Gary Hunt III
In this Q&A interview, we connect with Gary Hunt III, a privacy and cybersecurity attorney who blends his IT background with legal expertise to help companies navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. From advising Fortune 500s to addressing AI-driven threats, Gary shares valuable insights into the intersection of law and digital security. Dive in for an informative look at how legal professionals are shaping the present and future of cybersecurity!
Can you tell us about your journey into cybersecurity law? What inspired you to specialize in this intersection of law and technology?
My interest in information technology began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame where I majored in Information Technology Management. However, it wasn't until 5 years later as I began my career as a privacy and cybersecurity attorney that I fully appreciated the impact cybersecurity has for individuals and organizations of all sizes/industries. Early in my legal career, I was fortunate to advise Fortune 500, multinational organizations on legal issues specific to cybersecurity, including cybersecurity compliance, incident preparation, and incident response, which has provided me with invaluable insights into the pervasive nature of this risk and the importance of proactive strategies. The constant development of global cybersecurity laws and regulations ensures there's always something new to learn, making this a particularly engaging area of law.
What do you find most exciting about working in cybersecurity law? Are there particular legal challenges that keep you motivated?
In my cybersecurity practice, incident response is the area I find most compelling. The ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the frequency of attacks ensure that no two incidents are alike, presenting a constant stream of complex challenges. I find it particularly rewarding to guide clients through these crises, leveraging my experience to help them navigate the investigation and response process during these often stressful situations.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity? Are there any specific resources or communities you rely on?
Prominent news outlets, for example, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, typically maintain resources specific to cybersecurity (see here (WSJ) and here (NYT)), and these are great resources to review regularly to stay current on cybersecurity trends, including the latest cybersecurity incidents and attack vectors cybercriminals are targeting.
I am also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) certification program, and the IAPP has several helpful resources specific to cybersecurity (see here for an example). Beyond that, If you'd like to keep track of developments in particular areas of cybersecurity, Google Alerts can be a helpful tool. Here's a link to instructions on how to set them up: Create an alert.
What advice would you give to millennials aspiring to build a career in cybersecurity law?
My strongest advice is to start networking with cybersecurity professionals early and often. Many cybersecurity attorneys are happy to connect with aspiring lawyers in the field—and we definitely need more diverse representation in both cybersecurity law (and the legal field overall). These conversations are invaluable for understanding the practice, determining if it's a good fit, and building your professional network. I've personally benefited greatly from these connections, and I encourage you to do the same!
Could you share a memorable experience or project from your cybersecurity career that taught you valuable lessons or insights?
I'll never forget my first IAPP Global Privacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Early in my career, it was eye-opening to see thousands of privacy and security professionals from all over the world gathered in one place. It gave me a true appreciation for the global impact of this work.
Borrowing from my earlier comments about networking, IAPP conferences have proven to be a great opportunity for me to network with current and former clients, classmates, colleagues as well as vendors and business partners that offer complimentary privacy and cybersecurity services for my clients. For those interested in cybersecurity, IAPP conferences are an excellent resource. In particular, the IAPP's annual Privacy. Security. Risk. Conference provides a unique opportunity for professionals to explore the connections between technology, privacy, AI governance, and digital responsibility.
How do you see artificial intelligence and machine learning influencing the development of laws and policies related to cybersecurity?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to dramatically reshape the cybersecurity landscape, and by extension, the laws and policies designed to govern it. I see several key influences:
First, AI and machine learning are creating a more complex and dynamic threat environment. AI-powered attacks can be more sophisticated, adaptive, and automated, making them harder to detect and defend against. This increased sophistication puts pressure on policymakers to develop regulations that can address these evolving threats.
Second, AI and machine learning are also powerful tools for defending against cyberattacks. AI-driven security solutions can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate malicious activity. This creates a tension: how do we regulate the use of AI in cybersecurity without stifling innovation that could be crucial for our defense? Finding the right balance will be a major challenge for legislators.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, I believe AI will make it significantly harder for legislatures to effectively regulate cybersecurity. The speed of technological advancement in AI and related fields is simply outpacing the traditional legislative process. Laws and regulations often take years to develop and implement, while AI technologies are evolving at an exponential rate. This dynamic creates a significant challenge – how do we create laws that are not already outdated by the time they are enacted? I think we'll continue to see technology outpace corresponding laws and regulations, and AI will only exacerbate this trend.
To summarize, AI and machine learning are transforming cybersecurity in profound ways. Legislatures will need to be agile, innovative, and forward-thinking to develop laws and policies that can effectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies. I suspect a more proactive, adaptive, and perhaps even internationally coordinated approach will be necessary, but even then, keeping pace with the rapid evolution of AI will be a constant struggle.
Keeping Up With this Intellect…
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyhunt3/
