Fighting Against Data Breach Class Actions

Fighting Against Data Breach Class Actions is a practical panel discussion that examines how insurers, defense counsel, and cybersecurity/threat intelligence professionals work together to defend organizations facing data breach class action litigation. The session begins by exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of breach-related litigation, including increasing case volume, accelerated filing tactics by plaintiffs’ firms, and the growing use of technology-driven investigations by both plaintiffs and defendants.

The program then shifts focus on how defense teams evaluate newly filed class actions and leverage Dark Web Investigations (DWI) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations to assess claims, identify weaknesses in plaintiffs’ allegations, and develop evidence-based litigation strategies. Participants will be introduced to key concepts such as the surface web, deep web, and dark web, as well as the practical and legal significance of intelligence gathered through these investigative techniques.

Finally, the session examines how investigative findings are incorporated into litigation strategy, expert discovery, settlement negotiations, and overall case management. Through a case-driven approach, attendees will learn how coordinated efforts among insurers, defense counsel, and technology consultants can help challenge standing, rebut claims of harm, and influence the legal and financial outcomes of data breach class actions.

Speakers

• Brandon Welch, Managing Director, Ankura (Moderator)
  Brandon helps organizations and insurers navigate high-stakes cyber incidents with speed, clarity, and an insurance-aligned response strategy. As a Managing Director at Ankura, he leads cyber insurance relationships and incident response offerings—connecting carriers, brokers, counsel, and technical teams to drive better outcomes. His work spans cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI-enabled approaches that accelerate investigation and decision-making when every hour counts.
• Alyssa Lisiewski, Managing Director, Ankura
  Alyssa is a Managing Director at Ankura with more than 14 years of experience in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and cyber investigations. She leads complex investigations involving cyber incidents, insider threats, and digital evidence analysis across government, financial, and legal sectors. A recognized expert in digital forensics, Alyssa helps organizations uncover critical facts, assess claims, and support litigation and investigative matters through evidence-based analysis.
• Andrea McKay, Claims Focus Group Leader, Beazley Insurance Services
  Prior to joining Beazley, Andrea worked at Allied World Assurance Company as a Senior Claims Analyst on the Cyber & Tech Team and practiced as an Attorney at Sloane & Walsh handling insurance defense and insurance coverage litigation.
  Andrea is a Focus Group Leader at Beazley on the Global Small Business Cyber & Technology Team. Andrea handles large exposure Cyber & Tech Claims and manages the team’s class action litigation and claims arising out of Tech E&O and Media Liability claims.
• Christoper J. Seusing, Partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
  Marc advises insurers and organizations on cyber incidents and coverage issues where early decisions can shape the entire outcome. As Chair of Goldberg Segalla’s Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Group, he provides strategic counsel on response, insurance considerations, and dispute avoidance in complex cyber matters. He’s frequently called on when stakeholders need clear guidance, fast, during high-pressure events.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of:

1. Understand the Modern Data Breach Litigation Landscape
   Analyze current trends in data breach class actions, including increasing litigation volume, evolving plaintiff tactics, rapid post-breach filings, and the key legal issues facing defendants and insurers.
2. Evaluate and Leverage Dark Web & OSINT Investigations
   Understand how Dark Web Investigations (DWI) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations are conducted, identify legally significant findings, and recognize the technical, legal, and evidentiary challenges associated with their use in litigation.
3. Apply Investigative Findings to Litigation Strategy
   Assess how insurers, defense counsel, and threat intelligence professionals collaborate to use investigative findings to challenge plaintiff claims, inform litigation and settlement strategy, support expert testimony, and influence case outcomes.

Register