AHA, Microsoft Extend Rural Health Resiliency Offerings

As part of the AHA’s long-standing commitment to helping hospitals and health systems defend against and deflect cyberattacks, the AHA and Microsoft announced this week several new and updated offerings as part of the Rural Health Resiliency program. The program offers free and discounted services to eligible rural hospitals, including Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals.

Among the offerings are free cybersecurity assessments, cloud capability evaluation, curated cyber and artificial intelligence training and foundational cyber certifications for rural hospital information technology staff.

Microsoft this week announced two new programs:

• A Windows 10 Extended Security Update with a one-year extension to support Windows 10 operating systems.
• An AI-based Claims Denial Navigator tool for claims management.

“Cybersecurity is patient safety. When rural hospitals lack the resources to defend against digital threats, the entire health care ecosystem and the communities we serve are at risk,” said John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk. “Working with Microsoft’s Philanthropies to bring free or discounted tools to these facilities is a strategic investment in the resilience of our national health infrastructure and national security.”

Cybersecurity Resources

The AHA provides cybersecurity support to individual hospitals and health systems and continues to share information and guidance with the field on the latest cyber threats. Riggi, a former FBI executive with decades of experience on the front line of cyber issues, and Scott Gee, AHA deputy national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, lead these efforts.

The AHA also collaborates with multiple parties across the public and private sectors to support member hospitals and health systems with cybersecurity risk mitigation. The AHA’s Preferred Cybersecurity Provider program includes vetted, highly reputable and accomplished cybersecurity providers that have developed dedicated resources and special offerings for AHA members to help address cybersecurity and risk mitigation challenges. Visit the AHA Cybersecurity and Risk webpage to view specific information and new offerings from AHA partners.

Further Questions

If you have further questions, please contact Riggi at jriggi@aha.org or Gee at sgee@aha.org. For the latest cyberthreat intelligence and resources, visit aha.org/cybersecurity.