$50M Cybersecurity Bounty: Can You Save America’s Hospitals?

Hot Take:

So, the U.S. government is throwing $50 million at the healthcare IT security problem. That’s like giving a band-aid to a patient with a broken leg and hoping for the best. But hey, at least they’re trying, right? Enter ARPA-H and their UPGRADE project, the latest contestant in the “America Fights Cybercrime” reality show. Let’s see if this one will stick!

Key Points:

• The U.S. government is offering $50 million for better healthcare IT security.
• ARPA-H has launched project UPGRADE to address healthcare IT vulnerabilities.
• UPGRADE aims to create software that scans, patches, and mitigates vulnerabilities autonomously.
• Healthcare IT gear needs to be taken offline for updates, risking patient safety.
• Recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare cost them $22 million in cryptocurrency.

Need to know more?

Show Me the Money

In a move that could make even the most jaded cybersecurity experts raise an eyebrow, the U.S. government is dangling a $50 million carrot in front of tech innovators to create a magical unicorn of software that will make healthcare IT systems impervious to cyberattacks. Considering hospitals are prime targets for ransomware, this feels a bit like putting a tiny band-aid on a gaping wound. Nonetheless, ARPA-H’s UPGRADE project is here to save the day—or at least give it a good college try.

Patch Me If You Can

So, why is our healthcare system such an easy target? Well, taking IT equipment offline for updates is a bit like trying to change a tire on a moving car. It’s risky, inconvenient, and can leave patients in a vulnerable state. The UPGRADE project aims to create a software suite that will scan for vulnerabilities, apply patches, and develop solutions where patches don’t exist. Think of it as an automated handyman for hospital IT systems, but with a lot more zeros in its paycheck.

Digital Twin-ception

One of the more mind-bending aspects of the UPGRADE project is the creation of digital twins for hospital gear. Imagine a virtual copy of every piece of equipment in a hospital, ready to be poked, prodded, and patched without risking any real-world consequences. It’s like a sci-fi movie, but with more PowerPoint presentations and less alien invasions. These digital twins will help in auto-detecting flaws and developing custom defenses, making them the unsung heroes of the healthcare IT world.

The Cybersecurity Strategy We Need

Andrea Palm, HHS Deputy Secretary, might as well be wearing a superhero cape when she talks about the interconnectedness of our nation’s healthcare ecosystem and the critical need to protect it from cyberattacks. UPGRADE aims to build on the HHS Healthcare Sector Cybersecurity Strategy, ensuring that hospital systems of all sizes can operate securely and adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. It’s a bit like trying to keep up with the Kardashians but with fewer selfies and more firewall configurations.

Ransomware: The Boogeyman Under the Bed

Remember that Change Healthcare ransomware attack that had everyone clutching their pearls? It not only disrupted operations but also forced the provider to cough up $22 million in cryptocurrency. This incident serves as a grim reminder of why the UPGRADE project is crucial. Cybercriminals aren’t going to stop targeting healthcare organizations anytime soon, so it’s about time someone steps up and says, “Not on my watch!”

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

If you’re still hungry for more cybersecurity news, you can check out the latest on the U.S. government’s investigation into the Change Healthcare attack, some recommendations on the best firewalls, and top-notch endpoint protection tools. And if you’re really dedicated, sign up for the TechRadar Pro newsletter. You’ll get all the top news, opinions, features, and guidance your business needs to succeed, delivered straight to your inbox, because who doesn’t love a good newsletter?

About the Author

Sead Fadilpašić is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. With over a decade of experience, he’s written for numerous media outlets, covering everything from IT and cloud to IoT and cybersecurity. When he’s not busy writing, he’s probably holding a module