Join the MHA Forum: Mastering Cybersecurity Strategy and Attack Response

Join the MHA Forum: Mastering Cybersecurity Strategy and Attack Response

Summary

• Registration is open for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) virtual member forum, Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response.
• The forum runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on May 9, 2025.
• Leaders from six healthcare systems that have led cyberattack incident response will share lessons learned.
• The members-only forum is free.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association is hosting a free virtual forum for its members on handling cyberattacks. It is organized with the MHA’s statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, and registration opened March 21, 2025.

Why Michigan Hospitals Are Focusing on Cyberattacks

Hospitals are a favorite target. They hold valuable patient data, and they cannot afford downtime, which makes them more likely to pay. Ransomware attacks on health systems have disrupted care across the country in recent years. The MHA says Michigan hospitals are working with policy leaders and stakeholders to secure resources and dismantle criminal groups that disrupt care.

Learning from Real Incidents

The forum’s draw is first-hand experience. Leaders from six healthcare systems that have led cyberattack incident response will talk through what they learned, from the first alert to the day systems came back.

Forum Date and Format

It’s a 90-minute webinar, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on May 9. Only MHA members can attend, and there is no fee.

Topics on the Agenda

Speakers will cover:

• Detection and containment: How teams spotted attacks and stopped them from spreading.
• Eradication and recovery: Removing attackers and bringing systems back.
• Crisis communication: Keeping staff and patients informed while systems are down.

Who Should Attend

The MHA wants senior leaders from across the hospital in the room. Its invitation lists chief executive officers and chief information officers first, followed by security chiefs, finance chiefs, medical officers and nursing officers. Data leaders and communications directors are invited as well.

That mix reflects how a cyberattack plays out in a hospital. IT can’t handle it alone.

How to Register

Registration is open to MHA members now. Questions about membership or registration go to Brenda Carr at the MHA.

For hospital leaders who have not yet faced a major attack, hearing from peers who have is one of the cheapest ways to prepare.

John King, CISSP, PMP, CISM

John King currently works in the greater Los Angeles area as a ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer). John has a passion for learning and developing his cyber security skills through education, hands on work, and studying for IT certifications.