Microsoft to help rural hospitals defend against rising cybersecurity attacks

Rhea-AI Summary

On June 10, 2024, Microsoft announced a new cybersecurity initiative aimed at protecting rural hospitals in the United States from rising cyber attacks. The program will support hospitals serving over 60 million rural Americans, providing free and low-cost security solutions, training, and support. In 2023, healthcare sector cyberattacks surged by nearly 130%, significantly affecting rural hospitals' operations and patient care. The initiative includes substantial discounts on Microsoft security products, free cybersecurity assessments, and Windows 10 security updates for one year. Collaborations with The White House, American Hospital Association, and National Rural Health Association will aid the rollout and effectiveness of the program.

Positive

• Microsoft's new program aims to support rural hospitals serving 60 million Americans.
• The healthcare sector saw a 130% increase in cyberattacks in 2023.
• Rural hospitals will receive free and low-cost security solutions, training, and support.
• Nonprofit pricing and discounts up to 75% on Microsoft security products for Critical Access and Rural Emergency Hospitals.
• Larger rural hospitals using Microsoft solutions will get advanced security free for one year.
• Windows 10 security updates provided for one year at no additional cost.
• Free cybersecurity assessments and training for rural hospital staff.
• Program launched in collaboration with The White House, American Hospital Association, and National Rural Health Association.

Negative

• Cybersecurity attacks in the healthcare sector rose nearly 130% in 2023.
• Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable due to resources and lack of modern cyber defenses.
• Cyber-attacks forced hospitals to cancel procedures, impacting patient care.

Insights

Cybersecurity Expert

Microsoft’s new program to bolster the cybersecurity infrastructure of rural hospitals addresses a critical and growing need. The healthcare sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, which saw a 130% increase in 2023. Smaller rural hospitals, often with limited resources, are especially vulnerable. Microsoft’s initiative could significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, ensuring that these hospitals can maintain uninterrupted healthcare services. Offering nonprofit pricing and significant discounts makes cutting-edge cybersecurity technology accessible, ensuring even the smallest facilities can afford robust protection. Free training and assessments will empower local staff to handle cybersecurity more effectively, reducing dependency on external support. Overall, this program is a much-needed lifeline for these essential healthcare providers and will enhance their resilience against future threats.

Healthcare Financial Analyst

This program is a strategic move by Microsoft, not just as a philanthropic gesture, but also as a means to expand their market share in the healthcare sector. By providing subsidized and free services, Microsoft establishes itself as a trusted partner for these hospitals, potentially leading to long-term business relationships. This can drive future revenue once initial discounts expire, as hospitals are likely to continue using Microsoft’s products. The company’s involvement goes beyond immediate cybersecurity needs, cornering multiple facets of the rural healthcare IT market from cybersecurity to AI solutions. This positions Microsoft advantageously as these hospitals evolve their digital capabilities. However, it’s important to consider the sustainability of this approach. While offering substantial discounts and free services initially, Microsoft must ensure they can balance these philanthropic efforts with profitable returns in the long run.

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.

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.

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

FAQ

What is the new Microsoft cybersecurity program for rural hospitals about?

The program aims to defend rural hospitals from cyberattacks, offering free and low-cost security solutions, training, and support.

How many people will the Microsoft cybersecurity initiative support?

The program will support hospitals serving over 60 million people in rural America.

What was the increase in cyberattacks in the healthcare sector in 2023?

Cyberattacks in the healthcare sector increased by nearly 130% in 2023.

What discounts are available for rural hospitals under Microsoft's new program?

There are discounts up to 75% on Microsoft security products for Critical Access and Rural Emergency Hospitals.

What special offers are available for larger rural hospitals using Microsoft solutions?

Larger rural hospitals already using Microsoft solutions will get the most advanced security suite free for one year.

What additional support does Microsoft provide to rural hospitals as part of the new program?

Microsoft will offer free cybersecurity assessments, Windows 10 security updates for one year, and free cybersecurity training for hospital staff.