I understand the unique challenges facing healthcare organizations and specialize in providing cybersecurity leadership and risk management services that protect your patients and your business. From risk assessments to virtual CISO services, I bring the skills, experience, and CEO perspective to help you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity.
From your first risk assessment to a fully managed security program, I meet you where you are and build toward where you're going.
Healthcare organizations under 1,000 employees are the fastest-growing target for ransomware, HIPAA enforcement, and data breaches. But a full-time CISO costs $200,000+ per year — and most small and mid-size practices simply don't have that in the budget.
So the risk sits there. Growing quietly. Until it doesn't.
That's exactly the gap I was built to fill.
Organizations that need ongoing security leadership but cannot justify a full-time CISO hire.
Dedicated fractional CISO — Melissa Thornton, personally, not a junior associate
Security policy development and ongoing maintenance — including Acceptable Use Policy, Information Security Policy, and all foundational policies required for HIPAA compliance and HITRUST readiness
Monthly executive security briefings with written security scorecard for leadership and board
Ongoing risk management and security roadmap
HIPAA compliance oversight and audit readiness
Vendor and third-party security reviews
Incident response planning and on-call guidance
Cybersecurity insurance renewal support — guidance on questionnaire responses and coverage gap identification
Staff security awareness training program, managed through an industry-leading security awareness platform
A mature, documented, defensible security program — led by an experienced CISO — at a fraction of the full-time cost.
Starting at $5,000/month | Retainer-based engagement
Organizations preparing for an audit, renewing cybersecurity insurance, or starting from scratch with HIPAA compliance.
Comprehensive HIPAA Security Rule risk assessment
Gap analysis against current safeguards
Remediation roadmap with prioritized action items
Policy and procedure development
Staff security awareness training
Documentation package for audit defense
Full audit readiness, documented compliance evidence, and a clear roadmap to ongoing HIPAA compliance.
Project-based — scoped after discovery call
Health tech companies, digital health startups, and healthcare organizations preparing for HITRUST CSF certification — particularly those seeking enterprise contracts or health system partnerships that require it.
HITRUST CSF readiness assessment against your current security posture
Gap analysis mapped to the HITRUST CSF control categories relevant to your scope
Remediation roadmap with prioritized action items ahead of formal assessment
Policy and procedure development aligned to HITRUST requirements
Documentation preparation and evidence organization for assessor review
Coordination with and preparation for your certified HITRUST CSF Assessor
Formal HITRUST certification requires a licensed HITRUST CSF Assessor. CyberAdvisor partners with qualified assessment firms to ensure you have the right certified partner for your formal assessment.
You enter your formal HITRUST assessment prepared, documented, and confident — with no costly surprises and a clear path to certification.
Project-based — scoped after discovery call
Healthcare organizations and health tech companies adopting AI tools, EHR integrations, or SaaS platforms that touch patient data — and need to know the real risk before they sign.
Inventory and classification of all AI tools, SaaS platforms, and third-party vendors
Risk scoring of each vendor against HIPAA, NIST, and your internal security requirements
AI-specific risk evaluation — data retention policies, PHI exposure in model training, and shadow AI usage
Review of BAAs and data processing agreements
Written findings report with risk ratings, recommended actions, and vendor remediation guidance
A clear, prioritized picture of your vendor and AI risk landscape — so you can adopt new technology confidently without unknowingly exposing patient data.
Project-based — scoped after discovery call
Organizations — especially health tech startups and growing practices — that have no formal security program and need one built properly.
Security program design aligned to NIST CSF or HIPAA Security Rule
Asset inventory and risk identification
Security controls selection and implementation roadmap — matched to your size, budget, and risk profile
Defined staff roles, responsibilities, and security ownership
Vendor vetting and ongoing risk management process — so you always know who has access to patient data and whether they've earned that trust
Incident response plan
Executive security dashboard and reporting structure
Handoff documentation and knowledge transfer for ongoing operations
A fully documented, operational security program your organization actually owns and can execute.
Project-based — scoped after discovery call
Most security consultants think in terms of frameworks, audits, and controls. I think in terms of risk, revenue, and reality. Because before I was a CISO, I was a CEO.That experience changes everything about how I work with you. I don't just identify your security gaps — I help you understand what they cost, how to prioritize them, and how to build a program that protects your patients without slowing down your team.I translate cyber risk into business language. I speak fluently to your board, your leadership team, and your auditors. And I build security programs designed to scale with your mission — not fight against it.
Lower-cost security leadership and expertise without full-time overhead
Comprehensive security strategy tailored to your risk appetite
Increased visibility into your cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance posture
Improved communication between IT, executive leadership, and the board
Expert guidance for startups, PE-backed firms, and SMBs
Practical, business-aligned security — not just technical checklists
Early-stage to Series B
Pre & post-acquisition
Up to 1,000 employees
HIPAA regulated orgs
Physician Groups & Private Practices
Behavioral Health & Mental Health Organizations
Home Health & Hospice Agencies
Health Tech & Digital Health Startups
Most organizations leave this call with more clarity about their security posture than they've had in years — whether we work together or not.
No pressure. No jargon. No homework before we talk.
Book Your Free Security Clarity Session Not ready to talk yet? Download my free HIPAA Security Checklist for Healthcare Organizations