Skip to content
Amanda RindtOct 22, 2024 4:28:17 PM4 min read

Healthcare Organizations Under Cyber Threat: Boost Resiliency with Microsoft & Datalink

Healthcare Organizations Under Cyber Threat: Boost Resiliency with Microsoft & Datalink
7:40

Healthcare organizations have become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. A recent Microsoft Threat Intelligence report, "US Healthcare at Risk: Strengthening Resiliency Against Ransomware Attacks," revealed that ransomware remains one of the most prevalent and damaging cyberthreats faced by healthcare providers.

The report offers a detailed look into the evolving healthcare threat landscape, with a particular focus on ransomware. By reviewing this report, healthcare organizations can better understand how to navigate these threats and leverage collective defense strategies to improve their cybersecurity resilience.

Read Microsoft's new report on healthcare security trends!

Is your organization vulnerable or simply aiming to safeguard your environment against threat actors? Our solutions help healthcare providers streamline operations, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards. Learn how Datalink Networks can help you build a secure, efficient, and compliant healthcare IT environment. 

 

A Changing Threat Landscape for Healthcare

Before 2020, there was an unspoken rule among cybercriminals to avoid targeting sensitive sectors like healthcare, schools, and critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, that rule no longer applies. Over the past four years, the healthcare sector has seen a significant shift for the worse, with ransomware attacks becoming both more frequent and more sophisticated.

According to the report, healthcare remains one of the top 10 most targeted industries, with attacks growing in intensity. In the second quarter of 2024, healthcare was among the industries most affected, a trend that has persisted for the past four quarters. The financial impact of these attacks is staggering—healthcare organizations lose an average of $900,000 per day due to downtime alone. Moreover, many facilities that end up paying the ransom report an average payment of $4.4 million.

New call-to-action

The Impact of Ransomware on Patient Care

Ransomware attacks not only pose a financial risk but also threaten lives. When healthcare providers lose access to critical systems such as diagnostic tools or patient medical records, the disruption can lead to delays in care, which can have life-threatening consequences. Neighboring healthcare facilities also feel the impact, experiencing a surge of patients they may not be equipped to handle, leading to longer wait times and potentially severe outcomes for heart attack or stroke patients.

Rural healthcare providers are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks. These facilities, which may be the only healthcare option for miles, can face devastating consequences if ransomware disrupts their operations.

Why Healthcare is an Attractive Target for Cybercriminals

Healthcare organizations store vast amounts of sensitive data, which is one reason they are frequent targets for ransomware. However, the more significant factor is the potential financial payout. Healthcare facilities, committed to patient care, are often pressured to pay ransoms to avoid compromising patient safety or exposing sensitive data.

Many healthcare organizations also face challenges in building strong cybersecurity defenses. They often lack dedicated security personnel such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) or fully staffed security operations centers. Instead, cybersecurity responsibilities may fall to IT departments with limited resources. Without adequate cybersecurity training, healthcare staff may be unable to recognize phishing attempts, one of the most common entry points for ransomware.

Explore healthcare security trends in new Microsoft report.

How Cybercriminals Target Healthcare Organizations

Cybercriminals often employ evolving ransomware tactics, starting with gaining access to a healthcare organization’s network through phishing emails or social engineering tactics. Once inside, they quickly encrypt critical systems and data, targeting essential infrastructure such as patient records and diagnostic tools to pressure organizations into paying ransoms. According to the 2024 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, 389 healthcare institutions in the United States fell victim to ransomware attacks this fiscal year, resulting in network closures and delayed medical care.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), a growing cybercrime business model, also contributes to the rise in ransomware attacks. This model enables criminals without advanced technical skills to launch attacks by purchasing access to ransomware tools. The rise of RaaS widens the risk for healthcare organizations, making ransomware attacks more frequent and accessible to cybercriminals.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Healthcare

At Datalink Networks, we understand the importance of protecting healthcare organizations from ransomware and other cyberthreats. While many organizations may not have the resources to build a comprehensive cybersecurity program, collaboration within the healthcare community can play a critical role in improving resilience.

Joining organizations like Health-ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers) allows healthcare providers to share threat intelligence and best practices, similar to a "virtual neighborhood watch." Additionally, fostering a security-first mindset among healthcare staff and breaking down silos between IT and clinical teams is essential for building a robust incident response strategy.

For rural healthcare providers, Microsoft’s Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals offers affordable access to Microsoft security solutions and helps address root challenges through innovative approaches.

For healthcare organizations that have the resources to invest in security, the report provides guidance on:

IT Services for Healthcare List

 

Stay Informed and Protect Your Organization

In the face of increasing cyberthreats, healthcare organizations must take proactive steps to protect their systems and patient data. For more details on healthcare cyberthreats and ransomware resilience strategies, we recommend reading the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Report and watching the accompanying healthcare threat intelligence briefing.

At Datalink Networks, we understand the unique challenges the healthcare industry faces when it comes to cybersecurity. From safeguarding sensitive patient data to ensuring uninterrupted access to critical systems, healthcare organizations require specialized security strategies that go beyond standard solutions.

Our team is here to help you implement robust, healthcare-specific security measures designed to protect your systems from ransomware and other cyberthreats while ensuring compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your cybersecurity efforts, enhance your defenses, and protect the continuity of patient care.


Contact Us

avatar

Amanda Rindt

Marketing Manager

COMMENTS

RELATED ARTICLES