ALBANY – GreyCastle Security, a leading cyber security consulting firm, proudly hosts 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 and on the 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 examined the tools businesses can employ to transform these attitudes and create a more security-conscious workforce.

The Center for Economic Growth’s interim president and CEO, Mike Hickey welcomed guests. Thomas Duffy, senior vice president for operations, Center for Internet Security, moderated 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.

Proceeds from the event will be put toward a scholarship fund for Capital Region students pursuing a degree in cyber security through a new certificate program offered by Hudson Valley Community College in partnership with GreyCastle Security.

The panel discussion was 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, began at 7:30 a.m. The program and conversation started at 8 a.m. and included a 50 minute discussion followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

The conversation was 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 was 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 included:

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 the University at 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 BA 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 the University at 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 UAlbany, he was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant 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.

Left to right: Thomas Duffy (moderator), Reg Harnish, Jeff Wilson, Mark Donchek and Ken Runyon

About GreyCastle Security:
GreyCastle Security 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.