The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a new supplement to its 2017 digital identity guidelines, addressing federal policy discrepancies that previously hindered the adoption of advanced multifactor authentication methods by agencies. This supplement, the first of its kind since the original guidelines, highlights the acceptance of synchronized authenticators or passkeys for both enterprise and public-facing applications. By clarifying the guidelines to formally support the usage of FIDO Alliance-endorsed synced passkeys, which offer more user-friendly, phishing-resistant authentication options, NIST aims to encourage quicker adoption and improve secure online interactions for the public. This update is particularly significant as it aligns with the Biden administration’s zero-trust strategy, which mandates phishing-resistant multifactor authentication for public-facing services to enhance security and user experience.

NIST issues digital identity update allowing agencies to use synced passkeys Federal News Network

The article discusses the financial implications of megamergers in the healthcare sector, highlighting that such consolidations often lead to higher prices for consumers. It critically assesses the economic impact of these mergers, challenging the notion that they lead to efficiencies and cost savings. Through analysis and expert opinions, the piece sheds light on the negative consequences these large-scale mergers can have on affordability and accessibility in healthcare.

The True Cost of Megamergers in Healthcare: Higher Prices — The Wall Street Journal Apple Stocks

UnitedHealth Group has acknowledged a significant breach in its Change Healthcare unit, potentially marking the largest health data breach in U.S. history, with the incident surpassing the Anthem Inc. 2015 hack which impacted nearly 79 million individuals. Experts are urging healthcare organizations to monitor updates from UnitedHealth Group and to apply due diligence under HIPAA regulations. The breach was facilitated through credential compromise, highlighting the importance of stringent security measures including multifactor authentication and rigorous monitoring to prevent similar incidents. UnitedHealth Group has also paid a ransom to the attackers, with reports indicating a payment of $22 million to the BlackCat ransomware group. The situation underscores the critical need for advanced cybersecurity strategies within the healthcare sector to protect sensitive patient information.

Change Health Attack: Details Emerge; Breach Will Top Record Healthcare Info Security

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to prohibit noncompete agreements, anticipating up to $194 billion in healthcare savings over ten years. Despite limitations in regulating nonprofit entities, many U.S. hospitals might still fall under this ruling, sparking controversy within the healthcare sector. Critics, including the Federation of American Hospitals, argue that the ban could exacerbate ongoing workforce shortages and create disparities between taxpaying and tax-exempt hospitals. The rule, which also expects to boost innovation and wages across various industries, has been met with opposition from the American Hospital Association and others, who predict it may be overturned by legal challenges. The noncompete ban reflects the FTC's broader ambition to stimulate economic dynamism and competition, despite concerns about its sweeping impact on the healthcare industry.

Hospitals slam FTC's noncompete ban Beckers Hospital Review

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a new supplement to its 2017 digital identity guidelines, addressing federal policy discrepancies that previously hindered the adoption of advanced multifactor authentication methods by agencies. This supplement, the first of its kind since the original guidelines, highlights the acceptance of synchronized authenticators or passkeys for both enterprise and public-facing applications. By clarifying the guidelines to formally support the usage of FIDO Alliance-endorsed synced passkeys, which offer more user-friendly, phishing-resistant authentication options, NIST aims to encourage quicker adoption and improve secure online interactions for the public. This update is particularly significant as it aligns with the Biden administration’s zero-trust strategy, which mandates phishing-resistant multifactor authentication for public-facing services to enhance security and user experience.

NIST issues digital identity update allowing agencies to use synced passkeys Federal News Network

The article discusses the financial implications of megamergers in the healthcare sector, highlighting that such consolidations often lead to higher prices for consumers. It critically assesses the economic impact of these mergers, challenging the notion that they lead to efficiencies and cost savings. Through analysis and expert opinions, the piece sheds light on the negative consequences these large-scale mergers can have on affordability and accessibility in healthcare.

The True Cost of Megamergers in Healthcare: Higher Prices — The Wall Street Journal Apple Stocks

UnitedHealth Group has acknowledged a significant breach in its Change Healthcare unit, potentially marking the largest health data breach in U.S. history, with the incident surpassing the Anthem Inc. 2015 hack which impacted nearly 79 million individuals. Experts are urging healthcare organizations to monitor updates from UnitedHealth Group and to apply due diligence under HIPAA regulations. The breach was facilitated through credential compromise, highlighting the importance of stringent security measures including multifactor authentication and rigorous monitoring to prevent similar incidents. UnitedHealth Group has also paid a ransom to the attackers, with reports indicating a payment of $22 million to the BlackCat ransomware group. The situation underscores the critical need for advanced cybersecurity strategies within the healthcare sector to protect sensitive patient information.

Change Health Attack: Details Emerge; Breach Will Top Record Healthcare Info Security

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to prohibit noncompete agreements, anticipating up to $194 billion in healthcare savings over ten years. Despite limitations in regulating nonprofit entities, many U.S. hospitals might still fall under this ruling, sparking controversy within the healthcare sector. Critics, including the Federation of American Hospitals, argue that the ban could exacerbate ongoing workforce shortages and create disparities between taxpaying and tax-exempt hospitals. The rule, which also expects to boost innovation and wages across various industries, has been met with opposition from the American Hospital Association and others, who predict it may be overturned by legal challenges. The noncompete ban reflects the FTC's broader ambition to stimulate economic dynamism and competition, despite concerns about its sweeping impact on the healthcare industry.

Hospitals slam FTC's noncompete ban Beckers Hospital Review