The White House announced collaborative efforts June 10 aimed at strengthening cybersecurity for rural hospitals across the United States. Through this collaboration, Microsoft and Google announced a series of initiatives to provide free or discounted cybersecurity services.
Microsoft is extending its nonprofit program to offer grants and up to a 75% discount on security products tailored for smaller organizations, such as independent Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals. Larger rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions will receive the most advanced security suite at no additional cost for one year. Additionally, Microsoft will provide free cybersecurity assessments and training to frontline and IT staff in eligible rural hospitals. Microsoft will also extend security updates for Windows 10 to participating hospitals for one year at no cost.
Google will provide rural hospitals and non-profit organizations with endpoint security advice at no cost, along with funding to support software migration. Furthermore, Google will launch a pilot program with rural hospitals to develop customized security capabilities tailored to their unique needs. More information on these programs is forthcoming.
The American Hospital Association released a special bulletin June 10 summarizing these efforts.
Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.