Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- Cybersecurity events in healthcare have increased in the past five years.
- The Department of Health and Human Services reports a 300% rise in large data breaches involving ransomware from 2018 to 2022.
In the article “Health System Cybersecurity Risks: Part One,” Gina Bertolini, Sarah Carlins, and Jianne McDonald from K&L Gates discuss the growing cybersecurity risks faced by hospitals and health systems in the U.S. The authors highlight the significant increase in cybersecurity events in the healthcare sector, especially with the rise of telehealth services. They mention the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reporting a nearly 300% increase in large data breaches involving ransomware from 2018 to 2022.
As interoperability remains a key priority, the authors emphasize the importance of effective communication regarding privacy and security of electronic health information in the telehealth setting. They discuss recent OCR recommendations for healthcare providers and patients to enhance cybersecurity measures during telehealth interactions. With the proliferation of remote care models and the increasing reliance on big data for complex technologies, healthcare providers face ongoing risks related to cybersecurity.
The article serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their cybersecurity measures and stay updated on the latest recommendations and initiatives from government agencies like the OCR. By addressing the current cybersecurity landscape in healthcare and providing insights into best practices for protecting electronic health information, the authors strive to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.
