Lead Security Engineer

As the Lead Security Engineer at Solace, your key responsibilities include ensuring web application security across our products and services, promoting secure coding practices, analyzing potential security risks in new and existing features, conducting vulnerability assessments, and collaborating with engineering and compliance teams to maintain HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance.

To be considered for the Lead Security Engineer position at Solace, candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in web application security or related roles, proficiency in secure web development practices, experience with threat modeling and vulnerability scanning tools, and familiarity with healthcare regulatory frameworks like HIPAA.

Solace prioritizes data privacy by implementing rigorous security measures such as conducting regular threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. As a Lead Security Engineer, you will play a vital role in monitoring threats and responding in real-time to safeguard sensitive health information.

At Solace, the work environment is fully remote and dynamic, emphasizing agility and speed. The company values collaboration across various teams, and as the first security engineering hire, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the security culture from the ground up.

The role of Lead Security Engineer at Solace is crucial as it helps establish the security posture of a startup that is transforming healthcare. Your expertise will not only protect patient data but also enhance trust in the platform as we scale and innovate in this complex industry.

When building a security framework from scratch, start by conducting a risk assessment to identify critical assets and vulnerabilities. Next, establish security policies that align with regulatory requirements, implement security tools and technologies, and foster a security-first culture through training and awareness programs.

In my experience with threat modeling, I typically start by identifying assets and potential threats. I then analyze the attack vectors and vulnerabilities before prioritizing them based on impact and likelihood. This enables the identification of appropriate mitigation strategies and the formulation of a proactive security plan.

The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical security risks to web applications. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, I focus on implementing secure coding practices, regular vulnerability scans, and compliance checks. Additionally, conducting code reviews and threat modeling can help ensure that our applications are resilient against these common risks.

To ensure compliance with HIPAA, I advocate for strong access controls, encryption of sensitive data, and regular security audits. Furthermore, educating the team about HIPAA requirements and conducting risk assessments helps to maintain compliance across all security practices and protocols implemented at Solace.

In a previous role, I encountered a security incident where suspicious activity was detected. I led the investigation, identifying the root cause and assessing the impact. Post-incident, I coordinated remediation efforts, enhanced monitoring systems, and provided a comprehensive report to stakeholders, ensuring continued vigilance against similar incidents.

I utilize a combination of tools for vulnerability assessments, including automated scanners like Nessus and manual testing techniques. It's important to supplement automated findings with manual checks to ensure comprehensive coverage and address any potential false positives that might arise.

To promote a security-first culture, I emphasize regular training sessions, create accessible documentation on best practices, and encourage open communication about security. Recognizing team members who follow secure practices also helps to foster an environment where security is prioritized by everyone.

My strategy for securing web applications during the development lifecycle begins with incorporating security measures in the design phase. I advocate for secure coding standards, regular code reviews, and integrating security testing tools within CI/CD pipelines to identify vulnerabilities early and mitigate them before deployment.

To stay current with the latest security threats, I regularly follow industry news, participate in webinars, and engage with community forums. I also subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters and research publications, ensuring I am well-informed about evolving threat landscapes and mitigation strategies.

The biggest challenges in security for healthcare organizations include managing sensitive patient data, ensuring compliance with strict regulations like HIPAA, and dealing with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. Balancing accessibility and security while fostering trust among patients is a critical aspect that organizations need to address continuously.