Workshop tackles information security issues

By Patty Enrado, Editor

ORLANDO, Fla. - With security breaches involving patient data on the rise and in the media spotlight in 2007, a workshop on information security is timely.

In his Workshop 200: Information Security, on Sunday, Feb. 24, 8 AM - 4 PM, Tom Walsh will emphasize the importance of focusing on people, processes and technology when building and managing an information security program.

“Security is risk-based decisions,” he said.

Walsh, president of Tom Walsh Consulting, has been conducting this HIMSS workshop for the last six years for both technical and non-technical healthcare professionals.

In this pre-conference event, attendees will engage in hands-on exercises that will help them identify and assess security risks.

Attendees will also define best practices and common security processes through group brainstorming and the sharing of data, models and experiences at various organizations and institutions.

“You have to work collaboratively,” he said, both in the workshop and in real-world applications.

Walsh pointed out that in building and managing a sound information security program both business needs and best interests for all stakeholders must be taken into account. C-level executives will see information security as a “business enabler.”

The workshop will also feature security practices including evaluation, certification and auditing.

“This is also an opportunity to network,” Walsh said. Past attendees include clinicians, CIOs and IT, compliance and privacy personnel, as well as military personnel.