Allen O’Rourke: Internet and Cybercrime for Lawyers

Womble Carlyle attorney Allen O’Rourke gave a Sept. 14 presentation titled “The Internet and Cybercrime for Lawyers” in Winston-Salem.

In this presentation, O’Rourke introduced basic concepts of web technology so that attorneys without training in computer science can better understand and communicate about legal issues related to the Internet.

In addition, using case studies on the WannaCry ransomware attack of May 2017 and Mirai DDoS attack of October 2016, O’Rourke explained how cyberattacks are carried out over the Internet and teaches basic cybercrime concepts such as spear-phishing, botnets, ransomware, and more.

He concluded with an overview of data breach legal considerations, covering (1) cybersecurity preparedness and compliance issues, (2) responding to cybersecurity incidents, and (3) defending civil litigation and government investigations stemming from cyberattacks.

Allen O’Rourke represents clients in cyber investigations, government enforcement, and civil litigation related to data breaches and cyberattacks. He also counsels clients on data privacy and cybersecurity issues. Before joining Womble Carlyle, he served as an Assistant US Attorney at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he focused on cybercrime.