Jason Schwent, cybersecurity attorney at Clark Hill, addresses the growing cyber security risks facing the cannabis industry. The discussion highlights the unique vulnerabilities of cannabis businesses due to heavy regulation, reliance on third-party vendors, and challenges with payment processing. Clark Hill wrote an article on The Growing Cybersecurity Risks in the Cannabis Industry
An attorney specializing in cyber security emphasizes the importance of due diligence when selecting vendors, particularly point-of-sale systems, and stresses the need for robust security protocols to protect sensitive customer data, including government IDs and medical information.
We also explore the potential legal and financial repercussions of data breaches, including regulatory scrutiny, lawsuits, and damage to brand reputation. It concludes with recommendations for proactive measures, such as developing incident response plans, obtaining appropriate cyber security insurance, and treating cyber security compliance as an ongoing process integrated into regular business operations.