UnitedHealth Group has appointed Tim McKnight as its new Chief Information Security Officer following a major ransomware attack that impacted its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, eight months ago. McKnight replaces Steven Martin, who has transitioned to the role of chief restoration officer after a cyberattack compromised the credentials of a Citrix portal, affecting over 100 million individuals. The incident revealed significant vulnerabilities in UnitedHealth's security measures, particularly the lack of multifactor authentication. While the company has not stated that the leadership change is directly linked to the attack, it indicates a possible strategic shift in addressing cybersecurity risks. McKnight brings over 30 years of cybersecurity expertise from his previous roles at SAP, Thomson Reuters, GE, and the FBI.

UnitedHealth Group Appoints New CISO Amid Major Cybersecurity Crisis Cybersecurity Dive

As the U.S. election approaches, cybersecurity emerges as a crucial issue likely to influence national security policies, with differing perspectives from Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Expert analysis indicates a bipartisan agreement on the importance of cybersecurity, yet notable distinctions exist regarding the approach to nation-state threats, particularly from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. A Trump administration may adopt a more lenient stance toward Russian cyber activities, potentially minimizing accountability measures, whereas a Harris administration is expected to pursue a robust response. Additionally, recent Supreme Court rulings may complicate cybersecurity regulation enforcement, with implications for the efficacy of both candidates' proposed strategies.

Cybersecurity Stakes Rise as U.S. Election Approaches: Key Divergences Ahead CSO Online

The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Signature Awards, to be presented at the AMIA 2024 Annual Symposium in San Francisco on November 12. These awards honor AMIA members across different career stages for their contributions to informatics. Notably, Christopher A. Longhurst, MD, Professor, Associate Dean, and Chief Clinical & Innovation Officer, UC San Diego Health, received the Don Eugene Detmer Award for Health Policy Contributions in Informatics. Other winners included Sarah Rossetti, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Kenrick D. Cato, Professor of Informatics, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Nurse Scientist for Pediatric Data and Analytics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who were co-recipients of the Donald A.B. Lindberg Award for Innovation in Informatics.

AMIA Honors Innovators at 2024 Annual Symposium in San Francisco amia.org

Glynn Stanton has been appointed as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Yale New Haven Health System, Yale Medicine, and Yale Health, while maintaining his position as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With over ten years of experience at the organization, Stanton has significantly advanced the information security office and established himself as a national expert in cybersecurity. In his dual role, he will oversee Digital Technology Solutions, ensuring alignment between IT strategy and the health system's goals while enhancing operational efficiency and patient care through digital transformation initiatives in collaboration with Dr. Lee Schwamm, Senior VP and Chief Digital Health Officer.

Glynn Stanton Takes Dual Role as CIO and CISO at Yale Health System Yale Medicine