Security

A privacy and security expert discusses how small and rural hospitals can move beyond past IT mistakes and implement zero-trust strategies that quickly improve their cybersecurity postures.

Also, DrFirst earns HITRUST for electronic prior authorization, e-prescribing, patient engagement and other healthcare tools.

More tech companies, and the government, are needed to address rural healthcare cyberattacks, according to the new Microsoft rural hospital cybersecurity landscape report. 

In partnership with Microsoft, H-ISAC and international agencies, the vendor says efforts to dismantle cybercrime groups over the two years are paying off. There's been a drastic reduction in the number of unauthorized copies used in healthcare cyberattacks.

At HIMSS25, Gen. Paul Nakasone, former director of the National Security Agency, said the unique challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in healthcare mean, "we all must be willing to take a few microsteps."

Automation and emerging technologies may accelerate efficiencies but can also add to IT burdens. Careful planning, testing and frameworks are a must to avoid creating new security problems, say panelists at HIMSS25.

Where data integrity and privacy are subject to a variety of complex standards, laws and rules, organizations must drive security at every turn to protect patient data as well as exchange it.

Now is the time to get involved with the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council's strategic plan to upgrade cybersecurity from critical to stable condition, says Chris Tyberg, HSCC executive committee chair.

Budget bumps have led to better security tools, but the growing use of artificial intelligence requires more focus and investments from organizations. HIMSS25 attendees can learn more at the preconference Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum.

The day-long preconference symposium will offer real-world lessons on building safer and more resilient IT systems while creating organizational culture where cybersecurity is fundamental.