Tag: 3BL

Originally published by TriplePundit

Recently, regenerative agriculture has seen a surge in interest as a promising approach to enhance sustainability and climate resilience within the agri-food system. Yet, as enthusiasm grows, so do questions about whether these practices can deliver on the ambitious environmental outcomes they aim to achieve.

Modern farming has led to significant loss of carbon stored in soil and ecosystem degradation. Recently, regenerative agriculture has seen a surge in interest as a promising approach to enhance sustainability and climate resilience within the agri-food system. Practices like maintaining soil cover, reducing tillage, and optimizing inputs have gained widespread attention for their potential benefits. Yet, as enthusiasm grows, so do questions about whether these practices can deliver on the ambitious environmental outcomes they aim to achieve.

For decades, scientists have studied the impact of these practices on soil health and their ability to improve the resilience of crops, sequester carbon, conserve water, reduce erosion, and improve biodiversity. Science shows, the answer is positive.

In the right places, with the right incentives, regenerative agriculture can play a critical role in not only sequestering large amounts of carbon, but also in building on-farm resiliency and benefiting the ecosystem at large. Deep agronomic knowledge and quantification technology are key to getting placement and incentives right.

Indigo Ag’s sustainability programs — rooted in agronomic knowledge, advanced quantification technology, and meaningful incentives — have shown scaling regenerative agriculture as a solution to achieve positive climate outcomes is possible. With over 7 million acres enrolled, we are pioneering this approach on an unprecedented and growing scale.

Scaling such solutions for widespread adoption, however, involves inherent complexities. Recognizing this, Indigo remains committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific rigor and integrity. To ensure transparency and credibility, we submitted our findings for scientific peer review. This research, which analyzed our first three carbon credit issuances, confirmed that large-scale initiatives can effectively build soil carbon and deliver significant environmental benefits when the right incentives are in place.

Our initial three carbon credit issuances alone totaled nearly 300,000 credits — by far the largest volume of high-quality agricultural soil carbon credits issued repeatedly at scale. This program has created real, measurable climate and environmental impact, resulting in millions of dollars paid directly to farmers for their efforts. And as our methodologies and understanding of soil carbon science evolve, our research shows that the impact per acre is even greater than initially estimated. With Indigo’s carbon credits now priced between $60 and $80 per credit — and approaching the catalytic $100 mark — the potential returns for farmers continue to grow, offering a valuable opportunity amid volatile commodity markets and rising input costs. 

Key findings from the study include: 

Technology enables scalable monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) for regenerative agriculture that accounts for greenhouse gas emissions and soil organic carbon. Reduced nearly 400,000 tons of carbon equivalent emissions, resulting in nearly 300,000 carbon credits issued.The impact of farming practices varies by geography, underscoring the need for tailored solutions for different regions, ideally down to the field level.High-impact practices: No-till and cover crops contribute the most to soil carbon at the project scale, with cover crops having one of the highest impacts per acre across a range of geographies.By incentivizing outcomes and tailoring advice regionally, we can ensure the right solution is applied to the right acre.

Like other emerging climate solutions, regenerative agriculture faces the challenge of balancing lengthy research timelines with the urgency of reducing atmospheric carbon now. Carbon emissions avoided or sequestered today have a greater impact than the same reduction achieved a decade from now, helping us avoid critical climate tipping points. Decades of research demonstrate the benefits of sustainable farming practices, with some areas well-documented and others under-studied. In some cases, science is still building methods to measure the impacts of regenerative practices that people and communities working the land have known and witnessed for generations. Bringing together the experience and wisdom of these practitioners with peer-reviewed science is critical for scaling solutions with genuine environmental and ecosystem impact. A key question remains: Can findings from prior studies be generalized and scaled?

Rather than waiting for others to address this question, we chose to act — experimenting, gathering evidence, and sharing results with the broader scientific community. Our recent publication demonstrates impact at scale is possible with appropriate safeguards and a focus on areas of greatest certainty of impact.

And we are just getting started. We understand that sustainability and decarbonization in agriculture require multiple approaches, with carbon credits being just one tool.

