• How the Ransomware Attack at Change Healthcare Went Down: A Timeline
• After CrowdStrike Outage, What Will Become of Automatic IT Updates?
• Data Center Technicians: A Tech Job Paying Six Figures, No College Degree Required
• Skill Gaps Cost Employers a Month of Productivity Each Year, Survey Finds
• Toyota to Go Completely Hybrid, Mulls End of Gasoline-Only Cars
• Shake Shack to Offer Robot Delivery in Los Angeles through Uber Eats
• IKEA's New AI Drone System Adds Efficiency in Distribution Centers

An article from Active Cypher published in Information Week - What's Real About AI in Cybersecurity? - explores how AI can enhance defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, while also highlighting the challenges it presents, such as accuracy and the need for human oversight. (OC)

On September 12, Alvaka will co-present "Insights from IT, Legal, and Digital Forensics Experts," in Westwood.
Alvaka also examines the threat of ransomware in several recent articles:
> Managing Ransomware Incidents: A Comprehensive Legal Guide;
> Forming an Effective Ransomware Response Team: Key Steps;
> Navigating Post-Ransomware Recovery: Essential Steps to Take; and
> Top Ransomware Recovery Services for Businesses: A Strategic Guide. (LA)

Bloom, which leverages advanced AI to transform business data into actionable insights, has posted a variety of short videos demonstrating its AI features and capabilities - scroll through their LinkedIn posts to see the videos. Topics include: Unlock Your Business Potential with Bloom: Expert Coaching Insights; Empower Your Team with Smart Delegation; Capitalize on Micro Client Interactions Using Bloom; Client Interaction Analysis; Using Bloom to Fill Gaps in Information and Craft Upsell Recommendation Letters; and much more. (LA)

Eckert & Ziegler (EZ) and Telix Pharmaceuticals have signed a multi-year agreement under which EZ will serve as the European contract manufacturing organization for Telix's ProstACT GLOBAL Phase III study. The study is investigating the benefits and risks of Lutetium rosopatamab tetraxetan, a radio-labeled antibody drug conjugate, in adult males with prostate-specific membrane antigen positive prostate cancer in combination with standard of care.
ALSO, EZ Radiopharma GmbH received approval from the European Commission (EC) for its Ge-68/Ga-68 radionuclide generator GalliaPharm. The generator was first launched in 2014 and is today approved in 17 European countries and many other key international markets. With the EC approval, an additional 14 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) will gain access to GalliaPharm. Consequently, it will soon be the first generator for the production of Gallium-68 commercially available in the entire EEA. (LA)

iMediSync America, where Dave is President, has made a recording of its recent webinar available to watch on-demand: Neuromarkers: Implications for ADHD Treatment. It explores the revolutionary use of EEG technology in diagnosing and treating ADHD in both adults and children, delving into how EEG-based neuromarkers can provide accurate assessments and personalized treatment plans, significantly improving outcomes for individuals with ADHD.
ADDITIONALLY, Dave Continues to Produce Short Berkonomics Videos, Including:
> Understand why we do it - 16 decision behaviors: diagnosing our decision behaviors in three minutes.
> Legal responsibilities of a board in two minutes: directors, trustees, and supervisors.
> Legal protection of board members: a three-minute lesson. (LA)

In a recent post, Adam Miller introduces Better Angels, which he co-founded with his wife Staci Miller to "take an innovative approach to solving this seemingly intractable crisis" - the epidemic of homelessness in Los Angeles.
And in this post, Adam further discusses Better Angels and says, "If you are working in tech and want to help end this crisis, we need back-end developers, front-end developers, QA leads and product managers, so head over to betterangels.la and volunteer."
PLUS, Better Angels has been getting press coverage, including: Can tech help solve the Los Angeles homeless crisis? Finding shelter may someday be a click away - AP; and Outdated technology impacting solution to homeless crisis in SoCal, report says - KABC.

