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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

Organizations continue to struggle with cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common as organizations struggle to maintain security. Despite executives citing cyber safety as a priority, only 19 percent are confident their organization can handle a such an event.

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Hospitals account for one-third of healthcare data breaches, affect the most individuals

Out of all types of healthcare providers, hospitals accounted for one-third of all data breaches and affected the largest number of individuals compared to doctors, nurses and social workers, according to a study published in The American Journal of Managed Care.

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Closed business still owes $100K for HIPAA violations

A receiver for Filefax has agreed to pay $100,000 from its liquidated estate to the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) after being found in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.

Healthcare trails other industries in cybersecurity

The healthcare industry continues to struggle in ensuring patient information is protected and, according to a recent 2018 Security Scorecard report, ranks 15th out of 18 industries in terms of cybersecurity.

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50% of physicians put organizations at risk of security incident

At least half of physicians are scored in the “risk” category, meaning their actions put their organization at risk for a serious privacy or security incident, according to the 2017 State of Privacy and Security Awareness Report.

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Apple, Cisco, Aon, Allianz introduce approaches to cyber risk management

Cisco, Apple, Aon and Allianz have teamed up to release a cyber risk management solution for businesses.

Only 34% of Americans trust physicians

Trust in physicians and medical leaders has steadily declined over the past few decades, with only a quarter of Americans having confidence in the healthcare system.

Florida orthopedics practice sues Allscripts after ransomware attack

The Surfside Non-Surgical Orthopedics in Boynton Beach, Florida, has filed a lawsuit against Allscripts after a ransomware attack left the practice without online access for a week.

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."

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