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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

mHealth apps do not provide adequate security when sending information

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are becoming an increasingly used avenue for patients and providers to send data, but many apps do not provide proper security when transmitting data, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

HHS Office for Civil Rights launches tools to combat the US opioid epidemic

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) have launched new tools and initiatives to assist in elevating he opioid epidemic while also implementing the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255).

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83% of US physicians have experienced a cyberattack

According to a study released by Accenture and the American Medical Association (AMA), 83 percent of American physicians have experienced some form of a cybersecurity breach.

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House Committee urges HHS to improve security on medical devices

In a letter written to HHS Acting Secretary Eric D. Hagan, House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walde, R-Oregon, urged the agency to develop a sector-wide plan of action in deploying a “bill of materials” (BOM) for healthcare technology.

Privacy remains top barrier to patients sharing EMRs

Privacy concerns are the main barrier in getting patients to share electronic medical records (EMRs) with healthcare providers, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

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Ransomware tops list of 10 health technology hazards

Healthcare technology, while providing patients and professionals with advanced care solutions, has weaknesses in protecting patient information, according to the Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2018 report conducted by ECRI Institute.

Could blockchain prevent ransomware attacks?

Lacking security measures, the healthcare industry has become a favorite prey of hackers, but a solution could be the implementation of blockchain technology, according to Bloomberg News.

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Healthcare interest in blockchain grows

Blockchain solutions have piqued interest of the healthcare industry, positioning the technology as a fix to interoperability, privacy and security issues. A report conducted by Black Book presented current and planned measures in the implementation of blockchain.

Around the web

Cardiovascular devices are more likely to be in a Class I recall than any other device type. The FDA's approval process appears to be at least partially responsible, though the agency is working to make some serious changes. We spoke to a researcher who has been tracking these data for years to learn more. 

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.

When drugs are on the FDA’s shortage list, outsourcing facilities can produce their own compounded versions. When the FDA removed tirzepatide from that list with no warning, it created a considerable amount of chaos both behind the scenes and in pharmacies all over the country. 

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