While cybersecurity is a key issue in healthcare today, few corporate board directors say they have a strong knowledge of cybersecurity risks.
A survey by the National Association of Corporate Directors found just 11 percent of board members across all industries say they have a "high level" of knowledge about cybersecurity, according to the Wall Street Journal. What's more, in healthcare specifically, 30 percent of respondents said they have "little knowledge" about cybersecurity risks.
Healthcare faces a unique set of cybersecurity challenges compared to other industries, according to the report, and hospitals and health systems are still figuring out the industry's nuances.
"Many [healthcare] organizations are conducting risk assessments regarding their information security programs and preparedness and are alarmed at what they're finding," Charles W.B. Wardell III, president and CEO of executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer told WSJ. As such, some are just starting to hire their first CISOs.
According to the survey, 50 percent of healthcare corporate directors said they had "some knowledge" of cybersecurity risks and 20 percent said they have a "high level of knowledge" of cybersecurity risks.
More articles on cybersecurity:
Union sues feds over data breach: 5 key points
Lawmakers ask Obama to fire OPM CIO, director following cyberattack
4 ways to build a culture of cybersecurity