Data privacy is important for both individuals and organizations; keeping the public informed on preventative safety measures and appropriate ways to protect sensitive data is key. In celebration of the recent Data Privacy Day, Professor Aaron Ghirardelli, Director of the newly introduced Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law program at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles discussed how to respond to privacy incidents.
Presenting at an event co-sponsored with Morrison & Foerster and the International Association of Privacy Professionals, Professor Ghirardelli discussed the vital steps required to recover from a data breach. The Professor also introduced Loyola’s new Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law degree offerings.
These degree programs will be made available to students already pursing a degree from one of the multiple programs available at the school. Students pursuing a Master of Science in Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Laws (LLM) can pursue it as a Specialization, and Juris Doctor (JD) students can pursue it as a Concentration.
The programs will capitalize on the expertise of Silicon Beach to enhance the law school’s traditional strengths in intellectual property, digital privacy, and cybercrime.
“Loyola is deeply connected to the legal and technological epicenter of Los Angeles. As such, we are uniquely positioned to equip students with the skills needed to help clients with the complex legal demands of the evolving technological landscape,” stated Senior Associate Dean Sean Scott, who created the program. “Whether on a local, national or global level, graduates of our cybersecurity offerings should be able to take their expertise wherever duty calls.”
To promote a holistic learning experience, Loyola has pulled together existing courses—including Cyber & IP Crimes, IP in the Digital Age, and Technology & Privacy—and integrated them with new course offerings, including Cybersecurity & Regulatory Compliance and Incident Response & Investigation.
Loyola’s Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law Advisory Group, a volunteer committee, provided recommendations for the program and its course components. Members include Wesley Hsu, executive assistant US Attorney, Cyber and IP Crimes Section, Los Angeles; Robert Kang, senior regulatory and cybersecurity counsel, Southern California Edison Company; Jason Smolanoff, former supervisory special agent, FBI Cyber National Security squad; and Nazmul Ula, associate dean for graduate studies & external affairs, Seaver College, Loyola Marymount University. Training is not limited to the classroom.
Loyola will offer practical training experiences for students, including Cybercrimes Moot Court competition, as well as additional learning opportunities through a partnership with the Seaver College of Science and Engineering at Loyola Marymount University.
