Be Warned: Ransomware Has the Virtual World Looking ‘Like the Wild West Out there’

Be Warned: Ransomware Has the Virtual World Looking ‘Like the Wild West Out there’

Point32Health, parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, is just the latest healthcare entity to fall prey to cyberattacks, having acknowledged that it was hit with a ransomware attack that left patient and provider data exposed. As reported by WBZ CBS Boston, some providers have also missed being paid on care they provided to Harvard Pilgrim plan members. One such psychologist was quoted in the WBZ story as likening the cyber world to “the Wild West” …

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More Data Show Healthcare Isn’t Prepared for Cyberattacks

More Data Show Healthcare Isn’t Prepared for Cyberattacks

Yet another new study indicates healthcare professionals don’t think their organization’s information technology infrastructure is save from cyberattacks. Data from the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) most recent Stat poll show more than half—55%—say their IT system would be safe from such intrusions. The poll, reflecting the views of 1,236 healthcare professionals, also reveals that 30% of participants said their organization has already been the target of a cyberattack. How would you answer those questions if they …

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Study: Risk of Cyberattacks is Growing—But Readiness Isn’t

Study: Risk of Cyberattacks is Growing—But Readiness Isn’t

Most device makers and over half of providers surveyed say a virtual attack on devices is “likely” in the next year. Unfortunately, the new study by the Ponemon Institute, working on behalf of Synopsys, also reveals that medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers are simply not prepared to defend themselves—and the patient data they’re entrusted with. Around 80% of respondents find developing secure devices to be a “major challenge” thanks to coding errors, deficient expertise …

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Secure Your Practice Against Cyberattacks: Video Post #2

Secure Your Practice Against Cyberattacks: Video Post #2

Earlier this week, we brought you new data concerning ransomware cyberattacks on small businesses—and how to avoid falling prey to one. In the second segment of our three-part series, Randall Dennis, cybersecurity expert and COO of Guidance Partners, explains the various categories of cyberattacks and what steps you can take to thwart efforts to steal and exploit sensitive business and patient information. Dennis says cyberattacks on small and medium-sized businesses are on the rise, with over …

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Make a Plan—Don’t Become a Cyberthreat Statistic!

Make a Plan—Don’t Become a Cyberthreat Statistic!

Cyberattacks on small and mediums-sized businesses (eg, urgent care centers) are on the rise, with the odds of a business interruption due to cyberattack being 33%, according to Randall Dennis, cybersecurity expert and COO of Guidance Partners, which provides IT infrastructure for midsized companies in healthcare and other industries. In fact, Dennis reports, there were over 4,000 ransomware attacks daily in the United States since early 2016—up 300% over the same period for the previous …

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