MEANWHILE, as CEO of Instil & Exec Chairman of Groundswell, Adam Encourages Fundraising, Volunteering & Corporate Giving:
Instil will present a live webinar on August 27 at 11 a.m. PT - Board Activation: Fundraising with Confidence and Impact - which will explore how to effectively mobilize and engage your board members in fundraising efforts.
AND, read Instil's article, Building A Major Gift Portfolio Management Strategy, which provides templates and a checklist of things to consider.
MEANWHILE, Groundswell has published an article - 5 Must-Do's for Your Employee Volunteering & Corporate Giving Programs. (LA)

To enhance the dealership service experience, myKaarma has entered a strategic partnership with UVeye, a provider of service lane technology solutions. The collaboration is spotlighted in Auto Dealer Today's recent article, UVeye, MyKaarma Partner on Car Inspection Reports Straight to Drivers' Phones. The integration allows dealerships to streamline their service processes and share detailed inspection data with customers, with easy-to-understand, visual reports on drivers' smartphones. This is designed to not only enhance customer satisfaction by fostering greater trust and transparency, but also to simplify operations for service advisers by reducing the need for manual data entry and saving up to 15 minutes per vehicle.
MEANWHILE, in What's Driving Ujj? Effective Communication!, myKaarma CEO Ujj Nath shares why he's obsessed with effective email communication in driving outcomes and reducing noise in business operations. (OC)

On the evening of August 29, NuSci Nutrition Science Foundation will present a Nutrition Science Workshop, in which John Tanner will share his nutrition journey after suffering a near-fatal cardiac arrest in 2009. John will relay the scientific information the attendees need to avoid and reverse heart disease and other leading killers, discuss strategies for change, and field questions. Attendees will receive their choice of one of the ten books that John thinks are the best ones to help us prevent and reverse the diseases caused by poor dietary choices. The workshop will include a delicious buffet meal, examples of foods that will help people on the path to health and long life. The event will be held at Tanner Research, in Duarte. (LA)

In Navigating the Field: A Former Field Rep Finds a Solution to Operational Efficiency, Optimum Info (OI) dives deep into the challenges commonly faced in the field and the innovative solutions that lead to improved operational efficiency.
AND, Polestar Streamlines Audit Program Management Globally with PRISM highlights OI's partnership with Polestar to successfully launch a solution to help ensure high facility standards and processes across Polestar's global network of retail spaces. (OC)

Payani Group is announcing the launch of ABM Nexus, a cutting-edge account-based marketing (ABM) agency dedicated to serving B2B companies in the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Read "CEO's Blueprint for B2B Sales Growth with ABM" for a detailed overview of its benefits. ABM can do wonders for B2B companies by aligning marketing efforts with sales goals, targeting high-value accounts, and delivering personalized content that resonates with specific decision-makers. This approach leads to higher engagement rates, shortened sales cycles, and increased revenue. ABM is especially effective for demand generation, ensuring that marketing efforts are not only broad but also deep, targeting the right accounts with the right messages at the right times. Visit https://abmnexus.com/ for more information. (LA)

In US Government Department Utilizing Primas Voice Bot for Gun Purchasing, Primas Group reports that it has developed a secure IVR/CAI system compliant with security-stringent standards and policies to streamline the complex firearm purchase process for a US Government Department.
AND, in A Nationwide US Medical Center Transforms Patient Experience by Leveraging Primas Contact Center Solution, Primas details how a major US healthcare provider with 100+ hospitals and clinics upgraded their Avaya-based contact center utilizing Primas solutions and professional service. (OC)

To help businesses create happier employees and smarter customers, ProProfs announced that it is offering its software plans for free: "all features free, forever." Go to https://www.proprofs.com/, click on the Products drop-down menu, and then on the variety of products to see the plan choices.
ALSO, read ProProfs' article, 15 Webinar Best Practices to Host Impactful Online Events, which explores strategies for delivering impactful webinars that leave a lasting impression. (LA)

Recent episodes of Marshall's and Joel Kotkin's podcast, The Feudal Future, include:
> Tech job Market - Navigating the New Job Market Landscape - with insights from Ginger Baxter, Assistant Dean at the Argyros College of Business and Economics, and Tom Piechota, Dean of the Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University. Discover why the days of traditional degrees ruling the job market are fading and how a blend of foundational education with industry-specific skills is the key to unlocking career opportunities. Learn about the growing importance of micro-credentials and practical experience, and how students can create a standout resume through research and professional societies.
> The Future of Cars: Hybrid and Electric Insights - with guests Jamie Farley from Performance Brokerage Services and Mark Mills from the National Center for Energy Analytics. Can electric vehicle mandates really deliver the green future we're promised, or are we speeding towards unintended roadblocks? (OC)

Biospectal, the Lausanne-based company specializing in blood pressure monitoring, has recently launched its OptiBP app in Germany and Austria, the first app ever to meet the EU's strict CE-MDR regulations for medical devices. The launch is highlighted in Startup Valley Magazine, including an interview with CEO Eliott Jones.
ALSO, Biospectal has been recognized by the World Health Organization as an innovative cost-effective solution to hypertension management, and featured on the cover of WHO's 2024 compendium of innovative health technologies for low-resource settings. (BA)

