White House Turns to Google and Microsoft for Cybersecurity Services in Rural Hospitals

The White House has partnered with Microsoft and Google to offer complimentary cybersecurity services to rural hospitals in response to the recent cyberattacks aimed at the nation's healthcare infrastructure.

In a fact sheet, the White House pointed out that in the months of February and March this year, the United States experienced one of the most significant healthcare-related cyberattacks to date. 

Amidst the attack, healthcare providers noted that one in every three healthcare claims in the United States was affected, resulting in delays in payments to healthcare providers.

“Recognizing the critical role these hospitals play in the communities they serve, the White House worked with and received commitments from leading U.S. technology providers to provide free and low-cost resources for all 1,800-2,100 rural hospitals across the nation,” the White House said in a fact sheet.

Microsoft will expand its nonprofit program to offer grants and up to a 75 percent discount on security products to independent critical access and rural emergency hospitals. 

Larger rural hospitals already utilizing Microsoft solutions will receive most of its advanced security suite at no extra charge for a year.

Moreover, Microsoft will conduct free cybersecurity assessments and provide training for frontline and IT staff in rural hospitals nationwide. Additionally, participating hospitals will receive security updates for Windows 10 at no additional cost for one year.

Similarly, Google will offer rural hospitals and nonprofit organizations free endpoint security guidance. Eligible customers can access discounted pricing for communication and collaboration tools, as well as security support, along with a funding pool to aid in software migration. 

Additionally, Google pledges to initiate a pilot program with rural hospitals to tailor a package of security features tailored to their specific requirements.