Pooling IT resources keeps rural hospitals operational while strengthening cybersecurity


 Small and rural healthcare organizations are facing a perfect storm of financial instability and cyber risk that threatens their very existence. Uncompensated care and rising labor costs have depleted budgets, making it difficult to invest in necessary cybersecurity defenses. This lack of protection makes them prime targets for cybercriminals, where a single attack could trigger recovery costs high enough to force a hospital closure.

To survive, experts recommend that rural hospitals stop trying to fight these battles alone and instead pool their resources. By joining collaboratives like Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs), hospitals can share the cost of advanced tools and access virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). These shared operational models allow rural providers to implement enterprise-grade security defenses and recover unpaid revenue, ensuring they remain open to serve their communities.

Read the original article at: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/pooling-it-resources-can-help-rural-hospitals-keep-doors-open-stay-secure


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