In Digital transformation in health care: Powering precise, seamless, and proactive experiences, Cigna Healthcare explores three key areas of innovation: the Convergence of digital and in-person care; Expansion of mental health access through digital tools; and Use of data and analytics to improve quality, coordination, and precision of care. (OC)

Elemeno Health announced deployment of its staff-centric platform that provides Neonatal ICU teams at Children's Hospital Los Angeles with a personalized resource hub they can consult for bedside care support - 24/7, on any device. The 12-month pilot aims to align best practices between institutions and unit specific needs for caregivers. Elemeno's deployments in healthcare systems around the country have demonstrated shortened onboarding and training times (over 40%), improved retention (up to 50%), and reduced medical errors and hospital-acquired conditions (up to 75%). (BA)

In The Limits of AI in Healthcare: Exploring Ethical and Practical Challenges, Nelson Hardiman (NH) reports that questions regarding whether generative AI may ultimately complicate healthcare arise as AI intersects with clinical decision-making. This issue gains complexity when comparing the "traditional" human doctor treating one patient at a time, against the emerging reality in healthcare systems, which now expect physicians to manage significantly higher patient volumes by leveraging AI and machine learning technologies.
ALSO, NH's recent webinar - Non-Competes, Non-Solicitation, and No-Poach Agreements - is now available to watch on-demand.
AND, click here to see a list of NH's upcoming and on-demand webinars, addressing labor & employment law concerns. (LA)

Brad Schmidt, CEO of Northern California PET Imaging Center (NCPIC), shared that NCPIC has created a "What is a PET Scan" QR code postcard for teams needing easier PETCT information. They've added ~50 content items for providers, patients, and care teams accessed by pointing your cell phone camera at the QR code to reveal videos, prep instructions, guides, managed care implications, oncology case reviews, forms, and specialized PET use cases. Brad noted they've also included market pricing information as provided by Sage and RAND compared to NCPIC (which was up to 79% less costly per review). (BA)

In Privacy Concerns with AI & Medical Records, WestFax concludes that the integration of AI into medical records presents both significant opportunities and substantial privacy concerns. Addressing these concerns requires a multifaceted approach, including robust data security measures, clear and informed patient consent processes, effective anonymization techniques, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks. (OC)

A ransomware attack in February, on UnitedHealth-owned health tech company Change Healthcare, likely stands as one of the largest data breaches of U.S. health and medical data in history. Months after the data breach, a "substantial proportion of people living in America" are receiving notice by mail that their personal and health information was stolen by cybercriminals during the cyberattack. Change Healthcare processes billing and insurance for hundreds of thousands of hospitals, pharmacies and medical practices across the U.S. healthcare sector. As such, it collects and stores vast amounts of highly sensitive medical data on patients in the U.S. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Change became one of the largest processors of U.S. health data, handling between one-third to one-half of all U.S. health transactions.
TechCrunch recently published an article that provides a timeline of what has happened since the ransomware attack began. Here is a summary of their timeline:
- February 21, 2024: First report of outages as security incident emerges
- February 29: UnitedHealth confirms it was hit by ransomware gang
- March 3-5: UnitedHealth pays a ransom of $22 million to hackers, who then disappear
- March 13: Widespread disruption across U.S. healthcare amid fears of data breach
- March 28: U.S. government ups its bounty to $10 million for information leading to ALPHV capture
- April 15: Contractor forms new ransom gang and publishes some stolen health data
- April 22: UnitedHealth says ransomware hackers stole health data on a "substantial proportion of people in America"
- May 1: UHG CEO, Andrew Witty, admitted to Congress that Change wasn't using MFA on a Citrix portal used for remote access at Change.
- June 20: UHG starts notifying affected hospitals and medical providers what data was stolen
- July 29: Change Healthcare begins notifying known affected individuals by letter
(https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/17/how-the-ransomware-attack-at-change-healthcare-went-down-a-timeline/)

