Premera IT attack reminder of cyber risks facing health care

A recent cyber attack against information technology systems at health insurer Premera Blue Cross serves as another potent reminder to hospitals and other health care organizations of the importance of ongoing initiatives to prevent and protect against cybersecurity risks. In an announcement yesterday, the insurer said the attackers may have gained unauthorized access to information on members and others who have done business with the organization since 2002, which could include member information such as names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, claims and clinical information, as well as email addresses, bank account and Social Security numbers for people who do business with the organization. It plans to offer two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to about 11 million affected individuals. Hospitals are encouraged to review cybersecurity resources on AHA’s website at www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/cybersecurity.shtml.