The healthcare industry is becoming a constant target of cyber-criminals. This can be attributed to the vast amounts of sensitive patient data stored digitally. Here we explain the latest cybersecurity threats plaguing the healthcare sector, explore the implications of these attacks, and learn how to deal with cyber-attacks against healthcare businesses.
Cybersecurity threat in healthcare is not something new, but their frequency and impact have grown dramatically. According to a yearly report by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) in 2023, the number of reported breaches in the healthcare sector rose by 45% compared to the previous year. Don’t be surprised when you hear The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reporting a 264% increase in ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities over the past five years.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have become the most prominent and damaging threat to healthcare organizations. In these attacks, cybercriminals encrypt critical data and demand a ransom to restore access. The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on real-time data for patient care. One of the most high-profile instances in 2024 involved UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Optum. This attack was carried out by BlackCat ransomware gang, aimed at 6TB of data from the Change Healthcare platform.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains a big threat, exploiting human vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. These attacks often involve fraudulent emails that trick employees into revealing login credentials or downloading malicious software. The 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) indicated that 85% of all healthcare data breaches involved human elements, with phishing being the leading cause. The report also noted that phishing attacks have become more sophisticated, using targeted approaches such as spear-phishing to deceive specific individuals within an organization.
Insider Threats
Insider threats can be malicious or accidental, present a daunting task to healthcare cybersecurity. Employees with access to sensitive data can intentionally or unintentionally cause substantial damage.
A recent case involved a disgruntled employee at a healthcare provider who exfiltrated patient data and sold it on the dark web. Such incidents underscore the need for robust internal security measures and employee monitoring.
The Impact of Third-Party Vendors
The reliance on third-party vendors is a major cybersecurity risk for healthcare organizations. In 2024, a data breach involving a cloud services provider compromised the personal health information of over 2 million patients at a prominent hospital network in Europe. This breach, attributed to insufficient security measures by the vendor, underscored the inherent risks of third-party dependencies. This included lack of adequate encryption, weak access controls, poor firewall configurations, and even lack of proper employee training.
Emerging AI and IoT Vulnerabilities
As healthcare increasingly adopts artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, new cybersecurity threats emerge. It is possible to manipulate AI systems used to diagnose and monitor care to provide false results. IoT devices which includes connected medical equipment, are often poorly secured and prone to hacking.
Best Practices for Enhancing Cybersecurity
Implementing Robust Security Frameworks: Adopt comprehensive security frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to guide cybersecurity efforts.
Employee Training and Awareness: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about phishing, social engineering, and other cyber threats. Promote a culture of security awareness within the organization.
Advanced Threat Detection and Response: Utilize advanced threat detection and response tools to identify and mitigate threats in real time. Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.
Regular Security Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. Perform penetration testing to simulate cyberattacks and evaluate defenses.
Strong Access Controls and Encryption: Implement strong access controls to limit data access to authorized personnel only. Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorized access.
Vendor Risk Management: Establish rigorous vetting processes for third-party vendors and ensure they comply with security standards. Monitor vendor activities and conduct regular security assessments.