US rural hospitals remain vulnerable to cyberattacks

Significance Healthcare institutions are a prime target for cyberattacks, such as ransomware and data breaches. Rural hospitals, which frequently lack cybersecurity resources and expertise, are especially vulnerable. Impacts Rural organisations in different sectors will struggle to secure government-backed funding for cybersecurity upgrades. Partnerships with private-sector vendors will likely help rural organisations overcome some of their cybersecurity-related problems. The new initiative will offer only limited help when it comes to mitigating the impact of many cyberattacks.