Agencies Issues Advisory of State-sponsored Cyberattacks from Russia, China
U.S. and international agencies issued a joint cybersecurity advisory this week warning of potential cyberattacks on healthcare and other critical infrastructure from state-sponsored cyber actors in Russia and China.

An advisory highlighted known incidents of Russian hackers using poorly secured internet-facing virtual network computing connections to access operational technology and industrial control systems for malicious activity. A Dec. 4 report warns of Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors using BRICKSTORM malware to attack VMware vSphere and Windows cloud platforms.

Organizations should update, integrate, and routinely test emergency preparedness, cyber incident response, and clinical continuity plans, to prepare in the event of an extended technology outage affecting hospitals directly or indirectly through a cyberattack against mission-critical third parties.

IDPH To Host Dec. 18 FAST PHACT Webinar on Major Public Health Events, Responses
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) hosts clinician-directed interactive FAST PHACT sessions to raise timely awareness of emerging and high-impact public health issues that directly involve clinical care or health system considerations.

The next FAST PHACT session, “Moving Forward by Looking Back: Roundup of Major Public Health Events and Responses Over the Past Year,” will be held Dec. 18 from noon-1 p.m. CT.

The virtual event is designed to: 

• Increase awareness of seasonal public health threats, including new flu variants and extreme weather guidance for clinicians;
• Review the role of clinicians in major public health events including measles, avian flu, infant botulism, cancer clusters, and statewide standing orders; and
• Increase knowledge of public health dashboards, resources, and guidance for Illinoisans.

All healthcare professionals are invited to participate. Up to one credit hour of Continuing Medical Education credit is available. To register, click here. For additional information, click here.

Deadline Tomorrow for Cook Co. Diabetes Education, Support Services RFA
The deadline to apply for CARES: Cook County Diabetes Management & Prevention’s Request for Application (RFA) is tomorrow, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. CT. Awards of $10,000 per organization will support type 2 diabetes management service providers with funding to launch and/or expand Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services for people with diabetes at highest risk of unmanaged diabetes in Cook County. Click here for more information about the program, funding uses, eligibility criteria and application information. Click here to view the application in Spanish.  

American Hospital Association President and CEO Announces Retirement
American Hospital Association (AHA) President and CEO Rick Pollack yesterday announced his plans to retire by the end of 2026. Pollack joined AHA in 1982 and his tenure includes more than 20 years as executive vice president for advocacy and public policy prior to becoming president and CEO. The AHA Board of Trustees has engaged WittKieffer to lead a national search for Pollack’s successor, guided by AHA Chair Tina Freese Decker and Chair-elect Designate Bill Gassen.