Microsoft Corp. has announced a new cybersecurity program aimed at protecting hospitals serving over 60 million people in rural areas of the United States. In 2023, the healthcare sector reported more ransomware attacks than any other critical infrastructure sector, with a 130% increase in these attacks. Cyberattacks disrupt healthcare operations nationwide and pose a direct threat to patient care and hospital essential operations. In rural communities, these attacks can be devastating, especially for critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals with limited resources to prevent and address security risks and are often the only healthcare option in their areas.
Vulnerability of Rural Hospitals
According to the National Rural Health Association, rural health clinics are one of the primary targets for cyberattacks. Microsoft’s new cybersecurity program for rural hospitals is designed to address the specific cybersecurity needs of these organizations, offering free and low-cost technology services, as well as free training and support.
“The access to healthcare should be guaranteed regardless of where you reside, and the increase in cyberattacks threatens the viability of rural hospitals, impacting communities across the United States,” said Justin Spelhaug, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Philanthropies. “Microsoft is committed to providing vital technological security and support at a time when these rural hospitals need it most.”
Program Details
For independent critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals, Microsoft will offer nonprofit pricing and discounts of up to 75% on security products optimized for smaller organizations. Additionally, some larger rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions will receive their most advanced security suite at no cost for a year. As part of the new program, the company will also provide Windows 10 security updates to participating rural hospitals for at least one year at no additional cost. Microsoft will also offer free cybersecurity assessments through Microsoft and its trusted partners to assess risks and gaps, and provide free cybersecurity training to rural hospital staff to help them better manage the daily security of their systems.
Today’s announcement was made in close collaboration with the White House, the American Hospital Association, and the National Rural Health Association. Microsoft will work with these institutions on the deployment, adoption, and effectiveness of the program.
“Cyberattacks against U.S. healthcare systems increased by 130% in 2023, forcing hospitals to cancel procedures and affecting Americans’ access to critical care. Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable, as they are often the sole source of care in their communities and lack trained cyber personnel and modern defenses,” said Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. “President Biden is committed to ensuring all Americans have access to the care they need, and cybersecurity is part of that. We are excited to work with Microsoft to launch cybersecurity programs that provide training, guidance, and technology to help America’s rural hospitals stay secure online.”
Microsoft’s Commitment to Rural Community
Today’s announcement is part of Microsoft’s ongoing work in communities across the United States and the world to improve healthcare in rural areas. Through the AI for Health program, Microsoft collaborates with nonprofits, researchers, and other organizations to advance telemedicine and improve clinical decision-making and prediction. Microsoft is also working with rural hospital leaders to quickly bring AI solutions to market that meet their unique needs.
“Hospitals and healthcare systems have invested significantly in protecting themselves against cyberattacks, but they cannot do it alone. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and these investments by Microsoft help reinforce that idea,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “Rural hospitals are often the primary source of healthcare in their communities, so keeping them open and secure against cyberattacks is crucial. We appreciate Microsoft offering its expertise and resources to help secure a vital part of America’s healthcare safety net.”
“Rural hospitals face a unique challenge in cybersecurity, balancing limited resources with the growing sophistication of cyber threats, putting patient data and critical healthcare infrastructure at risk,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. “This important collaboration with Microsoft will help ensure that rural hospitals are prepared to face this growing threat.”
Other Microsoft Initiatives
In addition to the cybersecurity program for rural hospitals, Microsoft is working with community colleges to offer the Cybersecurity Skills Initiative and through the TechSpark program to drive job creation in technology and cybersecurity in collaboration with local organizations. Through the Microsoft Airband initiative, the company collaborates with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to bring high-speed internet access to rural communities across the United States and build the digital infrastructure necessary for internet access and adoption.
Microsoft’s Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals in the United States is available immediately. For more information and to sign up for the program, visit here.
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates AI-driven platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of its customers. The technology company is committed to making AI widely available and responsibly, with the mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.