Panel Discussion and Webinar Coincide with National Cyber Security Initiatives
#518CyberAware

ALBANY – GreyCastle Security, a leading cyber security consulting firm, is proud to host the third annual cyber security panel discussion and webinar for business leaders and professionals, titled "Cybercrime in Tech Valley: Changing Attitudes and Behaviors," on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.

Experts continue to focus on ways in which businesses can protect their network amid existing vulnerabilities and increased threats, such as hacking, data breaches, social media fraud, and insider theft. Human behaviors are closely linked to many of these cyber security issues and incidents. This discussion will examine the tools businesses can employ to transform these attitudes and create a more security-conscious workforce.

The Center for Economic Growth’s interim president & CEO, Mike Hickey will welcome guests. Will Pelgrin, former chief executive officer, Center for Internet Security will moderate the conversation with security professionals from both the private and public sectors, including GreyCastle Security, New York State Police, the State University of New York and Albany Medical Center.

The panel discussion will be held at the newly renovated Renaissance Albany Hotel at 144 State Street in Albany. The networking and breakfast portion of the event, courtesy of GreyCastle Security, will start at 7:30 a.m. The program and conversation begins at 8 a.m. and will include a 50 minute discussion followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Registration for the event is $20 per person and is non-refundable. Proceeds from this event will be put toward a scholarship fund for Capital Region students pursuing a degree in cyber security. There is no charge for participating in the webinar. Click here to register through Eventbrite.

The conversation is part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), an annual initiative designed to engage and educate the public and private sectors about ever increasing threats against cyber infrastructure. Now in its 12th year, NCSAM is spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance.

This year’s symposium is being sponsored, in part, by InfraGard Albany Members Alliance, Inc. The non-profit corporation provides a trusted forum for exchanging knowledge, experience, and information to help protect our nation's infrastructure from both physical and cyber threats.

The panel of experts will include:

Will Pelgrin (moderator), former chief executive officer, Center for Internet Security
Pelgrin retired in June 2015 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Internet Security (CIS), an international nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities. As President and CEO, Pelgrin led the company through tremendous growth in its mission, programs, services, staff and revenue. He facilitated significant enhancements to intelligence gathering and information sharing with the creation of a new nationwide partnership with fusion centers, and expanded focus on protection for the critical infrastructure sector. Pelgrin was the catalyst for expanding the role of the CIS into a highly valued cybersecurity resource for public and private sector entities both nationally and internationally.

Reg Harnish, chief executive officer, GreyCastle Security
Reg Harnish is an entrepreneur, speaker, author and the CEO for GreyCastle Security. He’s been practicing security for nearly two decades, bringing a thought-provoking perspective to the industry and striving to promote awareness, security "thinking" and practical application of security fundamentals. Reg attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a certified CISSP, CISM, CISA and ITIL. He is a fellow of the National Cybersecurity Institute, serves on numerous security association boards and is currently an advisor to several educational institutions focusing on cyber security. Reg is a nationally-recognized speaker and has presented at countless industry and security events, including BSides, ISSA, ISC2, ISACA and InfraGard. Reg is a contributor to numerous security publications and has co-authored several books on cyber security awareness.

Jeff Wilson, director of information services, assurance and IT security, Albany Medical Center
Wilson is responsible for overseeing Albany Medical Center’s disaster recovery and business continuity efforts; program management office; information security program; and IT planning activities. He is responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures to support the medical center’s regulatory compliance efforts. Prior to joining Albany Med, Jeff worked for the Hearst Corporation in a variety of technology and compliance roles. He holds a BA in English and Religious Studies from SUNY Albany.

Mark P. Donchek, investigator, New York State Police Cyber Analysis Unit

Mark Donchek is currently assigned as an Investigator with the New York State Police Cyber Analysis Unit (CAU). In his current role he has assisted with the launch of the newly formed CAU and is responsible for helping to outline and direct a course for its growth. Mark Joined the New York State police in 2005 and prior to his current assignment as Investigator has held rank as a New York State Trooper, Technical Sergeant, and Sergeant. Mark’s 17 plus years of combined experience in the fields of information technology, and law enforcement provide him with a deep expertise in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany, Certifications and training in Advanced Oracle Concepts, Cyber Investigations, and Cyber Analysis.

Ken Runyon, chief information security officer, The State University of New York

Ken currently holds CISSP and CISM information security certifications.  He received both his MA and BA in Political Science from SUNY Albany and is also a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Information Technology specializing in Information Systems Management.  Ken also attended the U.S. Army Defense Language Institute where he trained as a Russian linguist and electronic warfare specialist.  After graduation from SUNY, he was commissioned as a 2^ndLieutenant and attended the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, graduating with honors.  Ken was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and upon his return, became an instructor for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College where he has held several leadership positions.

About GreyCastle Security:
GreyCastle Security, based in Troy, NY, is a cyber security consulting firm focused on risk management, awareness and operational security. Our company was established to counter rapidly evolving cyber security threats and manage risks in people, process and technology. We bring a client perspective to everything we do. We provide assessments, training, testing, and response capabilities to organizations of all sizes, types and industries. We bring passionate practicality to cyber security.