Healthcare Industry Working Group to Support the US’s Cybersecurity Executive Order

The cybersecurity executive order issued last week by US President Barack Obama needs all the support it can get. The healthcare industry seems to be willing to offer its support, so the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) has established the Cybersecurity Working Group.

The healthcare industry, which has suffered numerous data breaches over the past period, recognizes the need for collaboration regarding cyber threats, intelligence and response.

HITRUST acknowledges that the healthcare sector is vulnerable to numerous threats, including disruptions of information systems and medical devices directly responsible for patient care.

The first order of business for the newly established working group will be to focus on the baseline framework to reduce cyber risk to critical infrastructure, proposed by the executive order.

HITRUST is already closely cooperating with the US government through its Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Coordination Center (C3) on existing cybersecurity efforts.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the sharing of cyber threat information and coordinated incident response has benefited both industry and government,” said Daniel Nutkis, chief executive officer, HITRUST.

“Leaders in industry and government deserve credit for recognizing the importance of this effort, and working to establish and enhance a model through the HITRUST C3 for collaboration, information sharing and threat response.”

Kevin Charest, chief information security officer at the Department of Health and Human Services explained, “The Department of Health and Human Services has first-hand experience that collaboration with industry can provide value to both industry and government.”

He added, “Our active participation in the HITRUST C3 allows us to share important cyber threat information, interact in a trusted forum with other healthcare organizations, and receive similar information in return. We look forward to participating with industry in the HITRUST Cybersecurity Working Group on cybersecurity best practices.”