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 Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, using malware, ransomware and spyware to attack outdated and vulnerable systems and software.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

the words "FDA recall" on a board

GE HealthCare recalls legacy cardiology information systems due to security risk

GE HealthCare has warned that the devices could potentially be accessed and manipulated by an outside party. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall. 

cybercrime data breaches in healthcare

Interlock claims responsibility for Kettering cyberattack, stolen data listed for sale

In a post on the dark web, well-known hacker group Interlock is offering a 941 GB trove for sale, said to contain patient financial records, driver's licenses, clinical summaries and more from Ohio-based Kettering Health.

AMA brainstorms on key topics impacting healthcare

"With significantly strengthened penalties, standardized reporting requirements and unprecedented enforcement commitments, the regulatory landscape has dramatically shifted," the AMA wrote. 

remote patient monitoring with AI

Research brief: Cybersecurity threats inherent to AI-aided remote patient monitoring

Leveraging the upsides of RPM with AI demands human attention to numerous challenges. Primary among these are privacy and cybersecurity risks, researchers report. 

Ransomware Cyberattack Data Breach

Ransom demanded, emergency care diverted as Kettering Health reels from cyberattack

The Ohio-based nonprofit health system did not confirm patient data was exposed and taken by hackers. However, a media report confirmed it has received a ransom notice credited to the Interlock cybercrime cell. 

Robocall Spam Calls

Cyberattack on nonprofit health system triggers scam calls to patients

Kettering Health in Ohio confirmed it is experiencing a data breach impacting care delivery. However, it stopped short of saying the calls are related, as an investigation is ongoing.

Epic

Epic sued over alleged 'scheme to destroy' managed care company

CureIS, a company that supports healthcare providers who take Medicaid and Medicare, is accusing the EHR leader of data blocking and other anti-competitive practices that violate state and federal laws. 

Amazon

Amazon One Medical employees viewed health data of man in wrongful death case

One Medical, a chain of primary care clinics owned by Amazon, is being sued by the family of a man who died due to alleged provider negligence. Now, court filings reveal staff improperly accessed the deceased man's protected medical records.