ONCD launches rural hospital pilot project with South Carolina to provide cyber resources

Henry McMaster, in an effort to continue building resources for critical infrastructure sectors through working with state and local authorities and industry partners. The new initiative, Project Lifeline 250, is designed to be a “six-month, scalable cyber pilot program that connects American industry with rural hospitals to protect their critical infrastructure through cutting-edge capabilities to ensure our healthcare systems are reliable when Americans need them the most,” according to an Oct. 26 ONCD announcement.

The pilot initiative is the second project from ONCD to bring together federal and industry partners to find ways to shore up critical infrastructure. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross announced Project Watershed 250 on Aug. 31 as a six-month initiative focused on water utilities in Texas.

Cairncross said in a statement, “Delivering on President Trump’s vision and commitment to the American people, the Trump Administration -- in partnership with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division -- is launching Project Lifeline 250: a six-month, scalable cyber pilot program aimed at securing and strengthening our rural hospitals using cutting-edge American innovation.” The announcement links the pilot project with the fourth pillar of the Trump administration’s national cyber strategy, which focuses on securing critical infrastructure. “Project Lifeline 250 connects the world-leading American industry with rural hospitals and uses the greatest American tools and capabilities to defend hospital networks; deploy physical back up devices after an initial incident to ensure an impacted hospital can still provide critical care; and identify high-risk and legacy devices and replace them,” according to Cairncross. Cairncross added, “President Trump and his entire Administration remain committed to strengthening and modernizing facilities and technology, and deploying innovative care models that bring high-quality health services to rural communities nationwide.” An Oct.

26 release from Gov. McMaster’s office highlights partnerships under the pilot with ONCD, “the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (SC CIC) program, private-sector partners, federal agencies and local governments.” “Project Lifeline 250 will focus on strengthening hospital network defenses, providing backup technology to help hospitals maintain operations following a cyberattack, and identifying high-risk medical and other technology devices used in critical care settings. These capabilities are intended to help participating hospitals better protect their systems and continue delivering essential care during a cyber incident,” according to the release.

The pilot is backed by Cisco, Cyera, Microsoft, Trellix and Zscaler. McMaster said, “Cyber threats are a rising challenge to our nation’s security, and we must remain vigilant to protect the systems our communities depend on.