Microsoft and google Helps Rural Hospitals Defend Against Cyberattacks

In a recent announcement, Microsoft unveiled its latest initiative, the Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals, aimed at offering protection and assistance to rural hospitals and health clinics in the US, specifically targeting ransomware and cybersecurity attacks.

Big discount of up to 75% on Microsoft security products

Small Rural Emergency Hospitals and independent Critical Access Hospitals will have the opportunity to receive a significant discount of up to 75% on Microsoft security products through this program. Additionally, larger rural hospitals that are already utilizing Microsoft products will be eligible to receive one year of the advanced security suite at no additional expense.

At no extra charge, Microsoft will offer hospitals a one-year supply of Windows 10 security updates, along with complimentary cybersecurity system evaluations and training for their staff.

Cybercriminals are setting their sights on rural hospitals and health clinics

According to the Internet Crime Report 2023 published by the FBI, the healthcare sector faced a greater risk of ransomware attacks compared to any other critical infrastructure sector. In fact, it experienced a significant surge in ransomware attacks, with a staggering increase of nearly 130% in the same year.

Cybercriminals frequently set their sights on rural hospitals and health clinics due to their vulnerable security systems and lack of modern defenses. These crucial healthcare facilities often lack the financial resources to meet ransom demands, and they are typically the only providers of care for rural communities. The impact of these attacks is far-reaching, as they disrupt access to critical medical services, resulting in the cancellation of procedures and potentially grave health consequences for the local population.

Cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks pose a threat not only to rural hospitals in the United States but also to healthcare facilities worldwide. A recent incident on June 3rd involved London hospitals in the United Kingdom, where services were disrupted due to a cyberattack by a Russian hacker group targeting Synnovis, a provider of lab services. This unfortunate event resulted in the cancellation of appointments and surgeries across multiple hospitals, causing delays in blood sorting and prompting an immediate need for blood donations.

As reported by the BBC, Ciaran Martin, the former chief of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, emphasized the severity of this particular ransomware attack, which involved a complete system shutdown and was motivated by the hackers’ pursuit of financial gain.

In their ongoing efforts to provide free and discounted cybersecurity resources to rural hospitals, AHA has partnered with major organizations such as Microsoft, Google, and the White House. Furthermore, discussions are currently underway to explore the possibility of expanding enhanced cybersecurity support to all hospitals.

In a joint effort with the White House and the AHA, Microsoft and Google have unveiled a comprehensive initiative to assist rural hospitals in safeguarding against cyberattacks. As part of this endeavor, a variety of cybersecurity services will be offered to these healthcare facilities either free of charge or at a reduced cost. This significant announcement was made earlier today.

The American Heart Association has partnered with major organizations such as Microsoft, Google, and the White House.

Today’s announcement highlights the crucial involvement of the AHA in providing guidance to the White House, Microsoft, and Google regarding the cybersecurity obstacles that hospitals and health systems encounter. Over the past few months, the AHA has collaborated closely with these organizations to determine the most valuable and effective services and solutions for hospitals as they strive to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

The AHA is central to protecting patients and healthcare providers from cyberattacks. It works closely with federal agencies and the hospital sector to build trusted relationships and channels to exchange cyber threat information and share and implement risk mitigation practices and resources.

“Cybersecurity is a top priority for America’s hospitals and health systems. It’s also a shared responsibility,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. “While hospitals and health systems devote significant resources to protecting themselves from cyberattacks, they can’t do it alone, which is why these commitments from Microsoft and Google are important. It’s no secret that many rural hospitals across the country are struggling, and because they are the lifeline of health care in their communities, their security is critical. The American Heart Association appreciates the White House’s support for rural hospitals and health systems and looks forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders in government, law enforcement and technology to expand these resources to all hospitals.”

The AHA will continue discussions with governments and private companies to expand cybersecurity products and resources to all hospitals and health systems. This support is critical as all hospitals and health systems continue to grapple with the rapidly increasing costs of serving their communities and responding to a variety of emergency situations.

Microsoft Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Program

For independent critical access hospitals and rural acute care hospitals, Microsoft is offering nonprofit pricing and discounts of up to 75% on its security products optimized for small organizations. In addition, the company is offering one year of state-of-the-art security suites at no charge to select large rural hospitals that already use qualifying Microsoft solutions. Microsoft is also offering participating rural hospitals at least one year of free Windows 10 security updates, free cybersecurity assessments by Microsoft and its trusted partners to assess risks and gaps, and free cybersecurity training for rural hospital staff.

Google Offers and Resources

Google will provide free endpoint security consulting to rural hospitals and nonprofits, as well as a funding pool to support software migration. In addition, Google is committed to launching a pilot program with rural hospitals to develop a set of security capabilities that meet the unique needs of these hospitals. More information on these offers and how to participate can be found here.

AHA Resources and Preferred Cybersecurity Vendor Program

AHA has a long-standing commitment to helping hospitals and health systems defend against cyberattacks that could threaten patient care and compromise patient safety. Leading this effort is John Riggi, AHA National Cybersecurity and Risk Advisor and a former FBI executive with decades of experience on the front lines of cyber issues.

In addition to providing cybersecurity support to individual hospitals and health systems, AHA continues to provide information and guidance to the industry on the latest cyber threats. AHA offers its members a full suite of tools and resources as well as a Preferred Cybersecurity Vendor Program to help hospitals and health systems select trusted and vetted cybersecurity solution providers to address their specific challenges.