Philadelphia Lawyer Says Cyber Security Making Great Legal Strides
Ted Schaer is the co-chairman of the Property and Casualty Defense Department and Chairman of the Cyber Liability, Privacy and Breach Response Department at Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C. He is the leader of the Data Breach response team for his company. Schaer, a graduate of Temple University's Beasley School of Law, advises on issues that have to do with cyber security and privacy with his clients.
What kind of degree is needed to secure a job in your field? What additional certifications are required?
"The field of cyber security is broad and allows for various degrees and educational backgrounds depending on the area you wish to pursue. As an attorney, I counsel clients on a diverse range of cyber security matters including insurance, personnel/HR and state and federal laws when a breach occurs. In that space, a law degree and a license to practice law is a requirement as you are providing legal advice. There are, however, other sides to cyber security that do not require a legal background. Many individuals in the cyber security space have technical degrees in computer science and other technology-based disciplines. As the protection of data falls broadly under the 'privacy' heading, individuals can obtain a certification in 'privacy.' The leading certification is offered by the International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP). These certifications range from legal to technical to international certifications in privacy and data protection."
What are the most challenging aspects of cyber security issues and protection as it relates to your clients?
"Continuing to adequately protect data from ongoing and unidentified threats remains a huge issue in this area. While a business may have up-to-date firewalls and virus protection software installed, hackers are always attempting to find new ways to compromise a client's data for financial gain."
After graduation, how hard was it to transition into the field of law?
"I was able to obtain my first legal job when I was still a 3rd-year law student. I was hired upon graduation and 28 years later I am still with the same law firm. Like any young professional, you learn [only] so much in school. The real learning comes from hands-on experience, and working alongside more experienced professionals who train you to do your job."
What advice would you give someone who is pursuing a career in law and, in particular, cyber security?
"Like every business, technology has had a tremendous impact on the practice of law, from dealing with clients to changes in laws themselves. Cyber security and the law is in its infancy. It's a great time to be entering this area of the law. It is critically important that you find a law firm that has experience working with existing clients in the cyberspace so that you can learn the area and gain experience."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/
