Two U.S. senators introduced a bill to combat the growing wave of healthcare cyberattacks.
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Angus King, I-Maine, cosponsored the Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act, which would require HHS to evaluate its cybersecurity practices and priorities.
"Since the pandemic, we have seen a rise in the number of cyberattacks against our healthcare systems," Mr. Rubio said in a Feb. 8 news release. "This legislation aims to reassure the American people by better safeguarding their sensitive information, ensuring peace of mind during these ever-changing times."
Mr. King pointed to the Maine health systems that have been victimized by hackers, including Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health, which took its EHR offline after a cyberattack Feb. 3. He stated that the legislation would help "help ensure that health institutions have the resources to keep patient data safe."
"This threat to America's critical infrastructure is real, and could literally mean the difference between life and death," Mr. King stated. "We must take proactive steps to enhance the cybersecurity of our healthcare and public health sectors."