CISO Trainings , Leadership & Executive Communication , Training & Security Leadership

CyberEdBoard Profiles in Leadership: George Chacko

George Chacko's career path in cybersecurity took him from financial services to a pivotal role at a large nonprofit organization. Starting in security administration with financial groups and moving through Big Four consulting firms, Chacko acquired a wealth of experience before transitioning to the healthcare sector. For the past 11 years, he has led the development of the information security program at New York Blood Center, building it from the ground up.

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Blood centers face unique cybersecurity challenges due to their regional focus and critical role in partnering with hospitals, which makes them a prime target for cybercriminals, Chacko said. About a year ago, he initiated the creation of an informal Information Sharing and Analysis Center for blood centers.

"We have limited budgets and resources, but blood centers as nonprofits have even more," Chacko said. The goal, he said, is to help smaller centers without dedicated information security personnel by tapping into the collective experience and resources of the group.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at the 2024 Healthcare Cybersecurity Summit, conducted as part of the CyberEdBoard's ongoing Profiles in Leadership series, Chacko also discussed:

• Collaborative efforts through an informal ISAC for blood centers;
• The need to develop programs and security controls that fit the specific needs of the organization;
• The importance of mentorship in cybersecurity.

Chacko has extensive experience in risk and project management. Prior to New York Blood Center, he was the managing advisor at Deltamine. He is a member of the CyberEdBoard.