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    Aug. 5, 2026

Updating Cybersecurity Fundamentals for the Frontier AI Era

Frontier AI models are transforming the cybersecurity landscape by enabling attackers and defenders to identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits and respond to threats at machine speed. As governments and regulators increasingly warn about AI-enabled cyber risks, organizations are being urged to reassess whether their existing cybersecurity programs remain adequate for a rapidly evolving threat environment. Rather than requiring entirely new security frameworks, many of these expectations build on longstanding risk-based approaches and established cybersecurity fundamentals. In this guest article, Covington partner Caleb Skeath and associate Ali Cooper-Ponte examine guidance from regulators and cybersecurity agencies on addressing AI-related cybersecurity risks, explore how AI changes the compliance implications of more traditional cybersecurity controls, and discuss practical approaches organizations can take to evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity posture to reduce legal and regulatory risk. See “Anthropic’s Mythos Model Forces Companies to Regroup for a New Cyber Era” (Apr. 22, 2026).

State Cybersecurity Laws: How to Meet the Rising Standard for Reasonable Security

Regulators across the 50 states are applying a higher and more elaborate standard for “reasonable cybersecurity” than in prior years. Certain issues remain key enforcement priorities while state AGs and sectoral regulators are also scrutinizing routine practices such as logging, alert monitoring and vulnerability patching more closely. This final article in a three-part series published in collaboration with IAPP shares leading defense practitioners’ advice on how companies can address the investigators’ sharper probes of foundational cybersecurity measures. It also illuminates the emerging impact of AI issues on enforcers’ interrogation of companies. Part one, authored by the managing director of IAPP’s Cybersecurity Law Center, examined breakthrough state legislative developments gaining force in 2026. Part two presented recommended steps companies can take to prepare for regulators’ initial post-incident questions. See “For the First Time, Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report Finds Exploitation of Vulnerabilities a Top Threat” (Jul. 29, 2026).

Compliance Reps and Warranties: Definitions and Goals

As compliance priorities shift across federal, state and international regimes, companies are relying more heavily on carefully drafted contracts to maintain continuity and allocate growing compliance risks. While boilerplate representations and warranties may suffice for routine transactions, higher-risk deals often require tailored provisions that reflect deliberate risk-management choices. This first article in a series on compliance representations and warranties provides key definitions and looks at why these contract provisions still matter, how they became outdated and what they reveal about corporate culture. Subsequent installations will cover negotiation strategies, how companies can verify compliance with contract provisions and enforce rights in the event of a breach, and how compliance representations and warranties evolve as risks shift. See “Negotiating Reps, Warranties and Remedies in Technology Contracts” (May 19, 2021).

Husch Blackwell Welcomes Privacy, Cyber and AI Practice Co‑Chair in Nashville

Ben Perry has joined Husch Blackwell’s Nashville office as a partner and co-chair of the firm’s privacy, cyber and AI practice. He arrives from Ogletree Deakins. For insights from Husch Blackwell, see “Navigating Ever-Increasing State AI Laws and Regulations” (Jan. 15, 2025).

Sterlington Adds Former GC and CCO As Litigation Partner

Sterlington has welcomed Christopher Hurld to its litigation practice as a partner. He arrives from EverQuote, a publicly traded online insurance marketplace, where he served as GC and CCO.

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