Science and technology are at the heart of our approach to open new markets for farmers to participate in the programs that reward them best for the ecosystem benefits they provide. The same monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) engine that drives our carbon credit programs is helping supply chains incentivize sustainable practices, whether it’s cotton for clothing, rice for food, or corn for biofuels. These flexible solutions are and will help companies meet their goals while improving farm profitability and resilience.

Since we launched our Carbon and Sustainable Sourcing programs, we’ve learned a tremendous amount and worked hard to use learnings to improve them. While we began in areas with greater scientific certainty, we’ve invested in scientific research, partnered with others to explore under-researched areas, and advocated for universities and government to fill gaps in knowledge. This approach, combined with transparency and a commitment to the highest standards of integrity, is driving progress in regenerative agriculture and carbon markets.

The benefits of programs that reward regenerative agriculture go beyond emissions reductions and carbon removals. Regenerative agriculture positively affects multiple ecosystem services and the environment, such as improved water quality and reduced erosion. When valued with market-based incentives, these systems also positively impact farm resiliency and rural communities by ensuring that farmers themselves receive the majority of the value generated by our programs.

Just as we continuously improve the science and technology behind our programs, we also expand the pool of producers that can benefit from them. Early on, we adjusted our minimum acre requirements to ensure more farmers, including smaller operations, could participate. We’ve also expanded the geographies and crops we can support. As ecosystem markets grow, this must continue to ensure that structural barriers, which historically underserved some producers, are not perpetuated. It’s why engagement with groups like the National Black Growers Council and the National Indian Carbon Coalition are vital to enabling us to build programs that are inclusive of the diversity of farmers across the continental U.S.

The science remains foundational, and we’re committed to advancing it. It’s why our customers and partners trust us, it’s why we continue to share our findings, and it’s why we invite the scientific community and the farming community to engage and work with us to answer the open questions and identify areas where our programs can improve. Only by working together will we build trust and confidence in regenerative agriculture’s potential to deliver for farmers, our soils and our planet.

Join us in scaling proven regenerative agriculture solutions to deliver sustainable outcomes. Click here to learn more.

This article series is sponsored by Indigo Ag.

A.J. Kumar is Vice President of Sustainability Sciences at Indigo Ag, leading science strategy and innovation for sustainable agriculture. He has built partnerships across the non- profit, academic, and for-profit domain and worked with farmers and ranchers on testing new technologies and practices in production settings.

December 17, 2024 /3BL/ – More than half of Sudan’s population, or 26 million people, now urgently need humanitarian assistance to survive, an increase of 38% since April 2023, when conflict broke out between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces. Famine-like conditions have been detected in parts of the country. The situation is particularly dire in the regions of Central Darfur and South Kordofan, where 68% and 58% of the population, respectively, are severely food insecure.

Sudan is home to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. Conflict has forced more than 11 million people to flee their homes. Most have relocated to unsanitary and often dangerous temporary shelters, where disease outbreaks are widespread. Many people are completely cut off from basic healthcare, food, clean water, and electricity, as the conflict also has disrupted the flow of humanitarian aid.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented catastrophe,” said Action Against Hunger Country Director Samy Guessabi. “The war has devastated communities that were already coping with climate shocks and poverty. Now, families have lost their livelihoods and what little they owned. People are at their breaking point, unsure how to survive.”

Since the conflict began, Action Against Hunger has helped more than one million people in Sudan and has supported refugees that cross the border into neighboring countries, where limited resources are being stretched by the influx of refugees who need assistance. In South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Uganda, the organization has assisted hundreds of thousands of refugees as well as local community members.

“Over the past fourteen months, teams have been able to supply 400,000 people with safe water and sanitation, screened 300,000 children for malnutrition and provided lifesaving nutrition programs, and delivered transformative cash assistance to 80,000 of those most in need,” Guessabi said.

Almost 7 million people across Sudan are at risk of gender-based violence, and women and girls are facing alarming levels of sexual assault, exploitation, and human trafficking. Action Against Hunger also is providing protection, training or direct support to more than 44,000 victims of gender-based violence in the country.

Humanitarian assistance has not kept pace with rising need. In 2024, Sudan faced a hunger funding gap of 70%, meaning the international community satisfied only 30% of appeals for hunger-related assistance in Sudan. This, despite Sudan ranking 168th in terms of GDP per capita.

