Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare 2024

Amidst the technological advancements in healthcare, the industry faces a relentless onslaught of cybersecurity threats. These threats undermine the integrity of patient data and erode the trust that forms the foundation of this critical sector. In this article, we detail the top cybersecurity threats to healthcare workers, along with tactics to help safeguard against personal data leaks.

Healthcare workers are at the forefront of these attacks, as they have direct access to sensitive patient data. This is why it is crucial for healthcare workers to be aware of the most significant cybersecurity threats facing the industry.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare

With the growing number of digital devices and the use of cloud-based services in healthcare, cyber threats have become more sophisticated and prevalent. Below we detail the top cybersecurity threats in healthcare.

1. Ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. In healthcare, these attacks can be particularly devastating as they can disrupt patient care and compromise sensitive information.

According to a 2021 report from the cybersecurity firm Check Point, healthcare is the industry most targeted by ransomware attacks, accounting for 27% of all attacks globally.

2. Phishing attacks

Phishing is a social engineering technique used to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or downloading malware. In healthcare, these attacks can lead to the theft of patient data or the compromise of medical devices.

According to a 2020 report from the cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, 80% of healthcare organizations experienced at least one successful phishing attack in 2019.

3. Insider threats

Insider threats can come from employees, contractors, or vendors with access to sensitive data. These threats can range from accidental data breaches to malicious activity.

According to a 2020 cybersecurity report, healthcare is the industry most likely to experience insider threats, with 58% of all incidents involving insider actors.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities

The increasing use of IoT devices in healthcare, such as medical sensors and wearables, has opened up new attack vectors for cybercriminals. Attackers can compromise these devices due to their lack of basic security features, granting them access to sensitive data or networks.

According to a 2020 report from the cybersecurity firm Armis, 80% of healthcare organizations have at least one unmanaged IoT device on their network, leaving them vulnerable to attack.

5. Cloud security vulnerabilities

Healthcare organizations are increasingly using cloud-based services to store and process patient data, but this also creates new security challenges. Cloud providers can be targets of attacks, and misconfigured or poorly secured cloud services can lead to data breaches.

According to a 2020 report from the cybersecurity firm McAfee, the number of cloud-based threats increased by 630% between January and April 2020.

Why Is Cybersecurity So Important In Healthcare?

The healthcare industry is one of the most targeted sectors when it comes to cyber attacks. Cyber attackers frequently target hospitals and imaging centers because of the valuable data they possess, such as personal health information (PHI) and financial information.

Our healthcare heroes face a daily barrage of cybersecurity threats, including phishing attacks, ransomware, and insider threats. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to these threats, as they often need to access patient data from remote locations or on the go. Recent cybersecurity breaches in healthcare have highlighted the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures.

• According to a 2021 report from Bitglass, the healthcare industry accounted for 39% of all reported data breaches during the prior year.
• In 2022, cyber breaches in healthcare reported a total of 599 incidents, impacting over 26 million individuals.
• Ponemon Institute found that the average cost of a data breach for a healthcare organization is $9.23 million.
• A 2021 report from SecurityScorecard found the healthcare sector has the highest vulnerability score of all industries (Average score of 688 out of 950).

Impact of Cybersecurity Threats On Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a prime target for cyber attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data that healthcare workers handle, including patient health records and financial information. Cybersecurity threats can not only result in the loss or theft of this information, but they can also disrupt hospital operations, cause financial damage, and put patients’ lives at risk.

In recent years, there have been numerous examples of cyber attacks on healthcare organizations, with varying degrees of impact. Here are some recent examples of cybersecurity attacks in healthcare and their consequences.

Examples of Recent Cyber Attacks in Healthcare

Singapore Health Services Authority (HSA) July 2020 Cybersecurity Attack

In July 2020, the Singapore Health Services Authority (HSA) announced that it had suffered a cyber attack that compromised the personal information of at least 160,000 blood donors. Some sources estimate as many as 800,000 personal information profiles were leaked. The attack was caused by a vulnerability in the software used by a third-party vendor.

Magellan Health April 2021 cybersecurity attack

In April 2021, the healthcare services provider Magellan Health announced that it had suffered a data breach that exposed the personal and health information of its clients. The breach was caused by a phishing attack that allowed cybercriminals to gain access to the company’s systems.

Hammersmith Medicines Research 2020 cybersecurity attack

In 2020, medical research company Hammersmith Medicines Research was hit by the Maze ransomware attack, which led to the theft of sensitive data related to COVID-19 vaccine trials. The hackers posted the patient data online after the organizations involved failed to pay the ransom.

Leon Medical Centers January 2021 cybersecurity attack

In January 2021, the Miami-based healthcare provider Leon Medical Centers suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its operations and compromised the personal and health information of its patients. The attack was caused by a vulnerability in the company’s remote desktop protocol (RDP).

Universal Health Services September 2020 cybersecurity attack

In September 2020, the US-based healthcare provider Universal Health Services suffered a major ransomware attack that affected more than 400 of its facilities across the United States. The attack disrupted patient care and operations, and it took several weeks for the company to fully recover.

These examples demonstrate the range of cybersecurity threats that healthcare organizations face, from ransomware attacks to phishing attacks and vulnerabilities in third-party software. It is important for healthcare organizations and their workers to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from these threats.

