Publications & Resources

Federal agencies warn of a spike in ransomware targeting hospitals and other healthcare organizations, and at least one health system in New York – St. Lawrence Health System – has reported an attack during this recent burst of cybercrimes.

As telehealth use continues to rise, physicians are strongly encouraged to adopt practices that can help reduce the risk of an associated medical malpractice claim.

The American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association warn there is an increased risk of cyber threats to medical data due to the remote work force and the surge in telemedicine resulting from the pandemic.

Experts caution hospitals and healthcare organizations about an increased risk of cyberattacks during the COVID-19 emergency.

The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that data breaches increased by 17 percent in 2019, with healthcare listed as a top industry impacted by these attacks.

The FDA is cautioning healthcare organizations and providers about cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified for certain devices used to display patient information and monitor patient status.

ECRI Institute says its list of “Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2020” can help health systems identify potential danger with certain technologies and take “steps to minimize the likelihood that adverse events will occur.”

Healthcare organizations in New York State may need additional cybersecurity safeguards in order to meet new requirements under the SHIELD Act.

Research from Accenture and the American Medical Association (AMA) reveals a sobering statistic about cybersecurity: “more than four in five U.S. physicians (83 percent) have experienced some form of a cybersecurity attack.”

HHS has issued an alert that a phishing scam email is being circulated on mock HHS departmental letterhead. This email, which appears to be an official government communication to HIPAA covered entities, prompts recipients to click a link regarding possible inclusion in the HIPAA audit program.