“We are calling on the international community to rapidly mobilize the resources that are needed to save lives. It is critical for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian workers unimpeded entry, and create corridors to allow people safe access to basic services and aid,” Guessabi said.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on December 10, 2024

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Las Vegas Sands have announced creation of the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV, which was formally approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents at its quarterly meeting on Dec. 5, 2024. Made possible by a $15 million donation from Sands to the UNLV Foundation, this initiative highlights a shared commitment to enriching the educational and cultural landscape of Las Vegas and beyond.

“This partnership with UNLV reflects our dedication to global engagement and cultural exchange,” Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert G. Goldstein said. “The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV will serve as a vital resource for students, scholars and the broader community to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of China. We are honored to support an initiative that will enhance Chinese cultural literacy and provide significant opportunities for meaningful intercultural dialogue in one of the world’s most visible cities and one of its most dynamic universities.”

The Sands Institute will offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to promote appreciation and understanding of Chinese language, traditions and history. These offerings will include Mandarin language courses for students and community members; cultural programming such as film screenings, art exhibitions, musical performances, and lectures; and student and faculty exchanges.

As Las Vegas continues to grow as a global hub for tourism, hospitality, business and sports, the ability to understand and engage with Chinese citizens and culture becomes increasingly important. The Sands Institute will serve as a platform for robust community engagement, strengthening the cultural fabric of the region and enhancing its connections with China. By offering educational programs and training for professionals, the Institute will equip industry leaders and workers with the cultural competence needed to navigate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

“We are excited to work with Sands in establishing the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV,” UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Chris L. Heavey said. “The Sands Institute will significantly increase learning opportunities for local students and community members, providing them with the tools to engage more effectively with the world around them. The incredibly generous support from Sands is crucial in bringing this vision to life, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create for our university and the wider Las Vegas community.”

The Sands Institute will be housed in UNLV’s newly renovated Maryland Administrative Building, offering a central location accessible to both university students and the broader Las Vegas community. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, exhibition spaces, and meeting venues designed to host a wide array of events.

With the substantial financial support from Sands, the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV is poised to become an internationally recognized center for the study and appreciation of Chinese language and culture.

“UNLV is proud to be one of the most diverse universities in the country, and launching the Sands Institute highlights our commitment to embracing all cultures,” UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield said. “This fits right in with what we’re all about – giving our students and community opportunities to learn about the world and connect with people from different backgrounds. It’s going to make a big difference in how we prepare our students for the global stage.”

Sands has been a long-time supporter of UNLV and its academic initiatives. “Their nearly two decades of support have been essential to our university,” Whitfield continued. “From funding facilities and athletic programs to backing innovative student projects and the Sands Center for Professional Development, Sands has consistently shown a strong commitment to our campus and our students.”

This past summer, the Albertsons Companies Foundation, in collaboration with a coalition of leading non-profit organizations, launched a campaign aimed at tackling childhood hunger by raising awareness and boosting participation in the USDA’s Summer EBT program. The initiative also supported the launch of a dedicated website SummerEBT.org, which received more than 171,000 visits and helped 98,000 families complete screeners to determine their program eligibility. The coalition included Feeding America®, Food Research & Action Center, Gift Card Bank, Hunger Free America, mRelief, No Kid Hungry, Partnership for a Healthier America and WhyHunger.

Albertsons Companies Foundation and its nonprofit partners remain committed to fighting childhood hunger.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Originally published on Principal.com

When I started at Principal®, I admit, I was comfortable in my role and just here to get the job done.

But in time, I started to use more of our employee benefits. I got involved in our workplace community. And I’ve grown personally and professionally because of it—becoming invested in my career and dedicated to taking on leadership responsibilities.

Here’s how it played out for me:

Gaining education and experience

My first of three roles (so far) at Principal was in data entry and processing. I worked days and attended classes in the evenings, using our tuition reimbursement benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Flexibility was key during this time. My leaders accommodated my course schedule. And I was able to take on a growth assignment to fulfill my degree program’s internship requirement. (I still use the communication and Outlook skills I learned during that stint.)

Completing my degree opened doors for me in terms of qualifications. Just as importantly, it helped me realize I love a challenge.

