Campaign Seeks to Bolster Cyber Attack Defenses

FBI, CISA have issued several warnings about malicious actors exploiting software vulnerabilities

By Dan Hounsell


Cyber attacks and other threats to valuable patient data housed by healthcare organizations show no sign of slowing down after data breaches skyrocketed 55 percent in 2020. Now, two federal agencies have mounted a campaign to help healthcare IT managers say ahead of the threat.

Since the start of 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued several warnings about malicious actors exploiting software vulnerabilities to extort companies, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

To keep hospital IT systems safe, CISA recommends the following measures to reduce the frequency of cyberattacks and protect valuable patient information from emerging cyberattack campaigns. Recommendations include:

  • Regularly backup data and have password protections for backup copies offline, and ensure critical data is not able to be modified or deleted from the network it is on.
  • Implement network segmentation by splitting the network into subnetworks.
  • Require administrator credentials to install software.


April 30, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

ISSA Introduces Healthcare Platform to Advance Safer, Cleaner Patient Environments

This new resource integrates training, research and cross-sector collaboration to raise care standards and improve patient outcomes.


Third-Party Tracking Settlement is a Compliance Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Facilities Managers

Mount Sinai Health System agrees to a $5.3 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly shared patient data with Facebook through tracking tools.


ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Facility

The new facility features 144 beds and a healing environment for behavioral health patients.


Aspire Rural Health System Reports Data Security Incident

Upon detecting the unauthorized activity, Aspire immediately worked to contain the incident and launched a thorough investigation.


Fatal Flaws: Strategies for Active Attackers

Anything that goes wrong with the response is the liability exposure of the organization — not the employee and not the police.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.