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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

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. 

Web-based data tool designed to enhance drug safety

A new kind of search engine has been developed and can be used to reduce the negative side effects of prescription drugs , while even discovering new uses for medications.

Thousands of patients' personal data breached at Massachusetts hospital

About 4,300 Massachusetts General Hospital patients’ Social Security numbers, dates of birth and dental info became available to unauthorized users in February, the hospital announced June 29. 

Why is healthcare the favorite prey of computer hackers?

Date breaches have been dominating the news in recent months. Hackers have stolen patient records then sold them on the black market.

Hacker claims to have 600K patient records, wants big payday

A hacker by the name of “thedarkoverlord” is advertising the sale of hundreds of thousands of heath records, including social security and insurance policy numbers, reports MotherBoard.

Healthcare data breaches more expensive than other industries

Healthcare organizations will pay more per lost or stolen record when their data is breached, according to a new study by IBM and the Ponemon Institute.

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Unauthorized access blamed in more 2016 data breaches than hacking

The leading cause of healthcare data breaches so far this year is unauthorized access or disclosure, not hacking, according to data compiled by HHS’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

Around the web

Compensation for heart specialists continues to climb. What does this say about cardiology as a whole? Could private equity's rising influence bring about change? We spoke to MedAxiom CEO Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, a veteran cardiologist himself, to learn more.

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.”