Google Photos is making it easier to follow activity in your shared albums with a new “Updates” section. In the new section, you’ll be able to see notifications like updates to a shared album and updates to a conversation within Google Photos, according to a support post from Google.

The Updates section can be found by tapping a bell icon that replaces the Sharing button (the one that looks like two people). Updates are shown chronologically, and you’ll be able to look at activity from “today, yesterday, this week, this month, last month, and beyond,” the Google Photos team says the post. “We want to streamline how you can view recent activity with an interface that makes albums, groups, and conversations more accessible.”

Google notes that if you want to access shared albums, you can do so from the newly-launched Collections section.

The new Updates page is rolling out now on the Android and iOS Google Photos apps. I personally don’t have it, but one of my colleagues does; if it’s not available to you, the Photos team says to check back “over the coming weeks.”

A new “Share to TikTok” feature in Spotify and Apple Music is making it easier for users to share songs, playlists, audiobooks, and more directly in content on the video platform.

Using the integrations, TikTok users can create a direct link to content on the streaming platforms, similar to how they can share songs directly on Instagram Stories. When a user shares a Spotify track, for example, they can choose whether the song will appear as a video, photo, or Story post on TikTok. Viewers of the content can then click the song and navigate directly back to their preferred music app.

It creates an easy link between TikTok and content on other platforms — previously if you wanted to share a playlist you made, you’d have to send a link via messages or drop the link in comments or a caption. TikTok doesn’t make it easy to navigate outside the app: even if you copy and paste a link in comment, it’s not clickable.

TikTok has become a major way audiences discover new music, and the platform has introduced other integrations that better connect the two worlds. Last year, TikTok added the ability to save songs directly from the app without leaving and going to Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. (Spotify today also announced this capability for Instagram.)

Data theft and ransomware attacks against health care and critical third-party providers are still happening at an alarmingly high rate in 2024, which is shaping up to be as severe as last year, the worst on record for health care breaches. 

You might remember the Ascension ransomware attack from May, one of the most devastating incidents in the health care sector, causing major issues for patients. 

A new report from Microsoft highlights that these attacks not only lead to data theft but also put patients’ physical health at risk.

I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Impact of ransomware on health care

Microsoft points out that beyond the financial risk to health care organizations, ransomware attacks can have life-threatening consequences. When health care providers lose access to diagnostic equipment or patient records due to ransomware, patient care is severely disrupted. For example, stroke code activations are nearly double during hospital attacks, with confirmed strokes increasing by 113.6%, and cardiac arrest cases rise by 81% and survival rates drop from 40% to just 4.5%.

Health care facilities near hospitals hit by ransomware attacks also feel the impact, facing a surge in patients needing urgent care that they may not be equipped to handle. As a result, patients often face longer wait times.

What’s more troubling is that these attacks aren’t limited to urban areas. Rural health clinics are also prime targets for cyberattacks. These facilities are particularly vulnerable to ransomware because they often lack the resources to prevent or respond to security incidents. And since these clinics are the only health care option within miles, a successful attack can be devastating for many rural communities.

Mother, daughter and doctor walking in a hospital (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HEALTH CARE RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION OF OVER 100 MILLION

Why health care is the prime target?

Ransomware attacks on health care have shot up 300% since 2015, making it one of the top 10 most targeted industries in the second quarter of 2024. This rise is mostly because health care organizations store extremely sensitive data, and hackers know there’s big money to be made. With lives on the line, hospitals can’t risk poor patient outcomes if their systems go down or the exposure of patient data if they don’t pay. This reputation for paying ransoms just makes health care an even bigger target.

Some of the blame also falls on health care organizations. They tend to have lower cybersecurity budgets compared to other industries, making it harder to defend against these kinds of attacks. Many facilities don’t have staff dedicated to cybersecurity; some don’t even have a chief information security officer or a security operations center. Instead, cybersecurity often gets lumped in with regular IT duties. Plus, doctors, nurses and other health care staff might not get any cybersecurity training, so they might not even recognize a phishing email when they see one.

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Emergency sign at the entrance of a hospital’s emergency room (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

NEARLY 1 MILLION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES FACE DATA BREACH

7 proactive steps to take in the face of health care cyberattacks

With the rise in cyberattacks on health care providers, it’s wise to take proactive steps to protect your personal information and be prepared for potential disruptions in health care services:

1. Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news from your health care providers and reliable sources to stay aware of any disruptions or data breaches affecting systems and services.

2. Maintain personal health records: Keep copies of your health records on your own devices or printed out, including details like medications, allergies, past surgeries and other relevant health information. This can be crucial if electronic health records become temporarily unavailable.

3. Prepare for medical emergencies: Have a backup plan for emergencies, including knowing nearby alternative health care facilities. Research wait times and accessibility to help avoid delays if your primary facility is impacted.

4. Practice cybersecurity best practices: Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and consider a password manager to help manage them. Enable two-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security.

5. Be vigilant against phishing: Cyberattacks often result in a spike in phishing emails and calls as attackers exploit the situation. Protect yourself by using strong antivirus software on all your devices, which can help block malicious links and detect phishing emails. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Confirm appointments: If you have upcoming appointments or procedures, contact your health care provider to confirm or reschedule if a cyberattack disrupts their normal operations.

7. Monitor patient portals: Keep an eye on patient portals like MyChart for updates on your medical records and communication with health care providers, as these can provide critical information during service disruptions.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Kurt’s key takeaway

The surge in ransomware attacks on the health care industry is troubling and a harsh reminder that criminals don’t care about the lives at risk. They’re just after money. Health care organizations need to take lessons from the past two years, investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure and hiring dedicated staff to protect patient data and systems. With stronger defenses in place, the goal is to prevent these situations from reaching the point where paying a ransom is even considered.

Have you ever experienced delays or issues with health care services due to a cyberattack or system outage? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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