The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the process of updating and improving its information technology (IT) system on many different fronts. While the VA is continuing to attempt to roll out new stages of their electronic health records (EHRs), they must work on securing their network at the same time.
Aside from the
internal threats the VA has struggled with in the past, there are also external problems to be addressed, such as hackers and malware.
In an attempt to combat malware and keep medical devices free from malware attacks, the VA created and is implementing a centralized patch management system.
Although still in the construction phase, the centralized system will hold virus patches for medical devices, such as infusion pumps and heart monitors. These patches, however, must have already met with approval from the manufacturers of the medical devices they are intended to protect. The VA will then use the repository to push those patches out to the devices in need of protection.
The VA's current system requires every VA facility to individually look up virus patches and employ them on their own. Since January 2009, more than 180 VA-operated medical devices suffered various infections. Although no "major harm" was inflicted to the VA's knowledge, that doesn't mean it cannot happen in the future.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.
Category: Veterans' Disability
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Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.