Cybersecurity news for hospitals and health systems

More than 500 browser extensions that have been downloaded by millions of Google Chrome users secretly uploaded users' private browsing data to unauthorized and malicious servers, according to Wired.

Naples, Fla.-based NCH Healthcare System began notifying patients Feb. 14 that their information may have been exposed in a phishing attack.

Albia, Iowa-based Monroe County Hospital & Clinics began notifying around 7,500 patients Feb. 17 that their information may have been exposed in a phishing attack, according to the Des Moines Register.

Medical data breaches are on the rise, making patient data security one of the most pressing issues in the healthcare industry. In 2019, more than 41 million healthcare records were either exposed, stolen or inappropriately disclosed. The 2019 total is…

Since the start of 2020, hospitals and health systems have been navigating the aftermath of phishing attacks along with integrating new policies and procedures to mitigate the changes of these cyberattacks.

While ransomware demands from hackers can total millions of dollars, the downtime costs hospitals face if they decline to pay can also be staggering.

The computer system and EHR at more than 500 affiliated offices of Boston Children's Hospital were partially restored Feb. 14 following a malware attack, according to The MetroWest Daily News.

Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego has boosted security after an employee allegedly made threats against the hospital, according to 10News.

While cybersecurity isn't a new issue for healthcare organizations, it remains among the top areas of concern for CIOs in 2020.

After experiencing a ransomware attack in September 2019, Campbell County Health COO Colleen Heeter stresses the importance of backups, according to the Laramie Boomerang.