Agencies warn hospitals, others about tracking technology compliance risks

Jul 21, 2023 - 02:28 PM
cybersecurity

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights and Federal Trade Commission yesterday sent a letter to about 130 hospital systems and telehealth providers reminding them to comply with HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules, the FTC Act and FTC Health Breach Notification Rule when using technologies that can track a user’s online activities, such as Meta/Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics.  
 
“Both agencies are closely watching developments in this area,” the letter states. “To the extent you are using the tracking technologies described in this letter on your website or app, we strongly encourage you to review the laws cited in this letter and take actions to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information.”
 
For more information, see the HHS press release.

Related News Articles

Headline
FBI warns of malicious text, voice-messaging campaign impersonating senior U.S. officials
The FBI’s Internet Criminal Complaint Center May 15 released an alert warning of a malicious text and voice messaging campaign involving impersonators…
Headline
AHA blog — 3 Must-know Cyber and Risk Realities: What’s Ahead for Health Care in 2025 
In his latest AHA Cyber Intel blog, John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, examines the state of cyber and physical threats in 2025 as…
Headline
Report: Health care had most reported cyberthreats in 2024 
Health care had more cyberthreats last year than any other critical infrastructure industry, according to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report released April…
Headline
NSA report includes recommendations for OT device security
The National Security Agency April 23 released a report on operational technology systems that includes recommendations for security policies and technical…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Cybersecurity in Health Care with John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk
Public
Cybersecurity and physical threats are unfortunately significant enterprise risks for health care, regardless of size or location. Every hospital, physician…
Headline
CISA releases guidance following reported legacy Oracle cloud breach
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency April 17 released guidance to reduce risks associated with a reported breach of Oracle cloud services.…