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Paubox Weekly: New report reveals 87% of medical data is digital, but may not be secure

Written by Dean Levitt | June 07, 2024

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Today’s Paubox Weekly is 573 words - a 2 minute read.

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1. New report reveals 87% of medical data is digital, but may not be secure

A report from Software Advice finds evidence that some data in the healthcare industry isn’t secure, even though it’s more digitalized now than ever.

What happenedThe report found nearly half of those surveyed have experienced a ransomware attack at some point. 48% of those attacks directly impacted patient data, and 27% of attacks directly impacted patient care. 

Diversions, delays, or downtime


 

 

 

 

2. Sav-Rx breach exposes data of nearly 3 million individuals

Medication benefits management company Sav-Rx has disclosed that 2.8 million people's sensitive information was compromised in a recent cyberattack. 

What happened: The investigation revealed that the hackers had accessed the company's non-clinical systems and obtained files related to its medication benefits management services platform

Not an isolated incident within the industry

 

 

3. Ozempic and HIPAA compliant communication

In recent years, the rise in the off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss has sparked a new wave of interest among many patients. 

Why it matters: As more patients ask for Ozempic, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails and text messages to address misconceptions and educate patients, promoting health outcomes.

“...must be prepared for the downstream implications.”


 

 

 

4. Over 90 Android apps found with malware stealing bank information

Zscaler discovered more than 90 malicious Android apps.  Among these is the sophisticated trojan Anatsa, also known as "TeaBot."

Go deeper: This malware has been downloaded over 5.5 million times and poses a significant threat. "TeaBot," masquerades as PDF and QR code readers, photography, and health and fitness apps.

Google has since banned the use of these apps



 

5. Palm Beach Health Network accused of sharing patient PHI with Meta

The Palm Beach Health Network has been accused of illegally sharing its patients' personal and medical information with social media giant Meta, the owner of Facebook. 

What happened: According to the lawsuit, the lead plaintiff, Ron Prosky, used the center's website and patient portal. He then began receiving targeted advertisements related to his specific medical conditions and treatments.

The latest in a series of similar claims against healthcare providers


 

Community links

  • Unpacking the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident: FAQs. Link
  • Synnovis ransomware attack causes major disruption to London hospitals. Link
  • Judge rejects Blackbaud class certification. Link
  • Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Kyrie Bartolome: 2024 Update. Link
  • What is BIPA? Link
  • Do internal memos need to be sent through HIPAA compliant email? Link
  • Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Ariell Siliado: 2024 update. Link
  • Using personalized texts to reduce heart failure hospital readmissions. Link
  • Does Paubox have size limits on attachments? Link
  • How text messaging improves contraceptive counseling. Link
  • Why email outperforms social media in healthcare marketing. Link
  • Challenges and advantages of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Link

 

Good reads from around the web

  • FCC pushes ISPs to fix security flaws in Internet routing. Link
  • Inside NYC Health + Hospitals behavioral health blueprint. Link
  • HHS says hospitals impacted by Change Healthcare cyberattack can delegate breach notifications to UnitedHealth Group. Link
  • Mysterious cyber attack took down 600,000+ routers in the U.S. Link
  • The Paris Olympics is already facing cybersecurity threats. Link

What happened last week