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CT AG Warns After FinalSite Ransomware Attack Disrupts Schools

FinalSiteJanuary 10, 2022Connecticut Attorney General

Summary

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued a public warning following the FinalSite ransomware attack that disrupted school websites and communication systems nationwide. He urged all businesses and government entities to strengthen their data security practices and provided a detailed list of preventive measures. The AG also announced a new online form to help businesses comply with breach notification obligations for Connecticut residents.

Contract Impact

In-house legal teams should review all vendor agreements with FinalSite and similar educational technology service providers, focusing on data security and incident response clauses. Specifically examine the data security addendum, breach notification procedures (including timelines and content), incident response plan requirements, data encryption standards, audit rights for security assessments, indemnification provisions for cyber incidents, service level agreements regarding system availability and uptime, data retention and deletion policies, subprocessor oversight mechanisms, and cyber insurance requirements. Given the ransomware attack's impact on school operations, contracts may need amendments to mandate specific preventive controls (e.g., multi-factor authentication, regular penetration testing), clarify notification obligations under Connecticut law, require prompt reporting of ransomware events, and ensure adequate business continuity and disaster recovery provisions.

Contract Search Terms

data security addendumincident response planbreach notification clausedata encryption standardsaudit rightsindemnification for cyber incidentsservice level agreement uptimedata retention and deletion policysubprocessor managementcyber insurance requirements

Violation Types

Entity Details

Entity

FinalSite

Industry

Technology

Official Sources

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