Tag: Cybersecurity

Summary of article from MedCity News, by Derek Grant:

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, necessitating the modernization of technology infrastructure to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Budget constraints and the complexity of integrating diverse systems across merged hospital networks pose significant challenges. Prioritizing security is critical, with a comprehensive strategy encompassing Zero Trust, data protection, and compliance frameworks to mitigate cyber threats. Effective data governance and the adoption of AI-based solutions can enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and security. Ongoing cybersecurity training and a culture of vigilance are essential to protect sensitive medical data and maintain patient trust.

Summary of article from The HIPAA Journal, by Steve Adler:

South Texas Oncology and Hematology (STOH) in San Antonio, TX, and Highland Health Systems in Anniston, AL, have experienced significant cyberattacks, compromising the personal and protected health information of their patients and employees. STOH’s breach, detected in February 2024, affected 176,303 individuals, exposing names and medical information, while Highland Health Systems’ breach, detected in July 2023, impacted 83,543 individuals, revealing sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and medical information. Both organizations have engaged third-party cybersecurity firms, notified law enforcement, and provided affected individuals with credit monitoring services. STOH and Highland Health Systems have also enhanced their security measures, including updating security tools and implementing new protections. No evidence of misuse of the compromised data has been found to date.

Summary of article from Morgan Lewis, by Amy M. Magnano, Michael J. Madderra:

In response to a significant rise in phishing attacks, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is emphasizing the importance of regular risk assessments and best practices to protect sensitive data. The OCR’s first phishing cyberattack settlement involved the Lafourche Medical Group, which failed to implement necessary safeguards, resulting in a breach that compromised the data of nearly 35,000 individuals. The OCR’s resolution included a $480,000 fine and a two-year monitoring period for Lafourche. Future phishing attacks are anticipated to become more sophisticated due to advancements in AI, further emphasizing the need for regular security policy updates and employee education.

Summary of article from Security Boulevard, by Rom Carmel:

The healthcare sector is facing an escalating threat from cyberattacks, with an unprecedented 725 large data breaches reported in 2023. The primary causes are system vulnerabilities, human errors, and a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks. The consequences of these breaches are manifold, including major financial burdens, significant reputational damage, and infringing patient privacy. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to implement a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, perform regular audits and risk assessments, and provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to employees. Apono, a specialized platform, can support healthcare firms with these preventative measures, contributing to safeguarding patient data, maintaining service integrity, trustworthiness and compliance with industry standards.

Summary of article from HealthIT Security, by Jill McKeon:

Cyber resilience in healthcare, which enables swift response and recovery from cybersecurity incidents, faces several barriers including a lack of understanding of the concept, misalignment between cybersecurity and business, and the complexity of IT systems. Research by LevelBlue reveals that 76% of healthcare organizations view cyber resilience as primarily the responsibility of cybersecurity teams, rather than an enterprise-wide priority. Budgets are often reactive, with 77% of respondents describing their budgets as such, and there is a notable lack of understanding about cybersecurity at the board level. The rapid innovation in healthcare technology, while beneficial, adds to the cyber risk, making resilience more complex. To improve cyber resilience, healthcare organizations should use reporting metrics and analysis, increase communication at the C-suite level, improve employee training, and adopt resources like the Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP) for better alignment with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).

Summary of article from Healthcare IT News, by Andrea Fox:

Healthcare organizations are struggling with cybersecurity, especially as threats become more sophisticated. Traditional endpoint detection and response systems are proving inadequate, with many able to be bypassed without triggering alerts. Healthcare organizations have unique blind spots due to reliance on basic security measures and a complex digital infrastructure. Artificial intelligence can aid in identifying and responding to threats in real-time, but AI is a tool, not a magic solution. Healthcare organizations and third-party vendors need to adopt advanced threat detection and response technologies, and act as a united front to better resist cyberattacks.

Summary of article from The HIPAA Journal, by Steve Adler:

Senator Ron Wyden has called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take immediate action against large healthcare companies to strengthen their cybersecurity practices. He has criticized HHS for its lack of regulation and oversight, particularly in light of recent cyberattacks on major healthcare organizations, such as Change Healthcare and Ascension. Wyden has recommended the development and enforcement of minimum cybersecurity standards for systematically important entities (SIEs), including resilience to cyberattacks and business continuity. He also suggested that the HHS should stress test SIEs and prioritize their audits. Moreover, he has urged HHS to provide technical assistance and guidance to smaller healthcare organizations through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’s Quality Improvement Organizations and Medicare Learning Network programs.