In addition, the book highlights ways to overcome shortfalls outlined in the Report on Improving Cybersecurity in the Health Care Industry, issued in June 2017 by the Health Care Industry Task Force.

Cybersecurity topped ECRI Institute’s 2019 top 10 list of health technology hazards for the second year, with 77 healthcare data breaches taking place in the first three months of 2018, according to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights. A survey released in May of this year by Protenus Breach Barometer found that nearly 1.13 million patient records were breached in those three months alone.

Loughlin says that while awareness has become sharper, any additional resources, such as the playbook, are necessary if it means furthering protection of patient data and medical technology. "In general, anything that helps organizations think strategically about cybersecurity is welcome. And the playbook provides good advice. More detailed guidance for key stakeholders is also valuable. It's vital that there are resources for professionals at every level of an organization, so that they can play an effective role in bolstering cybersecurity in healthcare technology."

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