, /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, Microsoft Corp. announced a new cybersecurity program to support hospitals serving more than 60 million people living in rural America. In 2023, the health care sector reported , and attacks involving .
Cybersecurity attacks disrupt health care operations across the country and pose a direct threat to patient care and essential operations of hospitals. In rural communities these attacks can be devastating, particularly to smaller, independent Critical Access and Rural Emergency hospitals with limited means to prevent and remediate security risks and often the only healthcare option for many miles in the communities they serve. According to the , rural health clinics are one of the top targets for cyberattacks.
The new Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals is designed to support the unique cybersecurity needs of these organizations and will deliver free and low-cost technology services for these hospitals, along with free training and support. "Healthcare should be available no matter where you call home, and the rise in cyberattacks threatens the viability of rural hospitals and impact communities across the U.S.
," said , corporate vice president, Microsoft Philanthropies. "Microsoft is committed to delivering vital technology security and support at a time when these rural hospitals need them most." For independent and , Microsoft will provide nonprofit pricing and discounts for its security products optimized for smaller organizati.
