Data theft and ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations and critical third-party providers will still occur at alarmingly high rates in 2024, making them as serious as last year, the worst healthcare breach on record. It is becoming.
you may remember Ascension ransomware attack The incident, which began in May, was one of the most devastating in the medical field and caused major problems for patients.
A new report from Microsoft highlights that these attacks not only lead to data theft, but also put patients’ physical health at risk.
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A woman operating a computer at a hospital (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
The impact of ransomware on healthcare
Microsoft points out Beyond the financial risk to healthcare organizations, ransomware attacks can have life-threatening consequences. When healthcare providers lose access to diagnostic equipment and patient records due to ransomware, patient care is significantly disrupted. For example, during a hospital attack, activation of stroke codes nearly doubles, confirmed strokes increase by 113.6%, cardiac arrest cases increase by 81%, and survival rates drop from 40% to just 4.5%.
Medical facilities near hospitals hit by the ransomware attack are also feeling the impact, and may not be able to handle the surge in patients needing emergency treatment. As a result, patient wait times are often long.
What’s even more troubling is that these attacks are not limited to urban areas. Rural clinics are also prime targets for cyberattacks. These facilities are especially vulnerable to ransomware because they often lack the resources to prevent or respond to security incidents. And since these clinics are the only medical options within miles, a successful attack could have a devastating impact on many rural areas.
Mother, daughter and doctor walking in the hospital (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Healthcare ransomware attack compromises personal health information of over 100 million people
Why is healthcare the main target?
Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations have skyrocketed by 300% since 2015, making healthcare organizations one of the top 10 most targeted industries in the second quarter of 2024. The main reason for this increase is that healthcare organizations store highly sensitive data and hackers know that they have huge funds to attack them. Made. With lives at stake, hospitals cannot risk poor patient outcomes if their systems go down or patient data compromised if they don’t pay their bills. This reputation for paying ransoms only makes healthcare an even bigger target.
Part of the responsibility also lies with medical institutions. Cybersecurity budgets tend to be lower than other industries, making it difficult to defend against these types of attacks. Many facilities do not have dedicated cybersecurity staff. Some companies don’t have a chief information security officer or security operations center. Rather, cybersecurity is often lumped in with regular IT operations. In addition, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff may not have cybersecurity training; phishing email when they saw it.
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Emergency sign at the entrance of a hospital emergency room (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Nearly 1 million Medicare beneficiaries face data breach
7 proactive measures to take when facing a medical cyberattack
With cyber-attacks against healthcare providers on the rise, it is wise to take precautions to protect your personal information and prepare for potential disruptions to healthcare services.
1. Stay informed: Stay informed of disruptions and data breaches affecting systems and services with the latest news from healthcare providers and trusted sources.
2. Maintain personal health records: Save or print a copy of your health record, including details such as medications, allergies, past surgeries, and other relevant health information, on your device. This can be critical if electronic medical records become temporarily unavailable.
3. Prepare for medical emergencies: Have a backup plan in case of an emergency, such as knowing nearby alternative medical facilities. Research wait times and accessibility to avoid delays if key facilities are affected.
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4. Practice cybersecurity best practices: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and consider the following: password manager We will help you manage them. enable two-factor authentication Where you can add an extra layer of security.
5. Beware of phishing: Cyber-attacks often result in a spike in phishing emails and phone calls as attackers exploit the situation. Protect yourself with powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This allows you to block malicious links and detect phishing emails. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
6. Check your schedule: If you have an upcoming appointment or procedure, check to see if the cyberattack will disrupt normal operations or contact your healthcare provider to reschedule.
7. Monitor the patient portal: Stay tuned to patient portals like MyChart for updates on your medical records and communication with your healthcare provider. Important information may be obtained during service interruptions.
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Cart important points
The surge in ransomware attacks against the healthcare industry is alarming and serves as a stark reminder that criminals don’t care about the lives at risk. They’re just after the money. Healthcare organizations should take the lessons of the past two years and make significant investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and hire dedicated staff to protect patient data and systems. By implementing stronger defenses, the goal is to prevent this situation from becoming a situation where paying a ransom is even considered.
Have you experienced delays or problems with your health care services due to a cyber attack or system outage? Please email us at. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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