Intermountain Health has announced the appointment of Ryan Smith as its Chief Digital and Information Officer, starting in early 2025. Following a thorough search, Smith, who has nearly 20 years of experience within Intermountain, was chosen for his extensive background in healthcare technology and leadership roles, including previous positions at Health Catalyst and Banner Health. His prior experience as Intermountain's CIO and his current role at Graphite Health complement his commitment to enhancing healthcare data access, aligning with the organization's mission to improve patient care. Intermountain's CEO, Rob Allen, expressed confidence in Smith's ability to lead the Digital Technology Services team effectively.

Intermountain Health Appoints Ryan Smith as New Chief Digital Officer Intermountain Health

Fairfax, VA-based Inova has become the first healthcare organization in the U.S. to receive the Responsible Use of Health Data (RUHD) Certification from The Joint Commission, a step aimed at guiding health systems in managing the secondary use of patient data responsibly. The certification process required Inova to implement rigorous measures, such as de-identifying health data, establishing security protocols, and ensuring transparency in data usage. This achievement was recognized in a discussion at the Inova Center for Personalized Health, attended by policymakers, emphasizing the importance of patient data privacy amidst evolving healthcare challenges. Inova's leadership highlighted that this certification enhances patient trust and reinforces ethical data stewardship.

Inova Becomes First U.S. Healthcare Organization to Earn RUHD Certification GlobeNewswire

Organizations are increasingly seeking virtual chief information security officers (vCISOs) to bolster their cybersecurity frameworks in response to rising threats and incidents. Collaborating with managed security service providers (MSSPs), many companies find vCISOs essential for creating proactive security plans, while venture capitalists and cyber insurers often advocate for their expertise during due diligence and to promote best practices. The growing demand reflects a shortage of skilled cybersecurity executives, making vCISOs an appealing option for companies looking to implement a consistent and strategic management approach without the costs associated with a full-time hire. Organizations typically engage vCISOs to comply with regulations, align with industry standards, or establish comprehensive security programs.

Rising Demand for vCISOs: A Strategic Solution for Cybersecurity Challenges Dark Reading

The discussion surrounding the establishment of a dedicated military cyber force highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare. Supporters believe that such a unit could improve national security by providing specialized responses to cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and advancing offensive capabilities. In contrast, opponents caution that creating a separate cyber force might lead to operational fragmentation and inefficiencies, heightening the risk of cyber conflicts. Ethical and legal concerns also emerge, as questions about rules of engagement and accountability in cyber operations become critical. The debate ultimately centers on finding a balance between enhancing defense capabilities and maintaining coherent cybersecurity strategies within military establishments.

Debate Intensifies Over Establishing Dedicated Military Cyber Force Apple News