Cybersecurity risks in healthcare are a major concern due to the sensitive nature of the data involved and the potential consequences of breaches. The healthcare industry is a crucial part of a nation’s critical infrastructure, with various entities engaged in everything from routine activities to life-saving operations. While the public relies on this industry for their well-being, malicious cyber actors view healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) as prime targets. Their vast data collection and low tolerance for downtime make them particularly vulnerable to attacks.
Despite the high risk of cybersecurity threats, many HDOs adopt a weak approach to cybersecurity. This lack of sufficient measures often arises from budget constraints and competing priorities. For many organizations, the primary cost of cybersecurity is its disruptiveness; additional barriers and protocols can detract from patient care. However, as the industry becomes increasingly reliant on technology, inadequate healthcare IoT security directly impacts the quality of patient care.
Common Cyber Security Threats in Healthcare
- Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a significant threat, encrypting critical systems and demanding payment for access restoration. Healthcare organizations often pay ransoms to resume operations quickly, which perpetuates further attacks. - State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks
Nation-state actors target healthcare institutions to steal intellectual property or disrupt services, threatening national security. These attacks gather intelligence on healthcare policies for political or economic advantage. - Data Breaches
The healthcare sector is a prime target for data breaches, with attackers seeking Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). These breaches can lead to regulatory fines and loss of patient trust. - Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attacks overwhelm healthcare systems with traffic, causing significant disruptions to patient care and operations. They are often distractions for more severe attacks, such as data theft. - Insider Threats
Healthcare organizations are also vulnerable to insider threats, whether malicious or unintentional. Employees with access to sensitive data and systems may compromise security, making strong access controls and monitoring essential. - Hardware-Based Attacks
Many healthcare facilities lack visibility into their hardware assets, exposing them to hardware-based attacks. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in connected devices, especially those powered by the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). The lack of Layer 1 visibility allows these threats to go undetected, making it easier for attackers to bypass security protocols.
The Cost of Cyber Security Risks in Healthcare
Cyberattacks in healthcare are significantly costlier than in other sectors due to the time-sensitive nature of operations. Healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) face high remediation costs and substantial regulatory fines, often in the seven-figure range, for failing to secure their systems. Reputational damage can lead to business losses, with 27% of patients willing to switch providers after an attack.
Ransomware attacks are particularly prevalent. They made up 28% of cyber incidents in 2020. In the past two years, 43% of HDOs were affected. These attacks increase mortality rates by over 20%. They can disrupt systems crucial for life-saving equipment. This disruption creates chaos that compromises patient health.
Vulnerabilities in Healthcare Cybersecurity
Interconnected Environment
The interconnected nature of healthcare delivery systems allows attackers to move laterally across networks. This occurs after compromising a single device. As the number of connected devices increases, entry points for attackers multiply. This is especially true with the integration of IT and OT via IoMT.
Accessible Devices
Many devices are vulnerable due to remote access and telework. The shift to remote operations increases exposure to hardware-based attacks, making devices attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Supply Chain Risks
Supply chains can serve as gateways for attackers. Weak security postures among suppliers can expose healthcare organizations to risks, especially if suppliers inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities into the environment.
Mitigating Cyber Security Risks with Robust Solutions
Sepio’s Endpoint and Network Cybersecurity solutions provide comprehensive protection against cyber security risks in healthcare. Key features include:
- Comprehensive Asset Visibility: Gain complete visibility of all connected assets, including USB and network interfaces.
- Hardware-Based Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities and threats from malicious devices to enhance hardware cyber security.
- Real-Time Risk Management: Detect and mitigate risks to ensure infrastructure security.
- Blocking and Control Options: Instantly block risky assets upon connection to prevent potential breaches.
- Policy Configuration: Easily configure granular policies to manage USB and network interface usage effectively.
Ready to enhance your cybersecurity? Schedule a demo to see how we can protect your healthcare organization!