With the support of mentors and leaders, I transferred departments and took on a role as a client onboarding specialist.

Two years later, I took a leap and applied for a new business analyst position. This was a tough decision as I was on track for a significant career milestone, but the new department felt like a fantastic fit. I could see myself continuing to grow in this area of the business.

Giving back to the community

My desire to “do more” isn’t just about building a professional resume.

Years back, I joined the Asian Employee Resource Group. This was a great opportunity to network and build leadership skills, while supporting our inclusive work environment, something I truly value as an employee.

I also volunteered with Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), a program that promotes career development and leadership training in local schools. My colleagues and I worked with high schoolers on their resumes and conducted mock interviews, helping them prepare for the workforce.

If it didn’t stick with the kids, it at least stuck with me. Working with high schoolers can be intimidating (!!), but giving back to the community feels personally and professionally rewarding.

Looking ahead

Now, I’m embarking on my next challenge: pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership, again with support from the tuition reimbursement program. I’ve worked with many leaders; the best ones have really made an impression, and I hope to follow in their footsteps.

My ultimate goal? To excel in my current role and gradually take on more responsibilities. I envision myself as a manager who leads through hands-on experience—guiding my team as they pursue their own goals and aspirations.

My advice for you: Get out of your comfort zone and actively plan your career path. Explore what Principal has to offer.

No matter where you are in your career journey—just figuring things out or actively advancing—Principal has opportunities to match. Learn more about our employee benefits.

Principal® is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases.

Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (dol.gov)

If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947. Read our employment policies for more information.

Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. This type of fraud is normally done through online services such as bogus websites, social media, or through unsolicited emails/SMS texts claiming to be from Principal or Principal employees. Only applicants who have filled out an official application on our career site (careers.principal.com) will be considered for employment opportunities. Principal will never ask for money during any stage of the employment application process. If you receive a communication (e.g., LinkedIn message, Facebook Messenger, SMS text, personal email, etc.) asking for money or personal financial information, don’t engage or respond. Please contact our Human Resources team at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947, and your local law enforcement. For more information, review our recruitment fraud information.

You can find our U.S. workforce privacy notice here.

Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

3920850-102024

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Kristy Nicholas

At GoDaddy, we’re proud to be the place where millions of people come to build their businesses. Being entrusted with our customers’ dreams is a privilege we don’t take lightly.

At a recent We Love Our Customers event we organized outside Seattle, Washington, we were reminded that while our platform strives to support customers at every step, their needs evolve as quickly as technology.

To continue to serve them well, we’ve got to understand their current challenges and aspirations.

As our CEO, Aman Bhutani, said, “There’s really no substitute for listening to them directly.”

We Love Our Customers was an in-person event, hosted by GoDaddy leadership, that allowed us to do just that – connect directly with small business owners, hear their stories, and gain insights into how we can best respond to their ever-changing priorities.

The purpose of the event was simple yet powerful – listening. Small business owners are incredibly busy, and while we spend countless hours researching, watching trends, and spending time in the field, these face-to-face conversations allow us to dive deeper in a meaningful way.

We were inspired by the entrepreneurs we met. Whether it was a career coaching company representing a major pivot for its founder or a tea brand uniting people over new, unique blends, these ventures are more than just businesses—they are lifelines, legacies, and opportunities to change lives.

For many of our customers, GoDaddy plays a significant role in their day-to-day operations

Hearing firsthand about what they love, as well as the challenges they face, gave us invaluable context around how our tools accelerate their growth and where they need more support.

We walked away from this event not only with a deeper understanding of how to improve but also with a renewed sense of gratitude for the trust our customers place in us. Here are some of our biggest takeaways from the day:

Customers welcome simple ideas about how to make their business better. A great place to source ideas is GoDaddy’s Resources blog and LinkedIn group.Trust consistently came up in conversations. Trust is important to our customers, and we work hard to continue earning it because they trust us with their ideas.Customers are often hesitant to switch from the software they used when they started their business. Functionality being introduced via GoDaddy Airo™ will soon make it easier for customers to keep up with the latest technologies through GenAI.

We’re grateful to everyone who attended this event, as well as every customer who shares feedback, ideas, and concerns with us. This input is essential in shaping the future of our products.

