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CynergisTek , a leading provider of security solutions for healthcare organizations, announced recently that its CEO Mac McMillan and Director of Program Management, Brian Evans, each authored a chapter in the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) book titled, Information Security in Healthcare: Managing Risk.

This HIMSS book combines the experience and insight of the industry's top IT managers and information security professionals to provide guidance on a range of critical security topics, including IT security governance, risk management, strategic planning and compliance strategy development. This book aims to educate healthcare professionals on how to implement a comprehensive security program that enables competitive advantages while maintaining quality patient care and avoiding costly regulatory fines.

"It is more important now than ever for the healthcare industry to not only understand the complex issues surrounding information security management, but to know how to proficiently implement an IT security program that complies with the evolving regulations under the HITECH Act," said Mac McMillan, Chief Executive Officer, CynergisTek. "CynergisTek strives to lead the industry by sharing our knowledge of information security and compliance in healthcare, so we are pleased to be able to contribute to a book that will help educate healthcare professionals on the value of data security in the modern healthcare environment."

In addition to working with editor Terrell W. Herzig to develop the outline and content for this book, McMillan contributed the first chapter of the book titled, "IT Security Governance." The chapter explains the need for proper oversight and direction from hospital executives and board members for the information security program. McMillan's chapter also discusses the importance of having appropriate processes in place for measuring performance. "Data security awareness needs to be elevated to all levels within healthcare organizational management," said McMillan. "Creating the right governance structure can help assure this happens."

Evans' chapter in the book titled, "The Importance of Incident Response," addresses incident management and data breaches as they relate to the HIPAA Security Rule and HITECH Act. This chapter begins providing a clear definition of what actually constitutes an incident. The chapter identifies the foundational guidelines for an incident response program and covers how to build an incident response plan and establish breach notification procedures. Evans also details the steps included in the "Incident Response Lifecycle," explaining how to form an incident response team and how to develop quantifiable metrics.

"I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to Mr. Mac McMillan and Mr. Brian Evans for their contributions to the new HIMSS book. Mr. Evans contributed the chapter on incident response, which will be invaluable in helping healthcare organizations prepare for handling incidents and contending with the new ARRA/HITECH data breach laws. Mr. McMillan's chapter focuses on the difficult topic of information security governance and its place in IT governance," said Terrell W. Herzig, Editor, Information Security in Healthcare: Managing Risk. "Contributors to this book are some of the industry's most respected and experienced in the field and their combined knowledge will serve as a true guide for healthcare organizations implementing or enhancing information security programs."

CynergisTek's solutions and services are specifically designed to help healthcare organizations improve their security posture, facilitate compliance, improve operational efficiency and foster trust. CynergisTek service offerings and methods include:

• Risk management and evaluation
• IT security strategy
• Technical security
• Regulatory/compliance audit
• Managed security services

The 2010 Annual HIMSS Conference and Exhibition, which is dedicated to transforming healthcare through IT, runs from March 1-4 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Information Security in Healthcare: Managing Risk will be available for purchase in the HIMSS bookstore.

About CynergisTek
CynergisTek is a leading provider of information security management, regulatory compliance, IT audit and advisory services, business continuity management, security technology selection and implementation, and secure IT infrastructure architecture and design solutions. The firm offers practical, manageable and affordable consulting services for organizations of all sizes and complexity. Using an organized, planned and collaborative approach, CynergisTek applies multidisciplinary expertise to serve as partner and mentor, to enhance the consulting experience and, ultimately, clients' compliance and business performance. CynergisTek participates in and contributes to HIMSS, AHIMA, HFMA, HCCA, AHIA and other industry bellwether organizations. For more information, visit www.cynergistek.com

SOURCE: CynergisTek