Healthcare Providers Face New And Improved Hacking Threats

The healthcare sector continues to be one of the hardest hit by hackers. The reasons behind it are many, but a continually evolving threat landscape is allowing hackers to be one step ahead. The WannaCry ransomware attack froze many parts of healthcare systems globally. In many ways it exposed the incredible vulnerability of healthcare systems worldwide by crippling hospital services and putting patient lives at risk. Many cybersecurity experts believe the healthcare industry needs to focus not only on preventing past attacks but also prepare for what a future attack may hold. Symantec’s 2018 Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) looks into four major threat areas healthcare providers are facing with the cyberattack of the future.

Ransomware attacks continue to be an ongoing threat to healthcare providers. Whether a hospital decides to give into demands and pay the ransom or choose to negotiate with the hackers is a decision only those in charge can make. Lives can literally be at stake and hackers continue to use that to their advantage by showing no signs of slowing down. Supply chain attacks are another continued weakness for healthcare providers. Some hackers choose to target healthcare suppliers who provide medical devices and other instruments hospitals depend on for patient care. The ISTR finds a 200% increase in healthcare supply chain hacks from 2017 to 2018.

Crypto-mining and crypto-jacking are an emerging threat for healthcare providers. These “miners” look to steal power needed to support their hacking efforts. Literally stealing or draining power from healthcare facilities can severely drain or halt their ability to provide services.

Lastly, healthcare providers and the Internet of Things (IoT) are intertwined. The internet highway enabling connections, data, and the services they provide are also at risk. Devices can be hacked, and entire systems can be brought to a standstill. The more opportunities the IoT creates for hospital services, the more avenues hackers can travel. With innocent mistakes, healthcare employees can give hackers that road into their data systems.

Keeping in mind all the threats healthcare faces today and tomorrow, there are many things healthcare and everyday device users can do to reduce hacking threats – at home and at work.

Don’t wait to apply the latest available security measures. Always keep OS and security patches up-to-date.

Beware phishing emails and unknown links. Hackers use all types of tactics to get users to open emails that often have malware links.

Continuing employee education is critical for thwarting attacks. As the hacking landscape continues to change, so does the focus of employee training need to keep up with it.

Keeping aware of hacks at home is just as important as at work. There’s no shortage of information available online to educate yourself on the latest hacking scams.