Laura Newton
Laura is a highly experienced cyber security advisory leader specialising in data and cyber security, privacy and related regulatory risks.
Laura is a regulatory lawyer and cyber security advisory lead with over 10 years’ experience in law enforcement, regulatory investigations and cyber incident response.
Laura has deep experience in advising both Australian and global companies on cyber and data incident response, where she has been the lead advisor on a large number of significant cyber attacks, coordinating and advising on all aspects of the response, from forensic investigation to regulatory engagement. Laura has particular experience in advising executive teams and boards navigate a cyber incident. She brings her unique experience and insights in corporate governance regulation and regulatory investigations to assist in a crisis, particularly in relation considerations relating to payment of a ransom. Laura has a particular interest in global privacy and data security regulations, including the intersection between technology and privacy.
Prior to working at HSF, Laura was a Special Counsel in a global law firm, where she acted as lead counsel and cyber breach coach in relation to a variety of cyber incidents ranging from small email compromises to large ransomware events. She was the practice lead in for all regulatory investigations which arose out of a cyber or data incident. Laura also has significant regulatory and enforcement experience at a number of Australian regulators, including ASIC, APRA and AUSTRAC, where she conducted complex investigations (both criminal and civil) into market disclosure, directors’ duties, insider trading and fraud offences.
Laura is passionate about supporting women in law and cybersecurity and plays a key role in advocating and mentoring junior women lawyers in this space.
Background
Laura graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business. Laura also holds a Master of Laws (with Excellence) from the University of New South Wales, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing from the University of Manchester.
Laura is admitted to practice in New South Wales and California.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
- Laura has advised on over 50 material cyber incidents, acting as lead advisor and incident response manager to assist companies respond and recover during a crisis
- acted as lead counsel in response to an OAIC major investigation into a healthcare company’s cyber incident and response
- acted as lead counsel in response to an ASIC investigation into a financial services company’s cyber incident, resulting in no further action being taken by the regulator
