Exiger Named Preferred Cybersecurity Provider by the American Hospital Association: A New Era in Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management
In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, the intersection of healthcare and cybersecurity has become a critical focus for hospitals and healthcare systems across the United States. Recently, Exiger, a leading AI company specializing in supply chain and third-party risk management, announced its designation as a Preferred Cybersecurity Provider by the American Hospital Association (AHA). This recognition is significant, as the AHA represents nearly 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks, and providers nationwide, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector.
The Importance of Cybersecurity in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations are increasingly reliant on technology, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. From ransomware incidents that disrupt patient care to vulnerabilities in medical devices, the stakes are high. Exiger’s advanced supply chain technology aims to empower healthcare and government customers to identify and mitigate cyber supply chain risks within their direct suppliers, supplier ecosystems, and the software and medical devices they utilize.
Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these challenges. “Having spent 15 years helping life science leaders tackle their largest compliance challenges, the frontier of cyber supply chain risk management has emerged as one of the biggest obstacles and opportunities to unlocking patient care of the future,” he stated. The rise of cyber-physical systems, such as robotic surgeries and digitally dependent care, coupled with increasing regulatory requirements, highlights the need for effective technological solutions to secure this critical sector.
AHA’s Preferred Cybersecurity Provider Program
The AHA’s Preferred Cybersecurity Provider (APCP) program was established to assist hospitals and health systems in preparing for, preventing, and responding to pressing cyber threats. By connecting its members with trusted and vetted cybersecurity service providers, the AHA aims to bolster the defenses of healthcare organizations against the growing tide of cyber threats.
John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the AHA, noted, “The AHA selected Exiger because they meet the high bar set for APCP status. When a hospital or health system selects a service from a company that has achieved APCP status like Exiger, they can be confident that the organization has met the AHA’s highest standards and is committed to helping defend hospitals and patients against cyber threats.”
Exiger’s Innovative Solutions
Exiger’s technology is FedRAMP-authorized, allowing it to support healthcare projects effectively. The company has a proven track record, from mapping supply chains for essential medicines to aiding the U.S. Federal Government’s COVID-19 response. Their centralized, end-to-end risk management platform, 1Exiger, enables organizations to illuminate, map, orchestrate, and secure medical and software supply chains.
One of the standout features of 1Exiger is its ability to identify suppliers with poor cybersecurity hygiene. This capability is crucial for hospitals that need to maintain high standards of cybersecurity across their supply chains. Additionally, the platform provides visibility into both open-source and proprietary third-party software suppliers, allowing users to actively manage third-party risk, contract, and regulatory compliance through Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). If a hospital’s software suppliers do not provide SBOMs, users can create them directly from the Exiger platform, ensuring that they have the necessary information to assess and manage risks effectively.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the healthcare sector must adapt and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient care and sensitive data. Exiger’s designation as a Preferred Cybersecurity Provider by the AHA marks a significant step forward in addressing these challenges. By leveraging advanced technology and a comprehensive risk management approach, Exiger is poised to help healthcare organizations navigate the complexities of cyber supply chain risk, ensuring that they can focus on what matters most: delivering quality patient care.
In a world where the stakes are high, the collaboration between Exiger and the AHA represents a proactive approach to safeguarding the future of healthcare. As the landscape of cyber threats continues to change, partnerships like this will be essential in building a resilient healthcare system capable of withstanding the challenges ahead.