New program will address exponential growth in
attacks threatening access to care for Americans and bring
enterprise-quality cybersecurity to the most vulnerable rural
hospitals
REDMOND,
Wash., June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday,
Microsoft Corp. announced a new cybersecurity program to support
hospitals serving more than 60 million people living in rural
America. In 2023, the health care sector reported more ransomware
attacks than any other critical infrastructure sector, and attacks
involving ransomware against the healthcare sector were up nearly
130%. Cybersecurity attacks disrupt health care operations across
the country and pose a direct threat to patient care and essential
operations of hospitals. In rural communities these attacks can be
devastating, particularly to smaller, independent Critical Access
and Rural Emergency hospitals with limited means to prevent and
remediate security risks and often the only healthcare option for
many miles in the communities they serve.
![Microsoft company logo. (PRNewsFoto/Microsoft Corp.) (PRNewsfoto/Microsoft Corp.) Microsoft company logo. (PRNewsFoto/Microsoft Corp.) (PRNewsfoto/Microsoft Corp.)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1702517/Microsoft_Company_Logo.jpg)
According to the National Rural Health Association, rural health
clinics are one of the top targets for cyberattacks. The new
Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals is designed to
support the unique cybersecurity needs of these organizations and
will deliver free and low-cost technology services for these
hospitals, along with free training and support.
"Healthcare should be available no matter where you call home,
and the rise in cyberattacks threatens the viability of rural
hospitals and impact communities across the U.S.," said
Justin Spelhaug, corporate vice
president, Microsoft Philanthropies. "Microsoft is committed to
delivering vital technology security and support at a time when
these rural hospitals need them most."
For independent Critical Access Hospitals and Rural
Emergency Hospitals, Microsoft will provide nonprofit pricing
and discounts for its security products optimized for smaller
organizations, providing up to a 75% discount. And for some larger
rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions, the
company will be providing its most advanced security suite at no
cost for one year. As part of the new program, the company is also
providing Windows 10 security updates to participating rural
hospitals for at least one year at no additional cost. Microsoft
will also provide free cybersecurity assessments through Microsoft
and its trusted partners to evaluate risks and gaps and offer free
cybersecurity training to staff in rural hospitals to help them
better manage the day-to-day security of their systems.
Today's news was announced in close collaboration with The White
House, the American Hospital Association and the National Rural
Health Association. Microsoft will work with all three institutions
on the rollout, adoption and effectiveness of the program.
"Cyber-attacks against the U.S. healthcare systems rose 130% in
2023, forcing hospitals to cancel procedures and impacting
Americans' access to critical care. Rural hospitals are
particularly hard hit as they are often the sole source of care for
the communities they serve and lack trained cyber staff and modern
cyber defenses. President Biden is committed to every American
having access to the care they need, and effective cybersecurity is
a part of that. So, we're excited to work with Microsoft to launch
cybersecurity programs that will provide training, advice and
technology to help America's rural hospitals be safe online" said
Anne Neuberger, Deputy National
Security Advisory for Cyber and Emerging Technologies.
Today's announcement is one part of Microsoft's work in
communities across the United
States and around the world to improve healthcare for those
living in rural areas. Through the AI for Health program,
Microsoft is working with nonprofits, researchers and organizations
working on global health challenges to make advances in
telemedicine and improve clinical decision- making and prediction.
Microsoft is also working with rural hospital leaders to rapidly
bring AI solutions to market to meet their unique needs.
"Hospitals and health systems have invested significant
resources to guard against cyberattacks, but they can't do it
alone. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and these
investments from Microsoft help reinforce that," said Rick Pollack, president and CEO, the American
Hospital Association. "Rural hospitals are often the primary source
of healthcare in their communities, so keeping them open and safe
from cyberattacks is critical. We appreciate Microsoft stepping
forward to offer its expertise and resources to help secure part of
America's healthcare safety net."
"Rural hospitals face a unique challenge in cybersecurity,
balancing limited resources with the increasing sophistication of
cyberthreats, which puts patient data and critical healthcare
infrastructure at risk," said Alan
Morgan, chief executive officer of NRHA. "This important
partnership with Microsoft will help ensure that rural hospitals
are prepared in the future to meet this rising threat in small
rural facilities."
In addition to the security program for rural hospitals,
Microsoft is working with community colleges to deliver the
Cybersecurity Skills Initiative and through the TechSpark
program to drive technology and cybersecurity job creation in
partnership with local organizations. Through the Microsoft Airband
initiative, the company collaborates with public, private and
nonprofit organizations to bring high-speed internet access to
rural communities across America and build the digital
infrastructure required for internet access and adoption.
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals in
the United States is immediately
available. To learn more and register for the program, please visit
https://aka.ms/Microsoft_Security_Rural_Hospitals.
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) creates platforms and tools
powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the
evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is
committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly,
with a mission to empower every person and every organization on
the planet to achieve more.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microsoft-to-help-rural-hospitals-defend-against-rising-cybersecurity-attacks-302168139.html
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.