The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FBI encouraged U.S. organizations to take steps to protect themselves from two malware threats, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and Michigan.

• District of Columbia/Virginia: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FBI on Saturday warned U.S. organizations to take steps to detect and protect against two malware threats that were used against Ukrainian organizations. The malware can destroy computer systems, rendering them inoperable. One malware program, known as WhisperGate, displays a fake ransomware note and destroys targeted data, making it impossible to recover even if a ransom is paid. The other, known as HermeticWiper, targets Windows devices and manipulates the master boot record, resulting in boot failure. "Destructive malware can present a direct threat to an organization's daily operations, impacting the availability of critical assets and data," the advisory notes. "Further disruptive cyberattacks against organizations in Ukraine are likely to occur and may unintentionally spill over to organizations in other countries." (AHA News, 2/28)

• Maryland: MedStar Health on Monday debuted a center for well-being to help its health care workers manage stress and improve overall wellness. The MedStar Health Center for Wellbeing will operate as part of the MedStar Institute for Innovation. It will work to develop research and programs to support workers' wellness, professional fulfillment, and quality of life. According to the health system's news release, Daniel Marchalik will serve as the new center's executive director. "The MedStar Health Center for Wellbeing signals a significant new investment in our workforce and a commitment to creating and growing programs that focus on the needs of not only our clinicians but all of our associates who have been fighting the pandemic in some capacity for two full years now," Marchalik said. (Carbajal, Becker's Hospital Review, 2/28)

• Michigan: McLaren Health Care on Monday appointed Jim Williams as VP and COO of McLaren Macomb Hospital. Williams, who most recently served as chief nursing officer for McLaren Flint Hospital, has over 20 years of hospital executive experience. He will replace former McLaren Macomb COO Tim Vargas, who was recently promoted to president and CEO of McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital. (Gooch, Becker's Hospital Review, 2/28)