Privacy & Security

The law firm posted a new report that includes its 7-point plan to tighten security, avoid breaches, and respond when data gets compromised.

PowerWare is similar to the Locky virus in that it's delivered via email through a Microsoft Word document that resembles an invoice and locks down the system until the ransom is paid.

Now the question is whether cyber criminals could someday emulate that approach to access encrypted patient data.

Each has pros and cons, including accuracy, price and the potential to scare patients with Big Brother-like perceptions. And biometric technology is evolving quickly enough that hospitals need to frequently evaluate options.

Despite saying that it responded quickly to the malware that locked users out of IT systems, the health network had to deny some patients access while it continues recovering from the malicious code. 

The FBI is reportedly investigating the latest in series of healthcare cyberattacks but there’s no definitive word yet on whether the malicious code is ransomware or not.

The company’s spring 2016 release also includes new features for iOS and Android devices.

A new 451 Research report found 90 percent of security executives are concerned about threats and 60 percent have experienced breaches. But they also listed attracting talent and investing in security as top barriers. 

CIO Craig Richardville said Carolinas has reduced its duplicate medical records error rate from 2.9 percent to 0.01 percent using the ID and authentication technology in conjunction with its master patient index.

A Government Accountability Office report points to security weaknesses and to Health and Human Services’ incomplete information about how many people are impacted when breaches happen.