Press Room
2025
Hospitals can bounce back from cyberattacks in hours, not weeks, UC San Diego team shows
Published on: October 21, 2025
In a groundbreaking demonstration, researchers from UC San Diego’s Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity unveiled Project CRASHCART — a “hospital IT system in a box” built to restore critical digital infrastructure after ransomware strikes. The portable platform can re-establish electronic health records, lab systems, and communications networks in hours instead of weeks, potentially saving lives and millions in downtime losses. Backed by ARPA-H’s Healthcare Ransomware Resiliency and Response Program, the project underscores UC San Diego’s leadership in protecting patients and national healthcare systems from digital threats. Read the full story to see how the team is redefining hospital cyber resilience.
Phishing training is pretty pointless, researchers find
Published on: August 9, 2025
In an eye‑opening presentation at Black Hat , researchers from UC San Diego’s Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity revealed that traditional employee phishing training barely moves the needle, with an average effectiveness improvement of just 1.7% over eight months across thousands of participants. They argue this raises urgent questions about the real-world value of such programs in bolstering organizational security. Read the full article to see why the researchers think it’s time to rethink phishing defense.
Study Estimates 750+ U.S. Hospitals Disrupted by 2024 CrowdStrike Outages
Published on: July 19, 2025
A new study highlights the sweeping impact of the 2024 CrowdStrike outage on the U.S. healthcare system, estimating that at least 750 hospitals experienced disruptions. Researchers stress the urgent need for resilient healthcare IT infrastructure to protect patient care during technology failures. Read the full article to learn how the outage unfolded and what experts say must change.
The dangerous ripple effects of ransomware attacks on patient safety
Published on: April 22, 2025
A ransomware attack on one hospital can endanger patients across an entire region, Dr. Sean Kelly breaks down the data and why it’s time to treat healthcare cyber threats like regional disasters. Read the full article to see what the numbers reveal and why urgent action is needed .
Medical device cybersecurity could be challenged by HHS staffing cuts
Published on: April 2, 2025
In a charged House hearing, experts warned that outdated hospital devices and massive HHS staffing cuts are leaving patients dangerously exposed. In this article, learn more about why policymakers are raising red flags.
Experts Tell Congress Lack of Tracking Creates Cybersecurity Gaps for Medical Devices
Published on: April 2, 2025
Outdated medical devices are putting patient lives at risk, and experts say the problem is growing. Dr. Christian Dameff and others sounded the alarm before Congress. Read why this could be healthcare’s next big crisis.
House subcommittee holds hearing on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in legacy medical devices
Published on: April 1, 2025
Outdated medical devices aren’t just a tech headache—they’re a ticking time bomb. In a House subcommittee hearing, Dr. Christian Dameff and other top experts warned that legacy equipment poses life-or-death risks to patients and national security. From backdoor threats to systemic vulnerabilities, here’s why Congress is finally paying attention .
Cybersecurity Threats Remain a Problem for Older Medical Devices, House Members Say
Published on: April 1, 2025
Legacy medical devices are putting lives at risk, and federal cuts could make it worse. In a gripping House hearing, Dr. Christian Dameff and other experts warned that outdated tech, staff shortages, and policy gaps are creating a perfect storm for healthcare cybersecurity. Find out what's at stake and why urgent action is needed.
Understanding Healthcare Cybersecurity as an Ecosystem
Published on: March 6, 2025
Amid rising cyber threats, healthcare leaders say AI isn’t the only tech challenge; staffing gaps and lack of strong partnerships are putting systems at risk. Discover why building cybersecurity talent is now mission-critical.
2024
Cybersecurity Incident at Liberty Hospital Highlights Ongoing Risks for Healthcare
Published on: 2024
A recent cyber incident at Liberty Hospital disrupted operations and raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of healthcare facilities to digital threats. Hospital leaders say the attack underscores the emotional and operational toll such events take on staff, patients, and the broader community. Read the full article to see how the incident unfolded and why hospital leaders say the threat is far from over.
New Federal Rules Aim to Curb Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals
Published on: 2024
In response to rising ransomware threats, federal officials are rolling out tougher cybersecurity requirements for hospitals. The measures target critical vulnerabilities and aim to strengthen defenses, but some in the industry warn that compliance costs could pose new challenges. Read the full article to learn what the new rules require—and how they could reshape hospital cybersecurity.
2023
Cyberattacks on Hospitals Pose Growing Threat to Patient Safety
Published on: May 10, 2023
Experts warn that cyberattacks on hospitals are escalating in frequency and impact, delaying care, disrupting critical systems, and putting patient lives at risk. As attackers target vulnerable healthcare networks, calls are mounting for stronger defenses and coordinated national response efforts. Read the full article to see how these attacks unfold and why experts say the stakes have never been higher for patient safety.
2020
Ransomware Death Drives Home Why Hospitals Must Treat Cyber Disasters as Life-Threatening Emergencies
Published on: September 23, 2020
A tragic incident in Düsseldorf—where a patient died, in part due to a ransomware‑caused systems failure—underscores a critical lesson: hospitals must invest in redundancy and cybersecurity training or face dire consequences. Experts argue that without treating cyber threats as true emergencies, hospitals risk repeating such devastating outcomes. Read the full article to understand how emergency preparedness can save lives—and why hospitals can’t afford to delay.
Why Healthcare Remains Target for Cyberattacks
Published on: 2020
Despite years of warnings, the healthcare industry continues to lag in cybersecurity readiness, leaving hospitals, clinics, and patient data vulnerable to costly and dangerous breaches. Experts point to outdated systems, complex regulations, and chronic underinvestment as persistent barriers to progress. Read the full article to learn why healthcare struggles to close the cybersecurity gap—and what needs to change to protect patients.