The FBI has reported that the number of complaints about cyberattacks to their Cyber Division has increased about 400% since pre-COVID. As cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, preparation is vital in order to respond effectively when an organization suffers a security incident or data breach. Join Clark Hill cybersecurity and privacy professionals Melissa Ventrone and Jeffrey Wells for an interactive cyber simulation exercise highlighting the challenges organizations face when responding to the latest ransomware and extortion attacks.
Attendees will learn how to navigate a security incident and respond appropriately, understand potential legal obligations, and recognize and avoid common pitfalls that complicate the response.
By participating in this event, attendees will learn how to take action now to better prepare themselves and their organizations to respond wisely when an inevitable security incident or breach occurs.
Melissa K. Ventrone is a Member in the Clark Hill’s Chicago office where she addresses her clients’ cybersecurity needs. She reacts swiftly and decisively when she is enlisted on a cybersecurity breach. As a Leader of the Cybersecurity, Data Protection & Privacy team, she focuses her experienced group of first responders, including lawyers and forensic investigators, on around-the-clock management of a situation and minimizes damage by working to limit any public or regulatory fallout. Melissa is also a Co-chair of the firm's ASSET360 team, that helps to identify, mitigate and respond to cyber and data risks from a legal and technical perspective. When not managing her clients’ urgent breach concerns, Melissa is a proactive consultant in managing data privacy and security risks. She is also a zealous courtroom advocate in cybersecurity litigation. Melissa is a Certified Informational Privacy Professional (CIPP/US). Melissa's leadership abilities extend beyond her legal practice. She recently completed a distinguished 21 years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve, holding several key positions, including Company Commander for a 200-person unit, Executive Officer for a 329-person company deployed to Afghanistan, Operations Officer for a 1,000-person motor transport battalion, and the Logistics Officer for Combat Logistics Regiment 4. She also volunteers as an ombudsman for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve in which she serves as a mediator on employment-related disputes.
Jeffrey R. Wells is the Co-chair of the Cybersecurity, Data Protection & Privacy team at Clark Hill, and is a cybersecurity professional responsible for keeping organizations safe and protecting the privacy of employees around the world. With over 25 years of global experience leading cybersecurity engagement, Jeffrey engages clients by leveraging existing infrastructure and talent, establishing effective cyber resilience strategies and responding to immediate incidents and emerging cyber threats. Recently, Jeffrey led a Joint Inter-Agency Task Force countering transregional organized cyber-crime and violent extremism while addressing current and emerging risks impacting national security, commerce and critical infrastructure. Jeffrey has advised and consulted with cyber startups as well as venture, private equity and angel investment organizations on cybersecurity-related strategies including cyber-due diligence and the commercialization of cybersecurity technologies and ideas. Appointed “Cyber Czar” by two Maryland governors, he was responsible for aligning commercial, federal and military cybersecurity initiatives with NIST, NSA, U.S. Cyber Command and other military and government entities. Jeffrey also served as vice-president of the Maryland Cybersecurity Roundtable, was a founding partner of the NIST – National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the BENS Cyber & Tech Council.
*The State Bar of Arizona does not approve or accredit CLE activities for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirement. This activity may qualify for up to 1.0 hour toward your annual CLE requirement for the State Bar of Arizona, including 1.0 hour of professional responsibility.