Nova Scotia health data at risk: AG report [Video]

HALIFAX –

Nova Scotia doesn’t provide effective cybersecurity for its digital health networks, and as a result is exposed to unnecessary risk, says a new report by the province’s auditor general.

Kim Adair’s report published Tuesday found a lack of accountability and collaboration between the three government entities that oversee the system: the health department, the cybersecurity and digital solutions department, and Nova Scotia’s health authority.

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The situation is problematic because of the province’s growing reliance on digital networks to store people’s personal and sensitive health information, the report says.

Citing attacks in other provinces, like Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, she said, “We’ve seen several health-care organizations fall victim to serious cyberattacks that have compromised sensitive information, disrupted patient care and disabled networks.”

Nova Scotia’s “lack of IT governance gives minimal accountability for cybersecurity during a time of rapid expansion” of the province’s …