We feel fortunate to be part of their journeys and are excited to continue building tools that help them achieve their ambitions.

At GoDaddy, we’re committed to evolving alongside our customers, and events like this are just one way we ensure we’re truly listening and learning from those who matter most.

Veolia North America Sustainability Report 2024

Over the past few years, firms of all sizes are making public commitments, pledging to achieve ambitious goals for reducing their impact on the environment. They’re taking measures such as cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions, keeping their waste streams out of landfills or adopting water recycling technologies. As a global leader in sustainable energy, waste and water operations with decades of experience, we work directly with our customers to achieve these triple net zero goals.

In this section we highlight the work Veolia North America has done this year to support our clients in the municipal, industrial and commercial sectors as they advance their sustainability efforts and get on track to meet their goals.

MEASURING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Veolia North America strives to be useful and responsive to our customers and society. An important part of that is measuring customer satisfaction across the company and using the results to improve.

We use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology, a customer loyalty metric of how likely customers are to recommend a company’s products or services to others. By tracking our NPS over time and comparing it to industry benchmarks, we can measure our customers’ satisfaction, identify areas of improvement and take action to address customer concerns. NPS is an important Key Performance Indicator (KPI), tied to our multifaceted performance and reviewed monthly by our Veolia North America CEO and Executive Committee.

MetricDescriptionUN Sustainable Development Goal2023 North America Result2023 Global TargetCustomer SatisfactionNet promoter index score (out of 100, 30 considered good)9: Industry, innovations and infrastructure49>30

COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE

We empower cities and industries to embrace a sustainable future by revolutionizing energy efficiency, fostering renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and promoting climate mitigation strategies. Our 2023 Triple Net Zero Readiness Study shows that while many companies have committed to net zero goals, only 52% of those surveyed have actionable plans to achieve them. That’s where we come in.

We are uniquely positioned to address the water, waste and energy goals of our municipal and industrial clients, creating the greatest opportunities for decarbonization.

Continue reading the full report

It is well-known that climate transition and 2050 target depends on the adoption of a collective and coordinated, multi-faceted approach by the global community. While, arguably, the burden to finance the transition is on the developed countries, the burden to reduce the emissions is increasingly shifting to EMDEs that account for the majority share in emissions. These nations will continue to drive majority of the emissions growth in future as well due to their high economic growth, electrification of energy and cross-sectoral plans for energy transition.

The Global South was responsible for over 50 percent of the global energy consumption in 2023 and they will continue to account for the majority share. As per industry sources, Asia-Pacific alone is expected to consume more than 50 percent of the global final energy demand and Africa is likely to consume more than North America or Europe by 2050. As a result, EMDEs have become the action ground to shape the climate transition. And one of the measures via which these economies are powering their efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change is green transition.

Download the report (6 MB) 

Click here to view this on kpmg.com/in

The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) is revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in patient care, health records management, telemedicine, hospital operations, health monitoring, and drug discovery. However, with technology advancement comes a series of important considerations and challenges around data security.

AI Role in Healthcare for Medical Imaging, Diagnosis, and Prevention Applications

AI’s machine learning and deep learning tools can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and enhance the accuracy of diagnoses.

In medical imaging, AI algorithms assist in analyzing X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, improving diagnostic speed while reducing human error.[1]

AI’s capability to analyze extensive amounts of patient data, including symptoms, medical history, and genetic information, also enables more precise and efficient diagnoses. It can identify complex patterns that may be challenging to spot for human doctors, leading to earlier detection and better accuracy in disease prediction. [2]

AI-driven virtual assistants and chatbots offer fundamental medical information, address patient inquiries, assess symptoms, and aid in appointment scheduling and medication reminders. They enhance patient engagement, improve access to healthcare, and help improve the patient experience by optimizing healthcare staff workload and increasing staff efficiency.

However, the increased reliance on digital infrastructure for these advancements exposes the healthcare sector to cyber threats. The value of patient records, research data, and medical technology makes healthcare organizations prime targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity breaches can jeopardize sensitive information, disrupt patient care, damage healthcare providers’ reputations, and result in significant financial losses, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare.

