The University of Rochester Medical Center hired its first chief information security officer, Michael Pinch, to lead a new dedicated cybersecurity department. Previously, cybersecurity responsibilities were dispersed among various IT departments. Medical Center executives recognized the need for stronger cyber defenses given numerous high-profile hacking incidents. Pinch was given a budget to build the department from the ground up by immediately hiring six to eight staff. He noted they previously had good security but it was not through a dedicated department. The commitment to cybersecurity at URMC reflects a growing worldwide trend as organizations strengthen their computer network protections.