Susan Ebner Talks Using Cloud Solutions for Data Protection in National Defense

11.08.2021

Partner Susan Warshaw Ebner recently co-authored “Using Cloud Solutions to Protect Data Poses Questions" for National Defense magazine.

In the article, Ebner explains that while the use of a cloud services solution appears to be a cost effective and efficient compliance option, government contractors cannot rely solely on these services to address all of the cybersecurity requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

"Simply subscribing to a cloud provider may provide a false sense of security that may only become evident when a cyber incident occurs. By that point, it may be too late," Ebner wrote. "If the contractor has not properly handled what it put into the cloud — and its access and control over that information — then it may have unwittingly exposed it to loss, misuse, or corruption."

Ebner goes on to address other cloud solutions questions, concluding that the use of these systems is but one piece of a cybersecurity solution.

"As contractors increasingly rely on these [cloud services] providers, it’s important to understand that the solution carries its own burdens. Contractors must remain vigilant and engaged throughout the life of a defense contract to ensure that their contractual obligations to protect controlled unclassified information are met."

Ebner represents large and small businesses and nonprofits across a panoply of industries, including aerospace, communications, construction, defense, transportation, information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more, on a broad spectrum of government contract and compliance matters, including bid protests, cybersecurity and supply chain risk, compliance program development and training, audits, investigations, claims, and dispute resolution. She counsels clients on federal research and development-related matters, including small business innovation research, other transactions, technology investment agreements, cooperative agreements and grants.  She is also a lead blogger for Stinson's Government Contracting Matters blog. In addition, Ebner is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Public Contract Law Section and Co-Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association Cyber Division Cyber Legal Policy Committee.