As a member of Dopkins Systems Consultants, Pat assists clients with improving their cyber security from a technical perspective. With nearly 10 years of information technology experience in a variety of industries, he is well-suited to assist clients in implementing, maintaining and protecting their computer networking environments.

Before joining the firm in 2019, Pat most recently served as the IT Manager/Systems Administrator for New Directions Youth and Family Services, one of the region’s largest human service non-profit organizations. In previous assignments, he worked as a systems technician for several leading Information Technology consulting firms in Western New York.

Industries Served

• Clinics
• Distribution
• Manufacturing
• Medical practices
• Not-for-profit
• Physicians / physician groups
• Restaurant and hotel management

Principal areas of expertise

• Network Administration, including Wireless Area Network (WAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Local Area Network (LAN) Administration
• Troubleshoot server and network problems
• Configuration and monitoring of data backups
• Firewall installation
• Cyber Security, including safeguarding the security of business information and systems

Designations

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA Net+ Certification
• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CMMC-AB RP (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body Registered Practitioner)

Education

• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Network Administration with a minor in Information Security and Assurance, State University of New York at Alfred, College of Technology
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Systems, State University of New York at Alfred, College of Technology

Speaking Engagements

• Presenter, Why Cybersecurity Needs to be a Key Part of Your Compliance Efforts, presented to Financial Managers Association (FMA) of Rehab Agencies (May 2023)
• Presenter, Cybersecurity: It’s a Question of Governance, presented to Financial Managers Association (FMA) of Rehab Agencies (May 2022)
• Presenter, Working from Home: the New Normal, presented to Financial Managers Association (FMA) of Rehab Agencies (May 2022)
• Presenter, Secure Behaviors for the Individual: Phishing and Cybersecurity, Presented to members of the Erie County Chapter of Medical Assistants (March 2021)
• Presenter, STARTegy: A Strategy for Getting Started with a Cybersecurity Program (September 2020)

Videos

• Overview of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Department of Defense Contractors
• STARTegy A Strategy for Getting Started with a Cybersecurity Program (one hour program)
• STARTegy: Managing Cybersecurity Risks at Your Business (intro video)

Community Commitment

Since 2013, Patrick has been a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He currently serves the Franklinville Fire Department and previously served the U-Crest Volunteer Fire Department.

Patrick is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business Leaders (EBL). The Emerging Business Leaders is a group developed by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce focused on developing the next generation of leaders in Western New York.  Patrick is a graduate of the Class of 2021.

Blog Posts

• Health care and cybersecurity insurance: The importance of understanding your organization’s coverage
• Cybersecurity considerations and trends for boards and audit commmittees

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 4-part series:

• See Yourself in Cyber: Update Your Software
• See Yourself in Cyber: Recognize and Report Phishing
• See Yourself in Cyber: Use Strong Passwords
• See Yourself in Cyber: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: The CMMC is here: What you need to know about Dept. of Defense Contractor Cybersecurity Requirements
• CMMC 2.0: What DOD contractors need to know
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: Best Practices for Passwords and Account Security
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: What Does the SolarWinds Data Breach Mean for Your Business?
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: What would a Data Breach Cost you?
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: Working from Home
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: Cybersecurity Awareness Training
• A Strategy to Get Started with an Information Security Program: Are you prepared with a Data backup?

News & Events

• Patrick Rost’s Cybersecurity article Featured in NorthEast Dairy Magazine
• Dopkins Announces 2021 Promotions