Cybersecurity news for hospitals and health systems

Ransomware attacks on healthcare have resulted in downtime-related losses of more than $77 billion for the U.S. economy, according to an Oct. 23 report from cybersecurity firm Comparitech. 

Healthcare facilities that use NextGen HealthCare's open-source data integration tool Mirth Connect have been urged to apply updates due to a flaw that could be exploited and compromise data, SC Media reported Oct. 26.

As healthcare ransomware attacks are climbing, the Cybersecurity and Infrastrucure Security Agency and HHS are providing a cybersecurity toolkit to hospitals.

Several hospitals and health systems across the U.S. are facing lawsuits regarding data breach incidents that involved patients' protected health information. 

In September, the healthcare industry saw a notable surge in ransomware incidents, with 18 attacks occurring, representing an 86% month-over-month rise compared to August, a Oct. 24 report from NCC Group found. 

Healthcare information technology security leaders from across the country have shared insights with Becker's regarding the most important steps for hospitals and health systems to take in preventing increased cybersecurity risks when working with third-party vendors.

Kingston, N.Y.-based HealthAlliance Hospital and Margaretville (N.Y.) Hospital are resuming emergency room admissions after a cyberattack caused them to divert ambulance services. 

HIPAA requires hospitals and health systems to sanction employees who don't comply with the healthcare privacy law, DataBreaches.net reported Oct. 20.

Kingston, N.Y.-based HealthAlliance Hospital and Margaretville (N.Y.) Hospital were hit by a cyberattack that has caused the temporary diversion of ambulances at HealthAlliance.

Fayetteville, N.C.-based Cape Fear Valley Health disclosed that it suffered a data breach affecting 1,943 patients, The Fayetteville Observer reported Oct. 20.