Gov. McMaster team up with White House official to strengthen cybersecurity protections at rural hospitals

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Governor Henry McMaster is teaming up with a White House official to strengthen cybersecurity protections at rural hospitals across the state.

Monday morning, October 26, the governor joined White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross to launch what they’re calling “Project Lifeline 250.”

The initiative is a joint effort with the federal, state, and private-sectors.

The Office of the Governor says the six-month pilot will connect rural hospitals with American technology companies, and cybersecurity resources to help identify vulnerabilities, defend against cyberattacks and maintain critical healthcare services in the event of a cyber incident.

Project leaders also say rural hospitals are essential to the health and well-being of communities across America, and protecting them from growing cyber threats is critical to ensuring patients can continue to access the care they depend on.