Senator Wyden Urges FTC Probe into Microsoft Following Major Cyberattack
Beckers Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Microsoft for alleged cybersecurity negligence linked to a ransomware attack on Ascension hospitals, resulting in disrupted surgeries and compromised data of over 5 million patients. The incident was triggered when a contractor inadvertently downloaded malware through a malicious link, exploiting a weak encryption protocol, RC4, which Microsoft still allows by default on its systems. Wyden's accusations highlight broader concerns about the adequacy of cybersecurity measures in protecting critical healthcare infrastructure. Microsoft's response, while highlighting its intent to phase out the vulnerable protocol, raises questions about current practices and their implications for safeguarding sensitive patient information.
