Healthcare organizations are facing increased security threats. They are facing these threats as they adopt modern digital systems and technologies.
Cyberattacks on medical facilities and other healthcare service providers are rapidly rising. Putting sensitive patient data at risk.
Robust cybersecurity has become mission-critical for safeguarding patient well-being in the digital age.
The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks in Healthcare
Healthcare cyberattacks are increasing globally by 55% from 2020 to 2021, according to Interpol. In the US, data breaches in healthcare are surging by 30% in 2021 over the prior year, exposing 47 million patient records, reports HIPAA Journal.
Cybercriminals view medical data as a lucrative target. Healthcare organizations have the highest costs from data breaches among all industries in 2021 at nearly $10 million per incident, per IBM’s report.
Most Common Healthcare Cyber Threats
Hackers use various techniques to infiltrate healthcare systems and steal sensitive data. Here are some of the top cyber threats facing the industry:
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Phishing attacks:
Criminals send fake emails posing as legitimate sources. Their aim is to trick staff into revealing passwords or downloading malware.
Healthcare workers are susceptible due to a lack of security training. Patient data is left vulnerable to phishing schemes.
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Ransomware:
This is malicious software that encrypts data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks have disrupted hospital operations.
They endanger patient well-being by blocking access to electronic records.
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Medical identity theft:
Cybercriminals steal patient data. They use it to illegally obtain medical services, prescription drugs, and insurance reimbursements.
Victims may receive erroneous diagnoses or claims due to stolen medical identities.
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nsider threats:
Malicious actors within healthcare facilities, whether employees, contractors, or business associates, abuse access rights to compromise data security.
Insider threats can be mitigated through rigorous security training for employees and strict access controls enforced by robust electronic health record (EHR) systems designed specifically for therapists.
EHR for therapists enables setting granular access controls and detailed activity auditing to help secure sensitive patient data from insider abuse.
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Third-party risks:
Vendors, contractors, and other external parties often get access to healthcare facilities. If their security practices are sub-par, they can introduce vulnerabilities in the system.
This creates backdoors for bigger attacks. Robust vetting and oversight are key to managing third-party security risks.
Most Affected Areas of Healthcare
While no healthcare sector is immune to cyber risks, some face more security challenges and threats.
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Hospitals:
Large databases of patient records make hospitals prime targets. Attacks can cripple critical systems and care delivery.
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Insurers:
Insurers maintain vast financial and medical data. Breaches lead to fraud and identity theft.
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Medical devices:
Connected devices like pacemakers and imaging systems are vulnerable to hackers. Attacks could prove fatal.
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Telehealth platforms:
Remote healthcare apps expose networks and data transfers to cyber threats. Patient privacy may be compromised.
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Pharmaceutical firms:
The race to develop vaccines and therapeutics has led to state-sponsored targeting of intellectual property.
Impacts of Healthcare Data Breaches
Cyberattacks and data breaches create multiple cascading effects beyond the immediate financial costs:
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Disrupted operations:
Technical systems failures impede diagnosis, treatment, and hospital workflows.
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Patient safety risks:
With compromised devices and records, medical errors and delays in care become more likely.
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Reputational damage:
Loss of patient trust due to privacy violations can destroy the brand image.
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Regulatory penalties:
Healthcare entities face fines for violating HIPAA and other security rules.
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Class action lawsuits:
Patients take legal action over the exposure of their confidential data.
The following chart reveals the top causes of healthcare cyber breaches:
Data Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Steps to Bolster Healthcare Cybersecurity
Healthcare entities can take proactive measures to guard against rising cyber threats:
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Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in systems and workflows.
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Implement robust network security protocols, access controls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication.
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Install advanced endpoint detection, anti-malware, and email security to prevent intrusions.
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Maintain detailed activity logs and conduct behavioral analysis to detect anomalies.
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Provide regular cybersecurity training to employees to create a culture of vigilance.
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Demand cyber risk management from third-party vendors and business associates.
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Establish an incident response plan for detecting threats early and minimizing damage.
Government Regulations Around Healthcare Security
Various federal and state laws mandate healthcare organizations to have appropriate safeguards:
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HIPAA:
Sets data privacy and security standards for protected health information. Violations carry civil and criminal penalties.
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HITECH Act:
Expanded HIPAA breach notification requirements and security responsibilities.
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NIST Cybersecurity Framework:
Voluntary cybersecurity guidance for critical infrastructure like healthcare.
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State laws:
Regulations like CalCIPA in California strengthen the protection of medical information.
The Outlook for Healthcare Cybersecurity
As healthcare providers accelerate their digital transformation, cyber risks are intensifying. Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 45% of healthcare delivery organizations globally will have experienced a ransomware attack.
The adoption of technologies like IoT, big data analytics, and AI also expands the attack surface. While cyber threats cannot be fully eliminated, healthcare systems can get ahead of risks by embracing a “cybersecurity-first” culture focused on resilience.
With strong preparation and response capabilities, healthcare entities can detect and recover from attacks while providing quality care securely in the digital age.
FAQs
How do healthcare cyberattacks occur?
Cyberattacks in healthcare can occur via phishing emails, ransomware campaigns, unsecured devices/networks, insider threats from employees, or third-party vendor risks. Poor access controls and limited security training worsen vulnerabilities.
What kind of data is at risk in healthcare breaches?
Sensitive data exposed often includes patient health records, personally identifiable information, social security numbers, financial/insurance details, and medical research.
What are some recent major healthcare cyberattacks?
High-profile incidents include ransomware attacks crippling hospitals like Scripps Health and Universal Health Services. The massive breach of LabCorp exposed 7.7 million patient records.
How can healthcare providers improve their cybersecurity?
Top strategies include transitioning to cloud-based security systems, encrypting data, using multifactor authentication, performing risk audits, implementing cybersecurity policies/training, and hiring CISOs.
What government regulations cover healthcare cybersecurity?
Key regulations are HIPAA and HITECH mandating the protection of patient medical data along with privacy breach notification processes. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is also a vital resource.
What recent trends are shaping healthcare cybersecurity?
Key shifts are wider adoption of IoT/connected devices, telehealth expansion, and migration to cloud computing presenting new attack vectors. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals compounds risks.
Conclusion
As digital systems and connected technologies transform healthcare, cyber threats represent the dark side of this innovation. Medical data has become a prime target for financially motivated hackers worldwide.
Meanwhile, healthcare systems often lag in cybersecurity readiness compared to other industries like finance and retail. By recognizing cyber protection of patient well-being as a core strategic priority, healthcare leaders can start to reverse this neglect.
Although the cyber risk landscape will remain complex, healthcare organizations that invest in robust multilayered security and staff training will be better positioned to thwart attackers. Cyber-hardening healthcare is crucial to fulfilling the promise of life-enhancing connected care.
