session provides a detailed look at the driving forces behind cloud computing from leading experts in the field including Gerard M. Stegmaier, attorney with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Kenneth P. Mortensen, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer at CVS Caremark Corporation and Perry Robinson, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Rackspace Hosting. The speakers will provide a detailed analysis of what makes cloud computing such an attractive option – plus the security concerns and compliance directives that need to be considered.

"Cloud computing involves complex relationships with numerous legal and marketplace realities," said speaker Gerard M. Stegmaier, attorney with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati "Between maintaining compliance laws as varied as HIPAA and SOX,  in the United States, the Data Protection Directive in the EU and the credit card industry's PCI DSS, achieving appropriate risk allocations requires careful assessment of costs and benefits ideally based upon experience."

Webinar attendees are also eligible for CLE credit.

This webinar includes a thorough overview of:

Administrative safeguards

Questions you should ask before using the cloud, including how it will be used, why it will be used (flexibility, scalability, cost savings), and whether the provider and the consumer will commit in writing which obligations and responsibilities belong to each side

Common fallacies about the cloud

About the Speakers:
Gerard M. Stegmaier is an attorney in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he litigates on behalf of clients concerning public and private corporate governance, intellectual property, and Internet issues, especially as they relate to privacy, information security, and consumer protection. He also defends related consumer class actions and securities-related claims with particular experience preparing such cases for appeal where necessary. Much of Gerry's practice also involves pre-litigation and advisory services relating to privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and emerging technologies and markets and has included representation of many pioneering Internet-based organizations. He serves as an adjunct member of the law faculty at George Mason University School of Law, where he has taught courses in privacy, information governance, consumer protection, and securities regulation. The International Association of Privacy Professionals has designated Gerry as a Certified Information Privacy Professional.

Gerry earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from George Mason University School of Law, where he served as Editor of the Law Review; an M.A. in history from Catholic University; and a B.A. from  George Mason University.

Kenneth P. Mortensen is Vice President, Assistant General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer at CVS Caremark Corporation, where he has corporate responsibility for the information governance and privacy strategy addressing operational and data management needs through an approach that protects individual privacy and assures compliance with federal, state, and local privacy laws and regulations by working with stakeholders to build a culture of privacy within CVS Caremark. His responsibilities include developing and implementing an information governance framework, enhancing governance policies and training, and minimizing the impact on individual privacy while achieving corporate goals. Prior to coming to CVS Caremark, Ken was the first Global Chief Privacy Officer for Boston Scientific Corporation. Earlier, Ken served in the George W. Bush Administration as the Chief Privacy and Civil Liberties Officer for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was the primary counsel and policy advisor to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on privacy and civil liberties matters and created the newest independent office in the Department, the Office of Privacy & Civil Liberties. Before that, Ken served at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the first Deputy Chief Privacy Officer. Formerly, Ken was a founding and managing partner of the law firm Harvey & Mortensen at which time he served as outside counsel to Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Fisher regarding technology and Internet matters. Before going into private practice, Ken was a Teaching Fellow at Villanova University School of Law, where he taught computer and information law. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well as before the United States Supreme Court.

Perry Robinson is Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Rackspace Hosting, where his responsibilities include directing a team of attorneys and legal professionals regarding legal and contractual matters relating to the provision of services to Rackspace's customers. He also acts as Global Privacy Leader at Rackspace, works on legislative and public affairs for Rackspace and oversees Rackspace's state and federal compliance programs. Perry earned a J.D. from Baylor Law School and a B.A. with Highest Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

About BNA Legal & Business Webinars
BNA's Legal & Business Webinars are designed for today's busy professionals. In just 90 minutes, you have access to in-depth coverage of an ever-changing array of current topics, including the latest trends and developments, new and revised laws and regulations, and legal principles and precedent. Get expert insights into compliance requirements, as well as authoritative and practical guidance on the issues that matter most to you and your clients.

With our webinar topics covering the broad spectrum of legal practice areas and corporate issues, from Intellectual Property to Privacy to Pensions & Benefits, you can count on BNA to bring you quality content on today's hottest topics. What's more, BNA's Legal & Business webinars are CLE/CPE eligible, making it easy to stay compliant with your continuing education needs.

About BNA
BNA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bloomberg L.P., is a leading source of legal, regulatory, and business information for professionals. Our network of more than 2,500 reporters, correspondents, and leading practitioners delivers expert analysis, news, practice tools, and guidance — the information that matters most to professionals.  BNA's authoritative coverage spans the full range of legal practice areas, including tax & accounting, labor & employment, intellectual property, banking & securities, employee benefits, health care, privacy & security, human resources, and environment, health & safety.  www.bna.com

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