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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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.

Study finds 2K documents with patient info dumped in recycling bins at hospitals

Records containing personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) were found in the recycling at five different hospitals, according to a study published March 20 in JAMA.

Timicoin To Report at HIMSS Conference March 5-9 How Its Blockchain Technology Is Like a Brigade of Green Beret Protecting Medical Records From Ransomware Attacks

The Co-Founder and Managing Director of Timicoin (www.Timicoin.io), to report how his blockchain technology can be ransomware's worst enemy if it ever attempts to attack medical records.

Thumbnail

4 recommendations to combat malicious use of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has raised plenty of eyebrows across healthcare, including in radiology, public health and digital health. But a new 100-page report from some of the leading organizations in the development of AI points potential problems with the technology, which could include cyberattacks, drone misuse and large-scale surveillance.

DOJ tackles cyber threats with new task force

The Office of the Attorney General at the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the development of the Cyber-Digital Task Force, which aims to develop strategies to fight cyberthreats and the misuse of technology.

AG Mednet Achieves EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and U.S.-Swiss Privacy Framework Compliance

Taking steps to further enhance medical data protection, AG Mednet is now EU-U.S. Privacy Shield-Certified and U.S.-Swiss Privacy Framework compliant via self-certification. AG Mednet technology is used in clinical trials in more than 80 countries including most European Union nations. The company is committed to the highest levels of data protection available to its customers in the EU and around the globe.

Thumbnail

AHA appoints John Riggi as senior adviser for cybersecurity, risk

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has announced John Riggi, who spent 30 years working for the FBI, as senior adviser for cybersecurity and risk.

Thumbnail

Siemens, 8 partners sign charter to improve cybersecurity

Siemens and eight partners to sign a joint charter to improve cybersecurity, identifying 10 action areas where governments and business could engage in the growth of security.

Thumbnail

Cardiac medical devices could be at risk to hacking

Medical devices, including cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers, could be at risk to hacking and potential cause life-threatening events, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Around the web

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.”

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, said the clinical community needs to combat health misinformation at a grassroots level. He warned that patients are immersed in a "sea of misinformation without a compass."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup