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Posted October 5, 2023
My career in the healthcare industry has been centered around ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of healthcare data while navigating the complex landscape of healthcare regulations. My expertise in information security, risk management, and compliance is crucial in safeguarding patient information and maintaining the trust of healthcare organizations and their patients.
Obtaining the Healthcare Information Security & Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) certification in 2019 indicates my knowledge of healthcare information security and privacy. This certification is highly relevant in the healthcare sector, as it demonstrates expertise in safeguarding sensitive healthcare data, complying with regulations like HIPAA, and managing security risks unique to healthcare organizations.
I am well-versed in navigating various regulatory frameworks, including HIPAA, HITECH, HITRUST, FDA, CMS, and state-specific regulations. My experience in this area enables me to guide any compliance-related challenges effectively. These frameworks are essential in the healthcare industry, where strict regulations protect patient privacy and data security.
I have advanced skills in cybersecurity, risk management, and security frameworks such as NIST CSF (Cybersecurity Framework). These competencies showcase my thorough comprehension of evaluating and handling security risks in healthcare environments.
In the healthcare industry, effective communication and collaboration are essential. Through my experience in working with cross-functional teams, coordinating security efforts, and delivering engaging presentations at conferences, I have developed the ability to connect security measures with organizational needs.
As a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer at GreyCastle Security and former Information Security Officer for a healthcare organization, I’ve kept patient data safe and secure. This has involved creating and maintaining security programs, following regulations, managing risks from vendors, and implementing policies to protect sensitive healthcare information. It’s been an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my leadership skills and commitment to the critical work of safeguarding healthcare systems.
Adherence to standards like NIST 800-53 and involvement in New York State’s Delivery Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program contributes to the broader goal of improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through secure information systems.
The healthcare sector is governed by various regulations such as HIPAA, HITECH, HITRUST, and others. It can be challenging to navigate this intricate regulatory landscape and ensure compliance. Finding the time to continuously keep up with the changes in regulations and adjust security measures accordingly to avoid any breaches can be difficult.
Being promoted to the role of Information Security Officer (ISO) at the previous organization where I was employed was a significant career event that involved taking on greater responsibilities and leadership in the field of information security.
When I was offered the Security Strategist/Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) position at GreyCastle Security, it represented another significant and prestigious milestone in my career.
These positions signify that I have been entrusted with a leadership role in the cybersecurity domain. I am responsible for guiding and shaping the security strategies and initiatives for organizations across industries.
GreyCastle Security provides tailored services that cater to the specific needs of our clients. Our services are designed to enhance the security of various industries, including healthcare organizations. Our primary objective in the healthcare industry is to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations. Our services encompass security assessments, audits, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, incident response and management, vendor risk management, security awareness training, monitoring, threat detection, risk mitigation, remediation, governance, and reporting.
As a vCISO at GreyCastle Security, I strive to work closely with healthcare clients to comprehend their challenges and requirements thoroughly. I then work with internal team members to develop customized services to create a robust and compliant security program that safeguards patient data and guarantees the organization’s ability to withstand cyber threats.
Before 2017, through previous employment, there were requirements that staff were trained on HIPAA compliance annually; however, in 2017, when I joined Central New York Care Collaborative, I was responsible for delivering training and ensuring the organization followed HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. I was responsible for ensuring control requirements were implemented, formally documented, working as intended, and evidence was available in the event of an audit.
One challenge facing HIPAA compliance is the complex regulatory environment, often subject to updates and changes. Staying current with requirements and any amendments or new rules can take time and effort.
Another challenge is balancing the need to protect patient privacy and secure electronic records, which is essential to facilitate secure data sharing and interoperability between healthcare providers while maintaining patient privacy and can be complex.
There are also challenges with employee training and awareness, ensuring adequate training concerning HIPAA requirements and best practices are delivered. Another challenge is handling vendor or third-party risk management practices.
While HIPAA has made significant strides in safeguarding the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI) areas where potential improvements or refinements exist (for example enhancing guidance on emerging technologies, stricter enforcement, and penalties to deter non-compliance) more precise guidance on de-identification methods and standards could be beneficial. There is a need for greater emphasis on cybersecurity best practices, including specific requirements for encryption, threat detection, and incident response.
Healthcare reimbursement models have moved toward value-based care. Future regulations will continue to promote these models and provide additional guidance on measuring and rewarding healthcare quality and outcomes.
