Agencies issue ransomware prevention/response guidance

The departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Health and Human Services have issued technical guidance summarizing existing “best practices” to prevent and respond to ransomware incidents – when cyber actors use malicious software to deny access to systems or data and demand a ransom payment. The fastest growing malware threat, ransomware can disrupt health care services and damage sensitive data beyond recovery, the guidance notes. Recommended actions include educating personnel and implementing certain preventive and business continuity measures. If infected, organizations should immediately report incidents to their Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Office Cyber Task Force or Secret Service field office for assistance, and to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, the agencies advise. For additional cybersecurity resources, visit www.aha.org/cybersecurity.