HHS Intensifies Cybersecurity Efforts Amid Surge in Healthcare Ransomware Attacks

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is enhancing its cybersecurity measures to address the growing threat of cyber attacks on healthcare organizations, evidenced by a 128% rise in ransomware incidents in 2023. HHS is implementing a four-pronged strategy to strengthen cyber incident response, which includes setting voluntary performance goals, providing resources to promote these standards, and creating a centralized cybersecurity support hub. Deputy director Brian Mazanec noted that progress has already been made with the publication of healthcare-specific cybersecurity goals and emphasized the agency's commitment to improving collaboration with government and private sector partners.

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