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July 16, 2018

Congressional Panel Discussion Tomorrow on Healthcare Sector Cybersecurity

(WASHINGTON) – Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 17th, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, will sponsor a Congressional panel discussion on the cybersecurity posture of the healthcare sector. The discussion, entitled “Cybersecurity in Healthcare: What Cyber Attacks Mean for Hospitals, Doctors, and Patients” will be an opportunity to hear from industry practitioners and policy experts on how the medical community – from hospitals to local public health agencies and community health centers – are addressing cyber threats.


Cybersecurity in Healthcare: What Cyber Attacks Mean for Hospitals, Doctors, and Patients

Sponsored by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)


Tuesday, July 17th
11am

Rayburn House Office Building Room 2103
Washington DC


Panelists:
Mr. John Riggi, Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity, American Hospital Association
Dr. Oscar Alleyne, Senior Advisor for Public Health Programs, National Association of City and County Health Officials
Mr. Greg Wolverton, Chief Technology Officer, CSI Solutions
Mr. Axel Wirth, Distinguished Solutions Architect, U.S. Healthcare Industry, Symantec Corporation


Refreshments served


Last year, the WannaCry ransomware attack paralyzed operations the U.K.’s National Health Service and left doctors to treat patients without access to medical records, medical procedures were cancelled, and some hospitals had to turn sick people away. This is only one piece of a troubling trend: a rapid rise in cyberattacks targeting healthcare providers, public health agencies, and other medical community stakeholders. Hospitals across the country have had their systems disrupted by cyberattacks, and hackers have set their sights on large health systems and community health centers alike. A recent survey from cybersecurity firm Imperva found that 1 in 3 healthcare organizations have suffered a cyberattack, and 1 in 10 have paid a ransom in the past year. This trend accompanies growing concern about vulnerabilities in medical devices.

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978