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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

MedStar offers update on malware attack

The FBI is investigating the computer virus that paralyzed some of MedStar Health's hospitals and practices on Monday, March 28.

GAO: Healthcare.gov experienced more than 300 security incidents in less than 2 years

According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Healthcare.gov, the federal marketplace for health insurance, experienced 316 known security-related incidents from October 2013 to March 2015.

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Security pro talks ransomware, blockchain potential

News of ransomware attacks have hit the headlines repeatedly over the past several weeks—a trend most likely to continue, according to Chris Ensey, COO of Dunbar Security Solutions.

HIMSS, AMDIS offer support for Precision Medicine security framework

In a letter to White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP) Policy Director, John Holdren, PhD, HIMSS and the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS) offered comments in response to the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI): Draft Data Security Policy Principles and Framework.

21st Century Oncology faces lawsuits after breach

In the wake of an October 2015 breach, four class-action lawsuits have been filed in U.S. District Court against Fort Myers-based 21st Century Oncology for failure to adequately protect patient data, according to an article in the Bradenton Herald. The plaintiffs are seeking $15 million in relief.

Expect a 250% increase in ransomware attacks this year

Think you've been hearing a lot about ransomware attacks lately? You haven't seen anything yet.

Class action lawsuit targets relationship between Facebook and providers

Three Facebook users have filed a class action lawsuit against the social media company, medical organizations and providers alleging that Facebook obtained and used health information without their knowledge or consent.

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Two Calif. hospitals hit by hackers

Two Southern California hospitals are the victims of hackers, according to a report from California Healthline.

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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