Letter: HEALTHeLINK helped ECMC deal with crisis

The recent ransomware attack against Erie County Medical Center is a stark reminder of the paramount importance of not only electronic security, but also just how valuable health information is. This type of attack is not about stealing information, but rather keeping that information from the clinical professionals who need it most.

As the health information exchange for the region and as part of the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY), HEALTHeLINK understands the critical role health information plays in the delivery of care. In this instance, our unique role in the health care system allowed us to step in and provide access to health information to ECMC’s physicians to help enable continuous safe care.

HEALTHeLINK uses state-of-the-art security features that include multiple levels of password protection to ensure authorized user access and that patient information is kept private and confidential. Unfortunately, as sophisticated as these safety measures are, they are not stopping criminals from trying to wreak havoc across the globe.

Click here to read the full letter.