About Valeska Bloch
Valeska is a market leading cybersecurity, data, AI and technology practitioner and the firm's Head of Cyber.
She is sought after for her expertise in crisis management, regulatory risk, complex data and AI governance issues, regulatory investigations and tech-led innovation. Valeska has advised on some of Australia's most significant cyber incidents, and has helped top ASX listed companies and multinationals design and implement leading cyber, AI and data governance frameworks.
Valeska sits on the Australian Government's Cyber Incident Review Board, is a member of the Business Council of Australia's Cyber Alliance group, and serves on the Allens Board. She is also ranked in Chambers Asia-Pacific and as a Leading Individual in Legal 500.
Her practice includes advising on:
- Cyber preparedness and incident response, including cyber preparedness and crisis simulations, end-to-end crisis management, reporting requirements, post-incident reviews and third party claims.
- Data and AI governance, including the design and implementation of governance and risk frameworks, operational resilience strategies, impact assessments, record retention and destruction projects, remediation programs, and controls frameworks.
- Privacy, cybersecurity, operational resilience, spam and eSafety regulatory compliance, including on critical infrastructure obligations, prudential regulation, other sector-specific regimes, compliance assessments and uplift projects.
- Regulatory inquiries, investigations and enforcement, involving the OAIC, APRA, ASIC, ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, FIRB and the Critical Infrastructure Security Centre.
- Board advisory, including on cyber risk management, data governance, AI and operational resilience.
- Digital transformation and transactions, including data commercialisation and AI projects, M&A due diligence and post-completion integration, complex procurements, outsourcing, and the compliant design of data and technology products and online platforms.
Valeska has particular experience in highly regulated critical infrastructure and data-intensive sectors, including financial services, healthcare, resources, technology, defence, retail, telecommunications and government. Key clients include BHP, the Big 4 banks, Disney, IAG, Endeavour Group, Alinta Energy, I-MED, DXC, Football Australia, Canva and other leading high-growth companies. Valeska was a founding member of the Allens Accelerate practice for high growth companies and investors.