HHS Issues Funding for Information Sharing and Analysis Organization
The funding is part of an effort to fight cyber threats
According to a news release, the HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) have announced two funding opportunities for an Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) for the healthcare and public health sector.
“Establishing robust threat information sharing infrastructure and capability within the Healthcare and Public Health Sector is crucial to the privacy and security of health information, which is foundational to the digital health system,” said Karen DeSalvo, M.D., M.P.H., M.Sc., national coordinator for health IT. “This coordinated resource will focus on sharing the most up-to-date threat information across the health and public health sectors and will better equip health systems to identify potential threats and further protect electronic health information.”
The funding calls for and information sharing center to provide cybersecurity information and education on threats in the industry, as well as expanded outreach and education to make sure cybersecurity information is available industry-wide.
"Keeping health IT up and running is critical to health system preparedness. Not only do we need to worry about natural disasters, but also increasingly we must combat—and prevent—cyber threats. Many parts of the healthcare system don’t have access to the information they need to protect themselves from these threats,” said Dr. Nicole Lurie, assistant secretary for preparedness and response. “Using an ISAO to exchange cyber threat information with these healthcare organizations, bi-directionally between HHS and the Healthcare and Public Health sector, we hope to build the capacity to better prevent, detect and respond to cyber attacks.”