Cybersecurity

The digital security of healthcare institutions and data is a growing concern, with an increasing number of cyberattacks each year against healthcare systems, which are seen as easy targets. Cyber attacks often use ransomware to target personal health information, patient data and medical devices to cut off access to the data until a ransom is payed to the hacker. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software. Due to the interconnected nature of hospital IT systems today, the weakest link can be older web-enabled medical devices, including clinical and non-clinical systems. Employees are also a major target of attacks via malicious e-mails that prompt them to open attachments that then download malware onto the hospital's IT system.

79% of people support medical devices that immediately alert physicians

Despite growing concerns over data security, nearly 80 percent of people are in favor of medical devices that immediately alert physicians of significant changes in health.

Blockchain could have huge impact on data sharing

While the sharing of patient data is a crucial part of clinical research, researchers still deal with several challenges that prevent their work from moving forward. There may be one solution that has the potential to address each challenge—blockchain.

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Endpoint cyberattacks cost organizations more than $7M on average

As the frequency of cyberattacks increases, the cost to fix security risks is also on the rise. Successful endpoint cyberattacks cost organizations an average of $7.1 million, according to a report that analyzed the state of endpoint security.

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FDA, DHS form partnership to address medical device cybersecurity

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are joining forces to address cybersecurity for medical devices.

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North Carolina hospital warns patients after phishing attack

A North Carolina-based hospital is issuing notices to patients following a phishing attack that accessed several employee email accounts.

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Anthem to pay record-breaking $16 million settlement for health data breach

Anthem, Inc. will pay a record $16 million to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) after a data breach exposed the electronic protected health information of nearly 79 million people.

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Minnesota Department of Human Services issues notice to residents after data breach

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a notice to thousands of residents after a data breach may have exposed their personal health information.

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California court rules lawsuit over breach of HIV patient records can move forward

A California court has ruled that a class-action lawsuit filed against a program after a breach exposed the medical records of 93 people living with HIV can move forward.

Around the web

Compensation for heart specialists continues to climb. What does this say about cardiology as a whole? Could private equity's rising influence bring about change? We spoke to MedAxiom CEO Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, a veteran cardiologist himself, to learn more.

The American College of Cardiology has shared its perspective on new CMS payment policies, highlighting revenue concerns while providing key details for cardiologists and other cardiology professionals. 

As debate simmers over how best to regulate AI, experts continue to offer guidance on where to start, how to proceed and what to emphasize. A new resource models its recommendations on what its authors call the “SETO Loop.”