In the aftermath of July's CrowdStrike outage, analysts stressed to CIOs and other tech leaders the need for closer scrutiny over automatic software updates. Part of the problem is a steady push toward broader IT automation and the industry's disproportionate reliance on centralized vendor updates. "There's been an almost crazed drive towards automation of SaaS over the last five years," said Phil Fersht, CEO and chief analyst at HFS Research. "This is a big, big wake up call to the whole IT industry's overreliance on a blind trust that everything's just going to be upgraded," said Fersht. "Fairly small code issues can cause massive ramifications as we've just seen." The faulty update that triggered CrowdStrike's global outage was live for little more than one hour, but automated updates amplified its reach. Fortune 500 companies grapple with financial losses from the outage, surpassing $5.4 billion, according to one estimate. Analysts have flagged the importance of risk mitigation techniques such as "canary deployment" - preliminary rollouts under controlled conditions prior to broader deployments. (https://www.ciodive.com/news/crowdstrike-automatic-software-updates-IT/722849/)

To get one of the hottest jobs in tech, Deborah Martinez Castellanos didn't need a bachelor's degree. She needed a flair with a screwdriver - and a high tolerance for artificial lighting. The 24-year-old works the night shift at a giant, mostly windowless data center in Ashburn, Va., part of a fast-growing legion of workers who keep the nation's internet running. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., she monitors screens that track the temperature and humidity of halls storing thousands of servers. If a server becomes at risk of overheating, alarms ring on her phone and flash on screen. When that happens, her job is to fix the problem. Left alone, such glitches can keep countless users from logging onto their bank accounts or email.
             Demand for data-center technicians like Martinez Castellanos is booming, as companies such as Microsoft and Google pour billions into data centers to power everything from AI chatbots to the trillions of photos and emails stored in the cloud. They embody the rise of a class of careers that defy traditional blue- and white-collar distinctions: They are deeply tech-infused, often requiring fluency with programming and computerized systems, plus manual dexterity. This growing job category can also make good money. Pay for data technicians - whose tasks range from maintaining and repairing servers to operating heating and cooling systems - jumped by 43% in the past three years and stands at a median $75,100, according to certification and training provider CompTIA. Those with more years of experience can earn six figures. (https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/the-tech-job-paying-six-figures-no-college-degree-required-ec85e5f1)

Due to widespread data skills gaps, businesses are seeing significant productivity loss - adding up to an average of roughly 25 working days per employee per year - for data-related tasks, according to a recently published Multiverse report. Although data has become integral to most job roles, employees often lack fundamental skills to use it effectively, the report found. About half of workers struggle with efficient data analysis, process automation and forecasting. According to an analysis of Multiverse data for 12,000 employees across 18 industries in the U.S. and U.K., workers spend about 14.3 hours per week on data tasks, making up 36% of their workweek. However, about 4.3 hours are spent unproductively due to skills gaps, the report found, with 10% of the workweek wasted on inefficiencies with data analysis, automation and predictive modeling. (https://www.ciodive.com/news/talent-data-skills-productivity/724143/)

Three decades after launching the Prius, Toyota's pioneering gasoline-electric hybrid, the automaker is moving to convert most, and eventually maybe all, of its Toyota and Lexus line-up to hybrid-only models, two Toyota executives told Reuters. Toyota's stubborn focus on hybrids over EVs is part of a broader challenge by the world's biggest automaker to the prevailing industry and regulatory orthodoxy that all cars will be electric in the near future. The Japanese automaker instead touts a "multi-pathway" strategy that includes EVs along with hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, green fuels and, potentially, other technologies yet to emerge. (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/toyota-bets-big-hybrid-only-models-ev-demand-slows-2024-08-15/)

Serve Robotics has announced a partnership with Uber Eats to deliver Shake Shack orders in Los Angeles via autonomous delivery robots. Guests who order from select locations around the city through Uber Eats could see their meal roll up in a cute little basket on wheels. Serve Robotics' zero-emission robots are designed to make delivery more sustainable and affordable - there's no need to tip. Serve robots have also been making deliveries for 7-Eleven, and the company is planning to expand its geographic footprint across multiple U.S. markets. On college campuses, robot maker Kiwibot has partnered with Sodexo, Grubhub and IBM in markets across the U.S., and Chick-fil-A has been testing robot delivery in several markets. (https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/shake-shack-offer-robot-delivery-los-angeles-through-uber-eats)

IKEA is introducing an AI-powered drone system to distribution centers to work in tandem with human workers, automating inventory checks and providing real-time data to enhance productivity. Partnering with Verity, IKEA has more than 250 drones in 73 warehouses across nine countries, and the new system will be expanded to more sites over the next year, with a focus on North America and Europe. The system prioritizes safety and data privacy compliance, aims to reduce employee workload and improves operational efficiency. (CTA SmartBrief, 8/21/24) and (https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/topics/customer-experience/ikea-drones-will-employ-ai-to-work-in-tandem-with-fulfillment-employees)

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