Ransomware in Healthcare: Required Reading

Unless you’ve been living on a desert island, you’ve been hearing about the harrowing rise in ransomware attacks in the U.S. and around the world. There’s no shortage of ransomware in the news, but we’ve pulled together some required reading to help you understand why it’s on the rise—especially in healthcare—and to explain the costs and risks of ransomware. You’ll also get tips on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim, and what to do if the worst happens.

 

• Fierce Healthcare:

Before attacking IT systems, hackers stole information from 147K patients, Scripps Health says

 

• Becker’s Hospital Review:

18 numbers that show how big a threat ransomware is for healthcare

“An attack on San Diego-based Scripps took the health system offline for about three weeks, resulting in patients having to go elsewhere for emergency services.”

 

• Security:

Clinical treatment of ransomware in healthcare – June 9, 2021

“In 2020, at least 92 US healthcare organizations suffered ransomware attacks, resulting in an average ransom demand of $169,446 and netting cybercriminals an estimated $15.6 million in ransoms demanded from the US healthcare sector.”

 

• Healthcare Dive:

Rising hospital ransomware attacks could endanger patients, hit bottom lines hard, Moody’s says

 

• Cybersecurity News:

Sky Lakes Medical: A First-Hand Look at Fall Ransomware Attack, Recovery

“What Happened? On October 26, 2020, an employee opened an email and clicked a link to Google Drive and downloaded a file the individual thought was related to a company bonus…”

 

• HealthTech:

The Threat of Ransomware Still Looms Large Over Healthcare

“Security firm KnowBe4 found that organizations that conduct regular anti-phishing exercises can lower their risk by more than 80 percent over the course of a year.”

 

Employees clicking on a seemingly valid email link is one of the most common causes of ransomware attacks. Our Phishing Simulation service is a low-cost, high-impact way to identify vulnerable employees and train them to help protect your practice. Download the best-practices whitepaper or to assess your risks.

 

• Dark Reading:

Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack Proves a Single Password Isn’t Enough

“The single-factor authentication method granted the attackers access to Colonial’s IT network and, in turn, its sensitive data.”

 

“Given the growing frequency of attacks and the greater potential for operational disruption, regulatory scrutiny and reputational risk, the [healthcare] sector will come under increasing pressure to boost its investment in cybersecurity.”

 

• Becker’s Hospital Review:

US officials: Do these 7 things after a ransomware attack

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