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Feb. 13, 2024

Episode #64. The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Healthcare, with Valarian Couch, Director of Information Security Operations for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Episode #64. The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Healthcare, with Valarian Couch, Director of Information Security Operations for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability is essential for safeguarding critical healthcare data.

In this episode, Valarian Couch, the Director of Information Security Operations for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, discusses his role at Planned Parenthood, the challenges of cybersecurity in healthcare, and the impact of the pandemic on educational institutions and healthcare. Valarian provides valuable insights for individuals looking to enter cybersecurity and emphasizes the need for an open-minded approach to learning and adapting to real-world scenarios.

Tune in to hear the whole conversation with Valarian and gain valuable insights into healthcare cybersecurity.

For more information and ways to increase risk awareness and safety, visit us at www.censinet.com.

About Valarian Couch:

Valarian is a Director of Information Security Operations at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where he leads the design and implementation of IS services and policies that support the organization's mission and vision. With more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and network systems, he has a strong background in delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions that enhance IT infrastructure and applications' security, performance, and reliability.

Previously, he held various leadership and management roles in different sectors, such as education, manufacturing, and technology. In these positions, he developed and executed strategic plans, managed budgets and resources, and established standards and best practices for IT operations and security. He also led complex and challenging technical projects, such as designing and deploying SOC infrastructure, implementing MSS services, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements. Some of his notable accomplishments include identifying 65% in savings, increasing the user retention rate by 25%, and cultivating a culture of accountability and collaboration. He is finishing my Doctor of Computer Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and several certifications, such as CRISC, CISM, CISA, PMP, and many more. He is passionate about building and leading high-performing teams that collaborate and communicate effectively to achieve shared goals and exceed expectations.

Things You’ll Learn:

  • It is essential to approach cybersecurity with an open mind, especially when transitioning from traditional roles like network engineering. 
  • The real-world application of cybersecurity may differ significantly from what's learned in books.
  • The common goal of safeguarding data and systems in the education and healthcare sectors mirrors the advocacy for patient safety and data protection, akin to protecting the data of students and educators in educational settings.
  • During pivotal events like elections, Valarian emphasized the imperative of bolstering security across diverse sectors, including healthcare, in response to heightened cyber threat risks.
  • Amidst dynamic cyber threats, Valarian underscores the necessity of continuous training to address risks proactively. Fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability is essential for safeguarding critical healthcare data.

Resources:

  • Connect with and follow Valarian Couch on LinkedIn.
  • Follow Planned Parenthood Federation of America on LinkedIn.
  • Explore the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Website!