The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing a restructuring to enhance its strategies and policies in information technology, cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence. This effort will streamline responsibilities across the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), now renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/ONC (ASTP/ONC), the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Key roles like the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, and Chief AI Officer will now fall under ASTP/ONC. This move aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order on AI, emphasizing secure and trustworthy AI practices. The restructuring aims to ensure HHS effectively leverages technological advancements to benefit public health and safety.

HHS announces major new AI, cybersecurity and IT reorganization Healthcare IT News

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has voted to subpoena Ralph de la Torre, CEO of the bankrupt for-profit health system Steward Health Care, and investigate the company’s bankruptcy. This decision marks the first subpoena issued by the committee since 1981 and follows Steward’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on May 11. The subpoena requires de la Torre to testify on September 12 regarding the ramifications of the bankruptcy on patient care. Despite recent findings of some room for patient care improvement, independent reports conclude that all Steward hospitals remain safe for patient care. Steward Health Care plans to address the subpoena with relevant committee staff, acknowledging the need for transparency.

Senate subpoenas Steward CEO, opens investigation Becker's Hospital Review

Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz attributed a global tech outage to a failure within Microsoft Windows systems. The disruption highlighted potential vulnerabilities in widely used software platforms, sparking discussions on the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for increased resilience in technology infrastructure.

CrowdStrike’s CEO Has Known Failure—but Never Like This — The Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal

Security researchers have identified new Mac malware that disguises itself as the legitimate and popular browser, Arc. This malware is distributed through Google Ads that redirect users to a fake download site, prompting users to bypass Mac security measures to install it. Once installed, the malware, named Poseidon, steals sensitive data like passwords and cryptocurrency wallets and sends it to a control panel accessible to cybercriminals. Despite Google's verification processes, bad actors managed to exploit Google Ads to spread this malware. Users are advised to follow security best practices such as bookmarking trusted sites and using strong antivirus protection. In response, Google has suspended the offending advertiser's account for policy violations.

Google Ads spread Mac malware disguised as popular browser Fox News