IoT’s Role in Expanding Diagnostic Capabilities with Wearables

Similarly to AI, IoT use is spreading in healthcare. Home healthcare devices and medical wearables create a complementary network of medical devices using low-power mobile health monitoring technology that leverages existing electronic hardware.

These devices can capture vast amounts of biometric data to advance preventive care. Sensors can measure a person’s heart rate, blood glucose, blood pressure, body movement, oxygen saturation, and respiration rate, supporting the development of a comprehensive health assessment.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® technologies enable these devices to transmit data to healthcare providers in real time, enabling remote patient monitoring and helping to ensure treatment compliance. This helps reduce the number of hospital visits while improving access to healthcare.

The internet of medical things (IoMT) provides exciting new benefits for patients and healthcare providers. However, these devices, along with the operational technology (OT) systems they connect to, constitute an attack surface for cybercriminals.

AI and IoT: Enhancing Patient Outcomes but Requiring Improved Cybersecurity

The complementary capabilities of AI and IoT enable the collection of more accurate biometric data and allow this data to be leveraged to analyze large populations.

The large amount of data collected in the patient’s natural environment can provide a more comprehensive view of health, helping physicians understand the complex interactions between different biological systems. But with the rapid development of IoT in healthcare, cybersecurity challenges are emerging as well.

Cybersecurity Challenges from AI and IoT

Network security risks are of great concern to the healthcare industry. IoT devices connected to hospital networks often lack active management and protection, making them easy entry points for attackers. [3] With connected medical devices and remote employees, concerns about exfiltration and ransomware attacks are increasing, driving organizations to adapt their security models.

The healthcare sector has witnessed a notable surge in activity in recent years. Healthcare is a high-value target for cybercriminals due to the sensitivity of the data it is handling. Data security breaches can lead to the leakage of personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI).

As a result, healthcare data breaches are costly. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023 [4], the average cost of a data breach has skyrocketed to a staggering $4.35 million, with healthcare breaches standing at a daunting $10.93 million. Furthermore, the average cost of a data breach in the healthcare sector has increased by 53.3% over the past three years, emphasizing the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures in this domain.

With new threats emerging every day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has underlined the importance of monitoring and assessing cybersecurity risks for connected devices. As the landscape evolves, the FDA recommends focusing on AI to enhance cybersecurity.

Combating Cyber Threats

Healthcare delivery and monitoring have improved greatly with the use of connected medical devices. However, many connected devices have not been designed with security as the top priority and are often targeted points of entry for attackers. A security platform that can discover these devices on your network and determine if they pose a threat is essential.

By implementing a dedicated IoT security platform, healthcare organizations can monitor device activity continuously. The platform alerts responsible parties of suspicious behavior in real time, helping them respond to potential security incidents sooner.

In addition to real-time monitoring of connected medical devices, healthcare organizations can greatly benefit from security assessment tools used during the validation and verification phases of the product development process. These tools provide a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities before devices are deployed.

Future Role of AI in Cybersecurity for Healthcare

The integration of AI in healthcare cybersecurity will redefine patient data protection. As AI technology evolves, it will enhance threat detection, reducing false positives and providing precise alerts. The automation of routine security tasks will allow engineers to focus on more complex security challenges and help them cover a broader spectrum of cyberattacks.

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals will persist, even as AI takes on more routine duties, but these experts will shift to strategic roles, addressing more intricate security incidents and engaging in proactive threat hunting. Unfortunately, the dual nature of AI means that cybercriminals will exploit AI capabilities too and be able to launch more sophisticated attacks, making it imperative for the cybersecurity community to stay ahead.

In healthcare, where data sensitivity is high, AI’s role in fortifying cybersecurity will be critical. It promises an adaptive security framework that can evolve with the ever-changing threat landscape, ensuring the safety and privacy of patient information.

Conclusion

AI and IoT are revolutionizing healthcare through improved diagnostics, medical imaging, drug discovery, and patient engagement. Medical wearables and IoT devices enhance healthcare capabilities by capturing biometric data and transmitting it to providers in real time.

However, increased reliance on these technologies also exposes the healthcare sector to cyber threats, making it a prime target for cybercriminals due to the value of patient records and research data.

