The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently warned private entities to remediate any ongoing Log4j vulnerabilities present within their networks or face possible enforcement action.

Log4j is used to record activities in a wide range of systems, sites, and software found in online products and services. Recently, a serious vulnerability in this popular software was discovered. This vulnerability poses a severe risk to millions of users. Most importantly, the Log4j vulnerability is being widely exploited by a growing set of attackers.

When software vulnerabilities like Log4j are discovered and exploited, users are exposed to a variety of risks, including financial harm. The duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate known software vulnerabilities implicates laws including, among others, the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Gramm Leach Bliley Act.

The FTC warned that companies and their vendors relying on Log4j should act now to reduce the likelihood of harm to consumers and to avoid FTC legal action. Furthermore, the FTC stated that it intends to use its full legal authority to pursue companies that fail to take reasonable steps to protect consumer data from exposure to Log4j or similar known vulnerabilities in the future.

Recommended remediation steps include, but are not limited to:

• Updating your Log4j software package to the most current version.
• Consulting CISA guidance to mitigate this vulnerability.
• Ensuring remedial steps are taken to ensure that your company’s practices do not violate the law.
• Distributing this information to any relevant third-party subsidiaries that sell products or services to consumers who may be vulnerable.

Mitigating any ongoing threat posed by Log4j software present in your system will strengthen your organization’s overall security posture and will protect against possible regulatory action.