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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

Mississippi's Medicaid division notifies 5,000 of potential breach

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) has notified 5,220 individuals of a potential breach of protected health information. The exposure occurred when emails containing patient information were sent unencrypted.

HHS releases report on impact of WannaCry ransomware attack

The WannaCry ransomware cyber-attack was unprecedented in its size and scope. To respond, HHS has released a series of reports assisting organizations on how to respond to such attacks. In the latest report, HHS outlines the on-going impact of the WannaCry incident.

HHS announces Move Health Data Forward Challenge winners

HHS's Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has announced the winners of their Move Health Data Forward Challenge, which focused on the development of applications for secure sharing of patient health information and awarded winners $50,000.

56% of healthcare delivery organizations believe an attack on medical devices is imminent

Medical device technology has brought an improved sense of care to healthcare organizations, yet also bring along the risk of a data breach when not maintained. A new survey by Ponemon Institute, an information technology research organizations, found medical devices to be especially susceptible to attack.

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2 in 3 would consider leaving provider after ransomware attack

After the WannaCry ransomware attack in mid-May, interest in cyber security across all industries has spiked. A survey conducted by Carbon Black included interviews with 5,000 people to evaluate the public’s perception of ransomware.

Molina Healthcare investigating breach of patient portal

Managed care and Affordable Care Act exchange insurer Molina Healthcare has shut down its online patient portal after a potential data breach may have exposed protected health information for millions of customers.

Bayer medical devices in the US infected by WannaCry

A spokesperson from Bayer has revealed two reports of U.S. customers having devices infected by the WannaCry ransomware. 

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Top findings of what CIOs think about data security, clinical mobility

The main responsibility of chief information officers (CIOs) is to implement technology within their healthcare system to improve patient care while keeping data secure. A recent survey, conducted by CHIME and presented by Spok, analyzes exactly what hospital CIOs think about data security and clinical mobility.

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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