Free cybersecurity for rural hospitals hit by hackers

(CNN)– Microsoft and Google will offer free or discounted cybersecurity services to rural hospitals across the U.S.

It’s a bid to make them less vulnerable to cyberattacks that have disrupted patient care and threatened lives.

Microsoft says it will provide free security updates for eligible rural hospitals and security assessments and training for hospital staff.

Google will offer free cybersecurity advice to rural hospitals.

It will also start a pilot program to match the firm’s cybersecurity services with the needs of rural hospitals.