Mark Rasch: A Career at the Intersection of Law and Cybersecurity
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital threats and data privacy, few professionals possess a career as diverse as Mark Rasch. An American attorney and author, Rasch has spent decades navigating the complex overlap between legal frameworks and technological advancement, specializing in corporate and government cybersecurity, privacy, and incident response.
From prosecuting some of the earliest high-profile cybercrimes to advising global corporations on data security, Rasch has remained a pivotal figure in defining how the law applies to the digital realm.
Key Facts
- Specialization: Corporate and government cybersecurity, privacy, and incident response.
- Notable Prosecution: Led the case of United States v. Morris (1991).
- Former Roles: Chief Security Evangelist at Verizon; VP and Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer at SAIC.
- Education: J.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo; graduate of Bronx High School of Science.
- Current Affiliation: Legal counsel to threat intelligence firm Unit 221B.
Professional Journey and Legal Career
Mark Rasch's legal foundation began with a J.D. earned in 1983 from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He entered public service shortly after, working from 1983 to 1992 within the Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division.
During his tenure at the Department of Justice, Rasch handled a variety of high-stakes cases. He is perhaps best known for prosecuting Robert Tappan Morris in the landmark case United States v. Morris (1991), which dealt with early computer hacking. His experience also extended to prosecuting presidential candidate Lyndon LaRouche and members of the Gambino crime family in New York.
Beyond cybercrime, Rasch's investigative work helped identify the individual responsible for the "Craigslist murder" in Boston. He also served as an amicus curiae—a "friend of the court" providing neutral legal expertise—in Bernstein v. United States, a case centered on data encryption.
Corporate Leadership and Cybersecurity Advocacy
Transitioning from government prosecution to the private sector, Rasch held several executive leadership roles. He served as the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer for SAIC. Later, he took on the role of Chief Security Evangelist for Verizon Communications, where he focused on promoting security best practices and strategic oversight.
Currently, Rasch serves as legal counsel to Unit 221B, a firm specializing in computer security and threat intelligence. He continues to share his expertise globally, speaking regularly at the COSAC conference in Naas, Ireland, on the intersections of Artificial Intelligence (AI), threat intelligence, and computer security.
Contributions to Media and Public Discourse
Rasch is a prolific writer and commentator on the relationship between law and technology. He is a regular contributor to Wired Magazine and Security Boulevard, and has previously written for Security Current and SecurityFocus. He also spent years as a columnist for Storefront Backtalk, a publication focused on global retail technology.
His expertise is frequently sought by major media outlets. He has been quoted in or appeared on The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, MSNBC, Fox News, PBS, and NPR.
Summary of Professional Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bronx High School of Science; SUNY Buffalo Law School (J.D. 1983) |
| Government Experience | U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division (1983–1992) |
| Corporate Experience | SAIC (VP/Chief Privacy Officer); Verizon (Chief Security Evangelist) |
| Current Role | Legal Counsel to Unit 221B |
| Key Legal Cases | United States v. Morris; Bernstein v. United States |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mark Rasch?
Mark Rasch is an American attorney, author, and cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in government prosecution and corporate data privacy.
What was Mark Rasch's role in United States v. Morris?
Mark Rasch prosecuted Robert Tappan Morris in this 1991 case, which was a significant early legal action regarding computer security and hacking.
Which companies has Mark Rasch worked for in executive roles?
He served as Vice President and Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer at SAIC and as the Chief Security Evangelist for Verizon Communications.
What are Mark Rasch's current professional activities?
He currently serves as legal counsel to the threat intelligence firm Unit 221B, contributes to Wired Magazine and Security Boulevard, and speaks at the COSAC conference in Ireland.
What areas of law does Mark Rasch specialize in?
His expertise focuses on corporate and government cybersecurity, data privacy, incident response, and the legal implications of threat intelligence and Artificial Intelligence.