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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

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.

73% of physicians share EMR passwords

Maintaining a high level of security in electronic medical records (EMRs) requires physicians have unique user IDs and passwords, but, according to a study published in Health Informatics Research, 73.6 percent of physicians have received the password of another staff member.

Lock and key: Heart scan offers improved cybersecurity

Researchers from the University of Buffalo have developed a computer security system that uses the dimensions of users' heart as their log-in.

Photo, video sharing app complies with regulations to protect patient data

Researchers are developing platforms to securely and quickly send data to and from smartphones. A new mobile application developed to assist providers in meeting patient privacy regulation allows for the sharing and storing of patient-related photos, videos and audio.

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Mobile apps for dementia patients lack security measures

The lack of cybersecurity in mobile applications meant to assist dementia patients and their caregivers could put patients' personal health information at risk, according to researchers at McLean Hospitals in Belmont, Massachusetts, and clinicians at Harvard Medical School. A study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry examined app security policies and provided recommendations.

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Cyberattacks on 3D printers result in defective products

Cyberattacks occur on many types of devices—including 3D printers. A new study, conducted by researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Georgia Institute of Technology, examines methods in protecting 3D printers for improved cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity on DNA sequencing tools failed to protect data

A recent study form the University of Washington found that security measures on patient's genetic tests are poorly maintained. The unprotected DNA information poses an additional threat because it can be encrypted with malicious code and harm the computer.

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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