Picture this: In 2022, the healthcare sector faced a storm of top Healthcare Cybersecurity threats, a digital attack that ran rampant parallel to the real-world health crises. Amidst these cyber threats, data breaches took center stage, catapulting to an alarming number.
More than a million precious, confidential healthcare records found themselves in unauthorized hands, glaringly exposed to the digital wilderness. The fallout?
An astonishing 49.8 million breached records, earning 2022 a notorious second-place rank in the dubious history of healthcare data breaches, with only 2015 witnessing a higher number.
This sobering reality underscores the significance of fortifying our digital defenses, as this cyber battleground proves as challenging, if not more, than the health obstacles we face in the physical world. Dive in with us as we unravel the top Healthcare Cybersecurity threats.
Top Healthcare Cybersecurity Threats
The threats faced by the healthcare sector are manifold and ever-evolving, with new vulnerabilities and attack vectors being discovered regularly. It’s essential to understand the current landscape of top cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector to be better equipped in defending against them.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are one of the top cybersecurity threats facing the healthcare sector today. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files, demanding a ransom to restore access.
Such attacks have significant implications for healthcare providers, potentially disrupting critical patient care services and costing millions in financial damages.
Healthcare providers were the most targeted industry for ransomware attacks in 2022, with one in 42 organizations being attacked. Around 66% of US hospitals experienced a ransomware attack in 2022, resulting in an average remediation cost of $1.85 million.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are another common threat. In these attacks, cybercriminals impersonate trustworthy sources to trick victims into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.
These attacks can lead to serious data breaches, exposing patients’ personal and medical information.
From October 2009 to December 2021, there have been 4,419 reported breaches of protected health information, with over 800 of them being healthcare phishing attacks or email account hacks, indicating a significant increase in data breaches in the healthcare sector.
The 2021 HIMSS Healthcare Cybersecurity Survey found that phishing attacks were the most common type of cyberattack in the U.S. healthcare industry.
Specifically, the survey found that 57% of respondents reported that their most significant security incident involved a phishing attack.
Insider Threats
Surprisingly, not all threats to healthcare cybersecurity come from external sources. Insider threats, whether from negligent or malicious employees, can pose serious security risks. These can include inappropriate access to patient records, intentional data breaches, and the accidental downloading of malware.
Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become increasingly prevalent in healthcare, with devices such as patient monitors, MRI machines, and insulin pumps connected to networks.
However, these IoT devices often have security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit, potentially leading to patient harm and significant financial losses.
According to a recent survey report over half of hospital-connected devices pose critical risks. These include IV pump vulnerabilities, outdated Windows versions in key departments like oncology, pharmacology, and laboratories, and widespread insecure password use.
Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks are a growing concern, where cybercriminals exploit less secure components within an organization’s supply chain to breach their end target. Within the healthcare industry, this may involve hacking a software provider or a third-party contractor.
To illustrate this trend, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reported in 2022 that one in three organizations experienced a cybersecurity breach in the last two years, with the breach originating from a third-party.
Furthermore, according to a study by Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach resulting from third-party risks amounted to $9.5 million in 2022.
These figures underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures throughout the entire supply chain.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are long-term targeted attacks where hackers gain unauthorized access to a network and remain undetected for an extended period. These attacks can lead to large scale data breaches and significant operational disruptions.
The CrowdStrike Global Threat Report 2023 noted APTs behind about 50% of all cyber intrusions. Further, the Ponemon Institute reported an average dwell time of 207 days in 2020 and a cost of around $5.2 million per APT incident.
Mobile Device Vulnerabilities
With the increasing use of mobile devices in healthcare, vulnerabilities associated with these devices also pose a significant threat. If not adequately secured, these devices can provide easy access points for cybercriminals to infiltrate the network and gain access to sensitive information.
To quantify this concern, a study by Verizon’s 2022 Mobile Security Index found that 41% of healthcare organizations had suffered a security compromise involving a mobile device in the past year.
Further, a report by Lookout, a mobile security platform, revealed that the risk of mobile phishing and device vulnerability has increased in U.S. government agencies since 2021, with nearly 50% of phishing attacks targeting government personnel aimed at stealing credentials, up from 30% in 2020.
AI-Driven Attacks
With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI-driven attacks have become more sophisticated and harder to detect and prevent. These attacks can take various forms, from AI-powered phishing attempts to AI-driven malware.
