Cybersecurity attacks on healthcare organizations have been on the rise in recent years. These attacks can have serious consequences, including the loss of sensitive patient information and disruptions to the delivery of medical care.
One of the most high-profile recent attacks on healthcare was the ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline in May 2021. The attack resulted in the shutdown of the pipeline, which supplies fuel to the East Coast of the United States. While the attack did not specifically target the healthcare sector, it did have an impact on healthcare providers, as some hospitals reported difficulties obtaining fuel for their generators. This illustrates how a supply chain attack that has nothing to do with a healthcare entity can still have a direct impact on healthcare providers.
Another major attack on healthcare occurred in November 2020, when the ransomware group known as DarkSide targeted the Universal Health Services (UHS) network. The attack resulted in the disruption of computer systems at UHS facilities across the United States, causing delays in patient care and the loss of sensitive patient information.
One of the most notable healthcare data breaches occurred in 2018, when the personal information of millions of patients was exposed in a cyber attack on Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp. The data included sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and medical test results.
These attacks demonstrate the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare. Organizations must take steps to protect themselves from cyber threats, including implementing robust security measures, regularly updating their systems and software and routinely assessing their cybersecurity posture. It is also important for healthcare providers to have a plan in place for responding to a cyber attack and to regularly train employees on how to identify and report potential threats.
"Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Stop. Think. Connect." - Department of Homeland Security
Such measures can help healthcare organizations to prevent and respond to cyber attacks and minimize the impact on patient care.
