Microsoft is discontinuing password management in its Authenticator app and transitioning users to passkeys, which will take effect starting Friday. This move shifts the authentication landscape towards biometric data and device-specific PINs, offering a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. The use of passkeys, which employs public key cryptography, significantly mitigates risks associated with hacking, including phishing and brute-force attacks, as they are not stored on servers. This transition underscores the growing emphasis on security in healthcare technology, as providers seek to protect sensitive patient data and streamline user authentication processes.

Microsoft Shifts to Passkeys, Phasing Out Passwords in Authenticator App CNET

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) faces a significant operational setback following the termination of a key contract with ICF, resulting in a drastic reduction of its contractor workforce. This loss jeopardizes the JCDC's capacity to coordinate responses to increasing cyber threats, especially from state-sponsored actors like China, as it relies heavily on contractors for essential functions. The situation underscores the vulnerabilities in the U.S. cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in light of rising cyberattacks. CISA is responding to the challenge by accessing emergency funds to retain some contractors temporarily, but the long-term implications for cybersecurity preparedness remain concerning for healthcare professionals and other sectors reliant on robust defense mechanisms.

Cyber Defense Collaboration at Risk After Major Contractor Loss cybersecuritydive.com

Traditional pediatric medication delivery has faced challenges due to children's difficulties with tablets and unpleasant liquid formulations. St. Jude's recent initiative to implement semi-autonomous and 3D pharmaceutical compounding aims to improve this situation by creating child-friendly medication forms, like dissolving films and gummy tablets, enhancing both ease of administration and patient compliance. A feasibility study demonstrated the practical application of this technology, delivering customized hydrocortisone formulations for pediatric patients. This advancement has significant implications for healthcare professionals, as it could lead to better clinical outcomes and streamlined pharmacy practices in pediatric care.

St. Jude Leads Revolution in Pediatric Medication with 3D Printing St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The ASTP/ONC has finalized the HTI-4 rule to improve prescription drug cost transparency and streamline healthcare processes by leveraging certified Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This rule introduces a certification criterion for real-time prescription benefit checks, enabling patients and healthcare providers to compare drug prices and find cost-effective alternatives promptly. By facilitating real-time prior authorizations, the rule aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, aligning with broader goals of the Department of Health and Human Services. The implications for healthcare professionals include reduced administrative burdens and improved access to necessary medications during patient encounters.

New Rule Boosts Drug Cost Transparency, Streamlines Real-Time Authorizations healthit.gov

Microsoft is discontinuing password management in its Authenticator app and transitioning users to passkeys, which will take effect starting Friday. This move shifts the authentication landscape towards biometric data and device-specific PINs, offering a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. The use of passkeys, which employs public key cryptography, significantly mitigates risks associated with hacking, including phishing and brute-force attacks, as they are not stored on servers. This transition underscores the growing emphasis on security in healthcare technology, as providers seek to protect sensitive patient data and streamline user authentication processes.

Microsoft Shifts to Passkeys, Phasing Out Passwords in Authenticator App CNET

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) faces a significant operational setback following the termination of a key contract with ICF, resulting in a drastic reduction of its contractor workforce. This loss jeopardizes the JCDC's capacity to coordinate responses to increasing cyber threats, especially from state-sponsored actors like China, as it relies heavily on contractors for essential functions. The situation underscores the vulnerabilities in the U.S. cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in light of rising cyberattacks. CISA is responding to the challenge by accessing emergency funds to retain some contractors temporarily, but the long-term implications for cybersecurity preparedness remain concerning for healthcare professionals and other sectors reliant on robust defense mechanisms.

Cyber Defense Collaboration at Risk After Major Contractor Loss cybersecuritydive.com

Traditional pediatric medication delivery has faced challenges due to children's difficulties with tablets and unpleasant liquid formulations. St. Jude's recent initiative to implement semi-autonomous and 3D pharmaceutical compounding aims to improve this situation by creating child-friendly medication forms, like dissolving films and gummy tablets, enhancing both ease of administration and patient compliance. A feasibility study demonstrated the practical application of this technology, delivering customized hydrocortisone formulations for pediatric patients. This advancement has significant implications for healthcare professionals, as it could lead to better clinical outcomes and streamlined pharmacy practices in pediatric care.

St. Jude Leads Revolution in Pediatric Medication with 3D Printing St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The ASTP/ONC has finalized the HTI-4 rule to improve prescription drug cost transparency and streamline healthcare processes by leveraging certified Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This rule introduces a certification criterion for real-time prescription benefit checks, enabling patients and healthcare providers to compare drug prices and find cost-effective alternatives promptly. By facilitating real-time prior authorizations, the rule aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, aligning with broader goals of the Department of Health and Human Services. The implications for healthcare professionals include reduced administrative burdens and improved access to necessary medications during patient encounters.

New Rule Boosts Drug Cost Transparency, Streamlines Real-Time Authorizations healthit.gov