AHA Helps Secure New Cybersecurity Resources from Microsoft and Google to Assist Rural Hospitals

Microsoft and Google will provide a range of free or discounted cybersecurity services to rural hospitals across the country to help them in their efforts to prevent cyberattacks. The announcement was made today in collaboration with the White House and the AHA.

The AHA played a key role in today’s announcement advising the White House, Microsoft and Google on the cybersecurity challenges facing hospitals and health systems. During the last several months, the AHA worked closely with the groups to identify what services and solutions would be valuable and impactful for hospitals as they continue to strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.

The AHA has been at the forefront of the effort to protect patients and health care providers from cyberattacks, working closely with federal agencies and the hospital field to build trusted relationships and channels for the mutual exchange of cyber threat information, as well as share and implement risk mitigation practices and resources.

 “Cybersecurity is a top priority for America’s hospitals and health systems. It is also a shared responsibility,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “While hospitals and health systems have invested significant resources to guard against cyberattacks, they cannot do it alone, which is why these commitments from Microsoft and Google are important. It’s no secret that many rural hospitals across America are struggling as they serve as a health care lifeline in their communities so keeping them safe is essential. The AHA appreciates the White House’s support of rural hospitals and health systems and looks forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders across government, law enforcement and the technology sector to expand these resources to all hospitals.” 

The AHA will continue discussions with the government and private sector companies on expanding cybersecurity offerings and resources to all hospitals and health systems. This support is critical as all hospitals and health systems continue to contend with the rapidly rising costs of providing care in their communities and preparing for all kinds of emergencies.

More details on the new offerings and AHA cybersecurity resources follow.

Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals

For independent critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals, Microsoft will provide nonprofit pricing and discounts for its security products optimized for smaller organizations, providing up to a 75% discount. In addition, for some larger rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions, the company will provide its most advanced security suite at no cost for one year. Microsoft also will provide Windows 10 security updates to participating rural hospitals for at least one year at no additional cost, and the company will provide free cybersecurity assessments through Microsoft and its trusted partners to evaluate risks and gaps and offer free cybersecurity training to staff in rural hospitals.

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals in the United States is immediately available. To learn more and register for the program, please visit https://aka.ms/Microsoft_Security_Rural_Hospitals

Google Offerings and Resources

Google will provide endpoint security advice to rural hospitals and non-profit organizations at no cost and a pool of funding to support software migration. In addition, Google is committing to launch a pilot program with rural hospitals to develop a packaging of security capabilities that fit these hospitals’ unique needs. Watch for more information on these offerings and how to participate.

AHA Resources and Preferred Cybersecurity Provider Program

The AHA has long been committed to helping hospitals and health systems defend against and deflect cyberattacks that can threaten patient care and compromise patient safety. AHA’s National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk John Riggi, a former FBI executive with decades of experience on the front lines of cyber issues, leads these efforts.

In addition to providing cybersecurity support to individual hospitals and health systems, AHA continues to share information and guidance with the field on the latest cyberthreats. AHA provides a full suite of tools and resources for members, as well as a Preferred Cybersecurity Provider Program to assist hospitals and health systems with selecting a trusted and vetted cybersecurity solution provider that can address their specific challenges. 

Further Questions 

If you have further questions, please contact John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, at jriggi@aha.org.