This is where enhanced security measures and encryption services play a crucial role in foiling cybersecurity threats.

How To Prevent Cyber Threats in Healthcare

To mitigate cybersecurity threats, healthcare workers must take proactive measures to safeguard their data and systems. One of the most effective ways to do this is to implement robust security protocols and best practices. Below are some of the best practices and proactive security measures healthcare workers can take to prevent cybersecurity attacks in healthcare.

1. Keep all software up to date

Keeping all software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches is one of the easiest and most effective measures to protect your data from the latest threats. Many cybersecurity attack prey on outdated software and update version. Always keep your systems updated with the latest security patches. Consult with your IT department for update schedules.

2. Conduct regular security awareness training

Healthcare workers should receive regular training on cybersecurity best practices and be educated on the latest threats and attack techniques. This can help employees to recognize potential threats and avoid falling prey to phishing or social engineering attacks.

Cybersecurity teams are known to send out phishing attacks to employees to assess cybersecurity awareness and threat levels. Best practice is to always stay vigilant and err on the side of caution.

3. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC)

RBAC is a method of restricting access to sensitive data based on a user’s job responsibilities. This is an effective, multi-layered approach to safeguarding sensitive information. By implementing RBAC, healthcare organizations can limit the number of users who have access to sensitive data, reducing the risk of data breaches.

4. Monitor email and network traffic

Healthcare workers should regularly monitor email and network traffic for any signs of suspicious activity. This can help to detect and respond to threats before they can cause significant damage. A good rule of thumb is to never click on any links from an an unverified source.

5. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA requires users to provide more than one form of authentication, such as a password and a one-time code sent to their phone, before they can access sensitive data or systems. This can help to prevent unauthorized access, even if a user’s password is compromised.

6. Use antivirus and antimalware software

Antivirus software can help to detect and remove malicious software that could compromise the security of healthcare systems and data. Stop cybersecurity threats before they are downloaded to your devices with a reliable antimalware software.

7. Utilize encryption services (VPN) for healthcare workers

Most importantly, utilize a reliable encrypted connection. A VPN is a powerful tool that encrypts all data transmitted between a device and the internet, making it virtually impossible for cybercriminals to intercept or steal sensitive information.

Additionally, VPNs can help to mask the user’s IP address, making it difficult for hackers to track their location or identity. This is one of the most effective cybersecurity measures to prevent cyberattacks in healthcare and protect your personal information.

Healthcare workers should be discouraged from using unencrypted data connection to access work-related data or systems. The use of unencrypted connection (unsecured network) increases the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.

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VPN: An Essential Tool for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers need to access patient data from multiple locations, including hospitals, clinics, and their own homes. This makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks, as they may be using unsecured networks or devices to access sensitive data. Using a VPN can help healthcare workers to secure their online activities and protect patient data.

Stay HIPAA compliant, prevent the loss of sensitive information, and ensure your data is safe.

When healthcare workers use mobile devices to access healthcare systems or data, they may unwittingly transmit sensitive data over unsecured networks. This could include location data, IP addresses, login credentials, credit card data, banking information and other personally identifiable metadata.

A VPN is a low-cost (as low as $3 a month) and effective proactive measure to keep online activity private and protect from loss of personal information.

VPN Service Main Benefits to Healthcare Workers

• Protects sensitive patient data from unauthorized access or theft.
• Encrypts all data transmitted between devices and the internet, making it virtually impossible for cybercriminals to intercept or steal.
• Dark Web monitoring actively scans databases across the internet and notifies you if your information has been leaked.
• Enables remote access to healthcare systems and data without sacrificing security.
• Helps to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, such as HIPAA.
• Masks the user’s IP address, making it difficult for hackers to track their location or identity.
• When using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and susceptible to cyber attacks, a VPN provides an additional layer of security.
• Improves the overall security posture of healthcare organizations, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
• Added perk: (You didn’t see this here). Stream movies and shows that are normally not available in your country or region.

Learn more about keeping personal information safe on our Top 5 VPNs for Healthcare Workers article. We break down the key features of each VPN service to help you stay protected.

What is The Best Way To Defend Against Cybersecurity Threats To Healthcare?

The best way to safeguard against cybersecurity threats in healthcare is to empower an informed healthcare workforce. Our healthcare heroes serve as the frontline defenders against potential threats. Healthcare workers should be appropriately equipped with knowledge encompassing the tactics employed in cybersecurity attacks, as well as strategies to effectively counteract them.

Overview

In conclusion, It cannot be stressed enough how critical it is to address cybersecurity threats in healthcare. Without proactive measures to minimize risk, security breaches can have dire consequences. One of the main reasons healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks is due to their direct access to highly sensitive patient information, coupled with the growing use of IoT devices.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that these healthcare workers are also the frontline defenders against cybersecurity threats. Your knowledge and vigilance regarding cybersecurity best practices can be the most effective defense against cyber attacks in healthcare. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that healthcare workers are well-informed about the potential threats and equipped with the necessary tools to prevent and stop such attacks.

Using a VPN encryption service coupled with safe browsing practices is an effective way to stay HIPAA compliant and ensure a secure connection to sensitive data.

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