Without adequate security, connected medical devices become vulnerable entry points for attackers. As IoT and AI expand into critical applications, they become even more attractive targets. Device vendors must now rethink cybersecurity across the entire product lifecycle.

It is no longer enough for manufacturers to rely on makeshift open-source or in-house tools to defend themselves against advanced hacker groups. Instead, they must implement proven, integrated, and automated solutions that protect their devices against cyberattacks.

References：

https://ihf-fih.org/news-insights/artificial-intelligence-and-cybersecurity-in-healthcare/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352914822000545?viewFullText=truehttps://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9972597https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach

The holiday season is all about joy, giving and spending time with loved ones. But it’s also a prime time for scammers looking to capitalize on people’s generosity and holiday spirit. Yikes, right?

According to the AARP, 80% of U.S. consumers faced at least one holiday-related scam in 2023, including mail and package theft, vacation rental scams, phishing emails and texts and charity fraud. In today’s digital world, cyber scams are everywhere — but no need to stress. With these tips, T-Mobile is serving up the tools and knowledge you need to help keep scammers from cashing in on your holiday cheer.

1. Use T-Mobile’s Scam Shield

Scammers use robocalls and spoofed phone numbers in Caller ID to entice you to answer spam calls. They can also reach out to you via text with tactics that include pretending to have the wrong number. Fortunately, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers have Scam Shield, a benefit included in customers’ plans that automatically identifies possible scam calls at the network level and labels them as “Scam Likely” on your phone. Scam Block can be turned on to automatically block those calls by dialing #662# or through T-Mobile’s T-Life app. You can also forward suspicious text messages to 7726.

Scam Shield identified or blocked 19.8 billion scam calls in 2023, and it can help you stay safe and protected during this holiday season. Whew!

2. Up Your Privacy Game

Use strong, unique passwords with at least 12 characters, and opt for random numbers when setting pins. Take advantage of extra security — enabling multi-factor authentication on your various apps and accounts will also help protect you from potential threats. And because criminals might try to access your info in places like coffee shops or libraries through public Wi-Fi, it’s safer to use your phone’s mobile hotspot.

Also be on the lookout for emails or texts that promise a freebie or prize if you click a link, log into an account and update personal information. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Use your device’s block and report functions before deleting.  

Practice safe online habits by only visiting trusted websites and being cautious of common online scams, like when booking rentals for next year’s family vacation (last year alone, Airbnb removed 59,000 fraudulent listings from their site, eek!). T-Mobile 5G Home Internet customers can get added digital peace of mind with Advanced Cyber Security protection. The feature includes Safe Browsing, which helps block access to malicious links, while Anomaly Detection helps protect connected devices from cybercriminals — it can all be easily managed through the T-Life app, which has more than 47.5 million active users and counting.

3. Monitor Your Belongings

Mail theft is common all year round, but especially during the holidays when gifts are pouring onto porches. Use your smartphone to track deliveries in real-time — most major delivery companies offer text or email notifications when your package is on its way.

You can also connect smart door cameras to your 5G Home Internet to keep track of what’s going on at your front step, such as mail and package theft. These cameras provide live video feeds and motion detection, sending you real-time alerts that you can use to contact authorities and report porch pirates if needed.

4. Send Money Only to Charities You Trust

Giving back during the holidays is awesome — but you want to make sure your generosity ends up in the right hands. Before making any charitable donations, take time to research the organization by searching the charity’s name along with “complaint” or “scam” to check reviews online. Use trusted sources such as Charity Navigator to confirm your contributions will reach who you intended to. And here’s a pro tip: Use a credit card instead of a debit card, since credit cards offer stronger fraud protections and don’t give scammers direct access to your bank account.

5. Keep Track of What’s Going On

Visit T-Mobile’s Privacy Center for more tips about staying safe online, including information on digital scams, spam and fraud. If you come across any suspicious or fraudulent activity related to the holidays, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint and to the NCDF. By reporting these incidents, you can helo protect others from falling victim to scams. Strength in numbers, people!

As you gear up for the holiday season, don’t let scammers steal your cheer. With the right tools, a little awareness and these T-Mobile tips, you can stay one step ahead and keep your holidays merry and bright — because your joy isn’t up for grabs.