Edward Block - General Counsel and Sr. Director of Engineering at Apollo Information Systems

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Edward Block General Counsel and Sr. Director of Engineering at Apollo Information Systems

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Edward Block is an impressive attorney and experienced information security professional with a deep understanding of how emerging law affects personal privacy at the State, Federal, and International levels. With a membership in the State Bar of Texas, Edward is highly knowledgeable in the legal field and brings a unique perspective to information security.

Throughout their career, Edward has worked on and managed technical teams, handling all aspects of information security, including credentialing functions, firewall deployment and monitoring, and penetration testing. They have also developed information security policies, standards, and guidelines that effectively balance the protection of information assets with legal and functional requirements. Edward holds multiple prestigious certifications, including Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), Certified Information Privacy Professional/Government (CIPP/G), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

With an impressive track record as General Counsel and Sr. Director of Engineering at Apollo Information Systems, Edward brings valuable expertise to the table. Prior to their current role, they served as Chief Technology Officer at CyberDefenses, Inc. and also worked as a Managing Director of Cybersecurity Advisory at the same company. Edward's commitment to protecting sensitive information extends beyond their professional roles, as exemplified by their position as Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Texas. In this role, Edward played a crucial part in developing state-wide plans, standards, and guidelines for information security, ensuring compliance, and strengthening the state's cybersecurity culture.

More about this expert

Full name: Edward Block
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Title: General Counsel and Sr. Director of Engineering
Company: Apollo Information Systems (since 2022)
Industry: Computer and Network Security
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddieblock/
LinkedIn Connections: 1149
Summary: I am an attorney and experienced information security professional primarily focused on how emerging law affects personal privacy at the State, Federal, and International Level. I have worked on and managed technical teams performing all aspects of information security from credentialing functions, firewall and IDS deployment and monitoring, to penetration testing. I have also developed information security policies, standards, and guidelines that balance protection of information assets with legal and functional requirements. I am a licensed member of the State Bar of Texas. I am also a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Government (CIPP/G), a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Specialties: I am a geek with a legal education ZW1haWwgbGlua2VkaW5AYmxvY2tlZC5vcmcgdG8gYWRk
Skills: Information Security Security

Education

St. Mary's University School of Law: Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Attended in 2006 - 2008
Field of study: Law
Loyola Marymount University: Bachelor's Degree
Attended in 1993 - 1995
Field of study: Classical Civilizations

Positions

Apollo Information Systems Austin, Texas, United States: General Counsel and Sr. Director of Engineering
Jun 2022 - Present

In June of 2022 CyberDefenses was acquired by Apollo Information Systems.
CyberDefenses, Inc. Austin, Texas, United States: Chief Technology Officer
Jul 2021 - Sep 2022
CyberDefenses, Inc. Austin, Texas, United States: Managing Director of Cybersecurity Advisory
Sep 2020 - Jul 2021

I manage the Cybersecurity Advisory team which includes security assessors and fractional CISOs. Our team works with clients to secure infrastructures and ensure compliance with multiple security and privacy frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Texas Cybersecurity rules, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and others
Cloud49 Austin, Texas Area: General Counsel & Chief Information Security Officer
Dec 2019 - Sep 2020

I served as both in-house counsel, providing guidance on various legal matters to Executive management and the Board of Directors, and lead the information security program for the company, advising the architecture, engineering, development, and sales teams. My primary duties included:
• Reviewing and approving security policies, security controls, and cyber incident response planning
• Maintaining the cyber security strategy to leverage new technology and threat information
• Ensuring compliance with the changing laws and applicable regulations including Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and NIST 800-53 controls.
• Ensuring required and appropriate security certifications are achieved and maintained (specifically, ISO 27000 series and SOC2)
• Revising and drafting agreements, such as employment, vendor, and partner agreements
• Directing the activity of outside counsel regarding their assignments
• Managing organization's intellectual property protections
• Directing and approving the design of security of the company’s systems and service offerings
Foley & Lardner LLP Austin, Texas Area: Attorney
Nov 2016 - Nov 2019

Gardere, Wynne, Sewell LLP and Foley & Lardner LLP completed the successful combination of the two firms, effective April 1, 2018. The combined firm is known in Texas as Foley Gardere.

As a member of Foley Gardere's Cybersecurity and Technology Transactions & Outsourcing practice areas, I work with members of Foley and Lardner's industry leading team to prepare our clients for cybersecurity challenges by identifying short and long-term steps to address, respond to, and mitigate the risks associated with data security.

Prior to April 1, 2018, I worked with Gardere’s litigation practice as member of the firm’s internet, eCommerce and technology team, as well as its cybersecurity and privacy legal services team. I also worked closely with the Gardere’s government affairs team on cybersecurity law and regulation, as well as collaborated with the corporate practice group to evaluate parties’ security postures, policies and procedures in mergers and acquisitions to ensure an integrated approach to addressing security risk during the transition. In addition, I assisted clients with establishing security, breach and disaster recovery polices and counsel on cyber insurance issues, including evaluating policy compliance.
Texas Department of Information Resources Austin, Texas Area: Chief Information Security Officer, State of Texas
Feb 2015 - Oct 2016

The State of Texas CISO serves as the primary policy-making official for statewide information security matters including:

• I Developed statewide plans, standards and guidelines to address new security technology issues, threats and trends.
• Provided vision, expertise and long range planning in the area of information security.
• Oversaw management of statewide information security programs and coordinated Texas public-sector cybersecurity efforts.
• Provided security services, policy and assurance, risk management, and education and training to Texas public-sector government organizations.
• Maintained relationships with local, state and federal Homeland Security personnel, law enforcement and other related government agencies.
• Provided advice and consulting services to agencies to assist in implementing security programs.

The CISO also serves as the state’s cybersecurity coordinator and is responsible for strengthening the information security culture within Texas. In this role, the CISO brings together both private industry and public-sector organizations to develop and encourage wider adoption of cybersecurity best practices to protect critical state infrastructure and sensitive information. The cybersecurity coordinator role also drives education and skill-building efforts to produce an exemplary cybersecurity workforce within the state.
Texas Department of Information Resources Austin, Texas Area: Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, State of Texas
Jan 2013 - Apr 2015

• Provide governance support to the State CISO for enterprise security program operations and services.
• Monitor and analyze impact of proposed federal, state, and industry security and privacy related policy, legislation and standards, and draft and propose modifications to statewide security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Assist State CISO in creating strategies and developing and disseminating standards and guidelines for state agency, higher education, and state/regional/local organizations.
• Coordinate state inter-agency security communication and information sharing including technical and governance security advisement and customer service engagement.
• Assess effectiveness of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) enterprise security controls and provide related reporting to agency management.
• Coordinate federal and state information sharing and collaboration for cyber response.
• Assist communication with public officials and staff, advisory groups; prepare public presentations and reports in response to Legislative requests.