Harley L. Geiger
Harley advises major companies as well as small startups on compliance with cybersecurity regulations, responding to cyber incidents, product cybersecurity, vulnerability disclosure, bug bounties, artificial intelligence (AI) red teaming, and other issues. He not only advises on how to comply with regulatory requirements; he also helps clients develop cybersecurity programs and processes to protect their assets and users.
Harley works across disciplines, supporting Venable attorneys in the Privacy and Data Security, Regulatory, and Corporate practices on technology and cybersecurity issues. He assists companies and trade groups in advocating on domestic and international policy issues.
Harley founded and leads the Hacking Policy Council, a trade association that facilitates best practices for vulnerability management. He also founded and leads the Security Research Legal Defense Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund legal representation for good faith security researchers in cases that would advance the public interest.
Harley developed extensive knowledge of technology, security, and privacy issues while serving as the senior director for public policy at a global cybersecurity company for nearly a decade. He counseled senior executives on global regulatory and public policy issues affecting the company and its client base, represented the company before government agencies, and advised on compliance with cybersecurity regulations.
In addition, Harley draws on his firsthand experience developing federal policy as senior legislative counsel for U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren of California. As the lead staffer for technology and internet issues, Harley was instrumental in developing legislation to reform the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and copyright laws. Harley also developed regulations and policy on privacy and data security as the advocacy director and senior counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), a nonprofit organization focused on consumer protection and technology policy.
Related Practices
Related Industries
Experience
Government Experience
- Senior legislative counsel, Office of Representative Zoe Lofgren, U.S. House of Representatives
- Member, Industry Trade Advisory Committee for the Digital Economy, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
- Project coordinator, Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. University of Missouri School of Law 2007
- M.A. Journalism University of Missouri 2008
- B.A. Journalism University of Missouri 2003
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
Recognition
- Politico, Emerging Tech Leaders, 2013
Community
Volunteerism
- Volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT), Fairfax County Fire and Rescue