The International Committee of the Red Cross proposed creating a digital equivalent to its distinctive red symbol to warn off hackers who attempt to break into medical institutions’ networks. Such a digital emblem would deter some but not all hackers, Red Cross advisers say, at a time when hospitals are frequently hit with cyberattacks. The Red Cross and its cyber advisers worked for more than two years on the project. Whatever option governments choose would need to be simple to install, said Matthew Smith, a professor of computer science at the University of Bonn in Germany, speaking at the Red Cross event. “As easy as placing a red cross on a building,” he said.

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