There may be future updates to HIPAA regulations, which could make it easier for patients to access their PHI across the globe. While some healthcare organizations have already implemented this, others must catch up.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will continue to lead the way in future developments of healthcare technologies. The industry needs to ensure this technology’s safety, effectiveness, and ethical use are well understood before being implemented.
Although the future is uncertain, AI and machine learning will likely have a significant impact in the healthcare industry. This will involve integrating digital health technologies like telemedicine, wearable devices, remote monitoring, and health apps. These advancements will improve patient engagement and make healthcare more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, such advancements will also provide additional cybersecurity challenges which must be anticipated by institutions.
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Ho Chin is Chief Financial Officer at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Ho leads Finance, HR, IT and Professional Development. As part of the executive leadership team, Ho works to establish the company’s overall strategy and ensure proper execution of the supporting initiatives pertaining to the above areas of responsibility.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Michael Stamas is an entrepreneur, board member, Vice President and a founder of GreyCastle Security. With more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mike pairs his management and business development skills with a deep understanding of cybersecurity. Mike brings a unique brand of risk-based advising to GreyCastle clients and prospects.
Mike holds certifications in numerous security and technology related areas, including the Department of Homeland Security and other security technologies like Symantec, Cisco and Microsoft.
Mike plays an active role in his community and serves as a board member and Vice President of InfraGard Albany as well as an advisory board position with the Capital Region YMCA.
Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
Dan Kalil is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Chairman at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Dan provides vision, leadership and strategies that drive GreyCastle Security’s position as an industry leader. With an emphasis on customer success, Dan’s profitable growth model leverages a customer-centric business approach that balances employee wellbeing and social responsibility.
Prior to becoming CEO, Dan served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, during which he supported multiple acquisitions and helped the organization achieve substantial sales growth. In addition to serving as CEO at GreyCastle Security, Dan continues to hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Assured information Security (AIS) in Rome, New York, a company he co-founded in 2001.
Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Utica College in Utica, New York.
Dan Maynard serves as GreyCastle Security’s Chief Operating Officer, where he currently leads Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Dan has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industry, during which time he has held various leadership positions for organizations such as Rochester Tel/RCI, Citizens Communications (Frontier), PAETEC Communications, IntegraOptics, tw telecom/Level3 and Centurylink.
In addition to various voice and data technology platforms, he possesses a strong background in leadership development, sales and marketing leadership, transformational leadership and strategic planning. Dan has a thirst for knowledge and as a committed lifelong learner, he encourages and supports professional development initiatives for his teams and continues his involvement with Vistage International.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
When not at work, Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, attending Utica Comets hockey games and relaxing in the Adirondacks on beautiful Canada Lake with family and friends.
Dan Didier is the Vice President of Solutions and board member at GreyCastle Security.
Dan has been a cybersecurity practitioner for more than 20 years and uses his knowledge and experience to develop cybersecurity solutions that ensure readiness and preparedness.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
Our Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) have responded to hundreds of breaches, intrusions, malware infections, thefts, employee investigations, fraud cases and other incidents. Our highly-certified experts have extensive experience in command, coordination and correction of incidents in nearly every industry throughout North America, from local businesses to Fortune 500 international conglomerates.
800-403-8350Francesca LoPorto-Brandow is Director of Culture at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Francesca leads all social responsibility efforts and partnerships and develops effective strategies that promote organizational-wide behaviors and attitudes consistent with a culture of safety, inclusion, teamwork, motivation and high-performance.
Prior to this role, Francesca was Director of People & Culture at GreyCastle and with her leadership, the company’s culture has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Nationally recognized Best Workplace, Albany Business Review Best Places to Work and Albany Times Union Top Workplaces.
Before joining GreyCastle Security, Francesca worked as an OD consultant and focused on strategic culture change at The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. for more than six years. There, she facilitated client education sessions, coached leaders and teams, developed and executed consulting interventions and served as strategy project leader on various client engagements. Her work has taken her into Fortune 100 companies and across borders including Panama, Singapore and beyond.
Francesca is a Lean Six Sigma–certified Green Belt, a proud YWCA-GCR board member and in 2013, she coordinated and emceed the inaugural TEDx Troy—a livestream of TEDCity 2.0. Since 2012, she has coordinated and emceed the Troy 100 Forum, a biannual forum for government, religious and community leaders to discuss issues vital to the future of Troy, New York.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Technology from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology. She was awarded Cybersecurity Recruiter of the year North America in 2017 by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Jamie has held leadership positions with Annese and Associates, ConvergeOne and BlueSky IT Partners with a focus on delivering cost effective information technology solutions for companies across multiple verticals.
Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
