Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, affecting organizations of all sizes and sectors. From ransomware targeting municipal governments to sophisticated data breaches at multinational corporations, the digital threats businesses face today can cause not only operational paralysis but also serious reputational harm. The fallout from these incidents is no longer limited to IT departments—legal and communications teams must be prepared to act in unison.
In recent years, we’ve seen how poorly handled communication can compound the damage of a cyberattack. Companies that fail to deliver timely, transparent, and accurate information risk losing consumer trust, inviting regulatory scrutiny, and amplifying media backlash. As such, legal departments must now be deeply involved in drafting incident responses, managing disclosures, and ensuring all communications are legally sound while addressing public concern.
The most effective responses to cyber crises involve pre-established protocols. This includes creating a cross-functional task force comprised of legal, IT, communications, and executive leadership. The legal team plays a key role in determining what must be disclosed by law, what can remain confidential, and how to navigate data privacy obligations in various jurisdictions.
Equally important is understanding the regulatory landscape. Cyberattacks often trigger investigations by bodies such as the SEC, FTC, or industry-specific regulators. Failing to notify the appropriate agency within a required time window can result in penalties. Furthermore, regulators will often evaluate how well a company communicated with the public. This means press statements, investor updates, and even social media posts may be reviewed as part of a broader compliance assessment.
Legal support is not just about minimizing liability after the fact—it’s also about designing effective preparedness plans. This includes pre-drafted response templates, crisis simulation exercises, and media spokesperson training, all developed under legal guidance. When a breach occurs, time is of the essence, and a well-coordinated plan can prevent panic, reduce exposure, and demonstrate responsible governance.
At Harrington Morris Legal, we help clients build legally defensible response plans before a cyber incident occurs. And when breaches do happen, our crisis response attorneys work in lockstep with PR professionals to deliver a message that protects your brand and satisfies regulatory requirements. Don’t let a digital threat become a reputational disaster—partner with us to stay ready.