STAR Kashman: Trailblazing Journey in Cybersecurity and National Security Law

Star Kashman is more than just another name in the legal landscape; she is a high achiever, recognized as a leading authority in the specialized field of cybersecurity law. As the Founding Partner of the Cyber Law Firm and Technology & Cyber Law Chair at Gotham Government Relations, she actively advocates for a safer digital age in tech law.

From being a pioneer in the intersection of law and search engine hacking and publishing the first legal academic article on this topic in the Washington Journal of Law to receiving a research award from the ODNI, Kashman’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and impact.

The Key Inspiration Behind Cyber Law Firm

Growing up in the digital age, Kashman was fascinated by technology, but she also witnessed its negative impact on individual lives. Without realizing it, she developed technical skills that later became crucial in her legal career. During law school, Kashman identified a gap in cybersecurity law and published on the subject, which solidified her desire to bridge that divide. She became a lawyer to assist others, but it wasn’t until Kashman saw the overwhelming need for attorneys who understand both law and technology that she realized where she could make the biggest difference. Many victims of cybercrime struggle to find lawyers who grasp the complexities of emerging technologies. This led her to establish the Cyber Law Firm to create a team passionate about helping cybercrime victims and tech startups in this rapidly evolving digital landscape who can understand clients’ issues on a deeper level and provide the support they need.

As the Founding Partner at Cyber Law Firm and Technology and Cyber Law Chair at Gotham Government Relations

Balancing roles requires prioritization and recognizing overlap in opportunity. Many gaps in technology law stem from a lack of proper legislation, so Kashman’s casework often aligns with legislative initiatives and advocacy as well. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to solutions that not only address individual cases but also push for systemic change that can assist the public. Beyond those roles, Kashman also manages her responsibilities as a business owner, presenting on these issues, collaborating with media, and educating the public. While it can be challenging to juggle these tasks, Kashman focuses on building systems and prioritizing tasks that make the most impact. Like anyone balancing multiple responsibilities, Kashman is continually refining her work-life balance, viewing it as a rewarding challenge rather than a burden. Ultimately, her commitment to helping others and driving progress keeps her energized.

Overcoming the Challenges

One of the biggest challenges comes from the law’s inability to keep pace with technological advancements and abuses. “We often have to creatively apply existing laws to address new cybercrimes or advocate for new legal frameworks to overcome this hurdle. Another significant hurdle is the lack of understanding among judges, opposing counsel, and even clients about these tech-related issues, which can negatively impact case outcomes and legislative pushes. However, this challenge can also work in our favor when opposing counsel underestimates the complexities of cyber law and our ability to recover,” emphasizes Kashman. To overcome these obstacles, she focuses on education—raising awareness among legal professionals, courts, and the public.

Building a Team with an Understanding of Technology and Law

Building a team that combines expertise in both technology and law is challenging, as the skill sets in these fields rarely overlap. Younger generations tend to be tech-savvy and eager to learn, but they often lack legal experience. Conversely, highly technical professionals may not have a strong understanding of legal matters. To bridge these gaps, they prioritize passion and provide training in the necessary skills. Collaboration is key—when specialized expertise is needed, she recommends clients to cybersecurity professionals to ensure they receive the best support.

Latest Trends in Cybercrime Amid the Rapid Evolution

Casual cyberstalking and harassment are becoming disturbingly normalized, while image-based sexual abuse continues to rise, even though it is illegal in most states. The misuse of AI is another major trend—it simplifies and automates malicious activities while amplifying misinformation and social media harms, including deepfakes. These threats highlight the urgent need for stronger laws and public awareness to combat cybercrime effectively.

Legislative Measures for Addressing Gaps in Cybersecurity Laws

There is an urgent need for a federal data privacy law to provide uniform protection for individuals across states. It is also essential to establish comprehensive federal legislation that addresses image-based sexual abuse, cyberstalking, deepfakes, and cyber harassment. The current patchwork of state laws results in inconsistent enforcement and creates a burden for victims and attorneys. A cohesive federal framework would not only streamline enforcement but also serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. States could build upon this foundation with stricter laws if needed, but a unified baseline is essential.

A Glance at Legal Challenges Posed by Deepfakes and Doxing

Due to inconsistent state laws, deepfakes and doxing pose significant legal challenges. Some states protect against specific forms of deepfake misuse, like sexualized content or misinformation, while others lack any regulation. Similarly, doxing laws differ in the definition of what constitutes public information and whether intent matters. These gaps force us to rely on creative applications of torts, privacy, or publicity laws, but this is far from ideal. Federal legislation addressing these issues cohesively would greatly improve victims’ outcomes.

Cybercrime Enforcement and Cybersecurity Laws

The global nature of cybercrime has left the U.S. struggling to keep pace. The focus on rapid tech innovation overregulation has created vulnerabilities that foreign actors exploit. The world needs greater collaboration with ethical hackers and international experts to build systems that prioritize safety and security. By incorporating technical expertise into the laws, professionals can better address the global cybercrime landscape and regain trust in both the government and the tech industry.

Collaboration between Tech Innovators and Legal Experts

Collaboration is essential for crafting effective cybersecurity solutions. Legal experts can identify gaps and advocate for necessary protections, while tech innovators provide practical insights into addressing vulnerabilities. This partnership is crucial not only for legislative efforts but also for shaping how ongoing cases are handled. “Together, we can create a safer, more secure digital environment,” shares Kashman.

The Importance of Public Awareness in Reducing Cybercrime

Public awareness is a powerful deterrent. When individuals are informed that certain actions are illegal, they’re less likely to commit them. Awareness also empowers potential victims to protect themselves and educates decision-makers who shape laws and case outcomes. Legal professionals can contribute by raising awareness through education, advocacy, and media engagement, ensuring that cybercrime prevention becomes a collective effort.

Significant Cybersecurity Threat

AI and quantum computing are likely to revolutionize cybercrime. AI will enable more sophisticated scams, like deepfake voice cloning, while quantum computing could break current encryption methods, exposing sensitive data. The extent of these threats will depend on whether professionals act now to regulate emerging technologies and strengthen their defenses.

The Evolving Intersection of Law and Technology: Over the Years

Kashman sees this field becoming increasingly important as society recognizes the consequences of unregulated technology. Although there are disagreements on how to address these issues, the growing demand for safer digital environments, stronger privacy protections, and smarter regulations is promising. Kashman hopes that this shift will lead to meaningful changes and a safer digital age.

The Future Outlook

Kashman aims to help as many victims as possible while building a talented team of like-minded individuals. Through advocacy, she hopes to drive legislative changes that protect victims, regulate harmful technologies, and prepare for emerging threats. Ultimately, Kashman wants to create a legal and technological environment that works together to create a safer, more secure digital future.