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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

Cybersecurity

Cardiologist allegedly created and sold ransomware tools to hackers

One of the cardiologist's creations, "Thanos," allowed his clients to develop their own ransomware software and rent it out to other criminals. 

May 18, 2022
Health data breaches were on the rise last year, increasing 3-fold in 2021,leaving millions of Americans’ sensitive health information exposed.

Health data breaches increased three-fold in 2021

Health data breaches were on the rise last year, leaving millions of Americans’ sensitive health information exposed.

 

March 24, 2022

Rethinking Resource Allocation: WannaCry Shakes up Health IT & Device Makers

While the WannaCry cyberattack against hospitals, clinics and device makers was largely unsuccessful, future hacks might be used to imperil patients. Experts worry the U.S system is still too vulnerable and health IT departments are under-resourced.  

October 19, 2017

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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