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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

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Q&A: Mark Hollis, CEO of MacPractice, on battling hackers with patient data security systems

MacPractice, a developer of practice management and clinical software, has released a specialized system of encryption for Mac OS X to keep patient data secure. In an exclusive interview with Clinical Innovation & Technology, Mark Hollis, CEO of MacPractice, speaks about MacPractice and the constant hacking threat faced by the healthcare industry.

HHS introduces final rule to increase access to clinical trials

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a final rule to make information about clinical trials more available to the public. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also announced a complementary policy for the registration and submission of results to ClinicalTrials.gov for all NIH-funded trials.

FBI urges ransomware victims to report all infections

The FBI has released a statement urging companies across all industries, healthcare included, to report ransomware attacks to federal law enforcement, helping them get a step up in evaluating just how dire the situation is.

CommonWell Health Alliance launches database for patients to access personal health data

More CommonWell Health Alliance patients will have access to their health data as the association extends its current service that will simplify the patient experience.

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With hacks on the rise, cybersecurity vendors flood market, try to appeal to providers

As cyber attackers increasingly become a threat to healthcare providers' data assets and IT systems, new cybersecurity vendors are entering the market as hospitals and clinics are looking for better ways to protect their patients' information, as well as their own financial and trade secret information.

Central Ohio Urology Group becomes latest healthcare company to be hacked

The hackers have struck once again, this time attacking the Central Ohio Urology Group in Gahanna, according to The Verge.

FDA will not regulate 'low-risk' healthcare technologies, apps

Users of Fitbits and Weight Watchers can breathe a sigh of relief after the FDA announced its guidance stating that it would not be regulating low-risk products like mobile health and fitness apps.

Hacking threat drives demand for information security analysts

At the front line in the fight against healthcare hackers are information security analysts, driving demand for these technological soldiers is growing. 

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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