Data Security and Privacy

A single data security incident or compliance misstep can wreak absolute havoc on your business. It can disrupt operations, generate regulatory scrutiny, cause financial strain, and impact business continuity. As both privacy laws and cybersecurity threats grow increasingly complex, companies need clear, strategic guidance to manage risk while maintaining efficiency.

Our team provides business-minded, results-focused legal strategies, including:

• Privacy compliance and risk management – Developing compliance programs tailored to your particular business needs, covering artificial intelligence management and privacy laws including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU AI Act, and emerging U.S. and global regulations. We conduct risk assessments, design governance frameworks, and help businesses operationalize data privacy.
• Regulatory investigations and enforcement defense – Guiding companies through regulatory inquiries, enforcement actions, and compliance audits involving the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, European data protection authorities, and industry-specific regulators. We work to mitigate risk and resolve investigations efficiently.
• Data breach response and cybersecurity strategy – Acting as breach response counsel to help companies manage legal exposure, coordinate forensic investigations, and meet global breach notification requirements. We also develop proactive security strategies to help business prepare for future threats.
• Transactional data protection and cyber insurance – Structuring contracts, data processing agreements, vendor agreements, M&A transactions, and data transfer frameworks to reduce risk exposure. We also advise on cyber insurance policy selection, negotiation, and claims recovery, ensuring businesses have the right protections in place.
• Outside data protection counsel and data protection programs – Acting as outside privacy and data protection counsel, overseeing and managing companies' data protection programs to streamline compliance and support operations. We build, strengthen, and operate sophisticated data protection programs to take the guess-work out of privacy compliance.

Proactive strategies for a secure future

Regulatory shifts, emerging threats, and increasing data complexity demand more than just reactive solutions. Companies that take a proactive, strategic approach to data security and privacy don’t just mitigate risk — they build trust, enhance resilience, and position themselves for long-term success. At Barnes & Thornburg, we help businesses implement practical, forward-thinking strategies to protect data, strengthen compliance, and support broader business goals.