Putting this into perspective, a report by Capgemini Research Institute found that 61% of enterprises said they could not detect breach attempts today without the use of AI technologies. Moreover, according to Webroot, an internet security company, 91% of cybersecurity professionals fear that hackers will use AI to launch sophisticated cyber-attacks. This data highlights the urgent need to counter AI-driven threats with robust AI-powered defense strategies.
Outdated Systems
Outdated systems and software are significant cybersecurity risks in the healthcare sector. These systems often have known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the network.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service, or DDoS attacks, are a significant cybersecurity threat not only to the healthcare industry but across various sectors. In these attacks, cybercriminals overload a network, service, or server with excessive requests from multiple sources, effectively rendering the system unresponsive.
For a healthcare institution, a DDoS attack can have devastating effects. Considering the critical nature of healthcare services, any disruption can be life-threatening. For instance, if a hospital’s network becomes inaccessible due to a DDoS attack, it could impede access to electronic health records, delay surgeries, or disrupt other critical services.
Mitigating Healthcare Cybersecurity Threats
While the list of cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector is extensive, there are effective strategies and measures that healthcare institutions can implement to mitigate these threats.
Regular System Updates
Keeping systems and software updated is one of the most effective ways to protect against cybersecurity threats. Regular updates patch known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Employee Training
Regular and comprehensive cybersecurity training for all employees can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. Training should cover areas such as recognizing and responding to phishing attempts, maintaining strong passwords, and understanding the importance of protecting patient data.
Investing in Advanced Security Solutions
Investing in advanced security solutions, such as AI-driven threat detection systems, can help healthcare organizations identify and respond to cyber threats more effectively. These systems can detect unusual activity on the network, alerting security teams to potential breaches.
Securing IoT Devices
Healthcare organizations need to ensure that all IoT devices used are secured. This includes regularly updating the device software, using strong, unique passwords, and disabling unnecessary features.
Implementing Strong Access Controls
Implementing strong access controls, including two-factor authentication, can help protect against unauthorized access to the network and sensitive data. These controls ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific areas of the network.
Regular Network Monitoring
Regular network monitoring can help detect any unusual activity that could indicate a cyber attack. This involves monitoring all network traffic and analyzing it for signs of potential threats.
Creating Incident Response Plans
Having a well-documented incident response plan in place is crucial in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Such a plan should detail steps to be taken in the event of a breach, including how to contain the incident, how to communicate with stakeholders, and how to recover lost data.
Working with Trusted Partners
When working with third-party vendors or partners, healthcare organizations need to ensure they are reputable and follow best practices for cybersecurity. This includes conducting regular security audits and requiring partners to comply with security standards.
Taking Out Cybersecurity Insurance
Taking out cybersecurity insurance can help protect against the financial impact of a cyber-attack. While it doesn’t prevent attacks, it can cover costs associated with recovery, including data recovery, legal expenses, and public relations efforts.
Conclusion
As we draw this narrative to a close, it’s clear that the tableau of top healthcare cybersecurity threats is expansive and ever-changing. However, in this dynamic threat landscape, healthcare organizations have the power to fortify their defenses substantially.
The recipe for resilience is multi-faceted: keeping a vigilant eye on the emerging threat landscape, harnessing advanced security solutions, and cultivating a pervasive culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization.
In this regard, organizations can look towards resources like Virtelligence, a specialist in IT staffing services. With their expertise, healthcare providers can access a robust pool of talent, equipped with the skills to bolster cybersecurity measures and keep pace with evolving threats.
Remember, people are the first line of defense in cybersecurity, and with the right talent in place, organizations stand a stronger chance against the menacing tide of cyber threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cybersecurity threat to healthcare?
Ransomware attacks are currently considered the biggest cybersecurity threat to the healthcare sector. They can disrupt healthcare services, cause financial losses, and lead to breaches in patient confidentiality.
Why is healthcare a target for cyber-attacks?
The healthcare sector is a prime target for cyber-attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data they hold, including personal and medical information. Furthermore, the urgent need for services can make healthcare organizations more likely to pay ransoms in ransomware attacks.
How can healthcare organizations protect themselves against cyber threats?
Healthcare organizations can protect themselves by keeping systems and software updated, providing regular cybersecurity training to employees, implementing strong access controls, regularly monitoring network activity, and investing in advanced security solutions.
What are the consequences of a cyber attack in healthcare?
The consequences of a cyber attack in healthcare can be severe, including disrupted healthcare services, breaches of patient confidentiality, reputational damage, and significant
