Cyberattacks continue to be a major concern in the healthcare sector, with over 600 data breaches impacting more than 46 million individuals in 2025. Many information technology specialists caution that incidents such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and prolonged system outages are becoming increasingly common for healthcare providers.
To address these risks, the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) has released an Issue Brief titled “Privacy Protection and Cybersecurity: Preventing and Responding to Cybersecurity Breaches.” The document outlines strategies for protecting electronic personal health information (ePHI) and provides guidance on how to report cybersecurity incidents if they occur. It also highlights the importance of preparation in managing these threats.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to review ISMS’ resource to strengthen their privacy and security measures. Those seeking further information can contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.
