HHS issues updated “ransomware” guidance

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued updated ransomware and cyber threat guidance for healthcare organizations. The new guidance was issued after the latest ransomware known as WanaCry infected information tech systems around the world.

HHS recommends the following organizations be contact if you are a victim of a ransomware attack:

1. Contact their local FBI field officeimmediately to report a ransomware event and request assistance.
2. Report the incident to the US-CERTand FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
3. Share these indicators with HHS’ Healthcare Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (HCCIC) at HCCIC_RM@hhs.gov.

Improve your cybersecurity practices! Here are some simple checkup steps you can take, courtesy of the American Medical Association (AMA).

More guidance from the AMA on network security is available here, and for office computer security here.