US-based managed IT service provider FSi Strategies has partnered with Microsoft and the White House to provide free cybersecurity assessments to rural hospitals across the US.
The partnership is part of the Microsoft Philanthropies Rural Health Security Program.
The new initiative was launched by The White House, the American Hospital Association, and the National Rural Health Association.
It aims to support the safety, security, and resiliency of healthcare organisations in rural areas.
FSi Strategies CEO Redha Morsli said: “We are honoured and excited to be part of this partnership with Microsoft and the White House to support rural healthcare cybersecurity.
“We believe that every healthcare organization, regardless of size or location, deserves to have access to the best technology and security solutions to protect their patients and staff.
“We are committed to helping rural hospitals enhance their cybersecurity posture and resilience, and ultimately improve the quality and safety of care they deliver to their communities.”
According to FSi, rural hospitals face unique challenges and risks in the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, especially as they cope with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Several rural hospitals lack the resources, expertise, and capacity to implement and maintain effective cybersecurity measures, and are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks may compromise patient data, disrupt operations, and endanger lives.
FSi Strategies will use its expertise and experience to enable assessments for rural hospitals, as per the industry best practices and emerging health sector cyber performance goals.
The assessments will help rural hospitals identify their key risks and recommendations to improve their cybersecurity awareness and defences.
It will also provide rural hospitals with access to advanced Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Purview, and the Microsoft Defender suite.
