Does Your Patient Care Team Include a Cyber Security Expert?

With a surge in ransomware attacks and other cyber threats targeting medical facilities, safeguarding patient data has become a critical concern for healthcare organizations. A recent study revealed that ransomware attacks on healthcare delivery organizations have more than doubled, compromising the personal health information of millions of patients. The need for a dedicated cybersecurity expert on the patient care team is more vital than ever.

At Asgard Cyber Security, we understand the unique challenges faced by the healthcare sector and offer tailored solutions to protect your organization from potential threats. Our team of experts is dedicated to empowering healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their operations and patient information. Don’t wait for a cyberattack to disrupt your practice—contact Asgard Cyber Security today to ensure your organization is equipped to face the future securely.

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Types of Cyber Attacks in Healthcare

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in the healthcare sector. In fact, April 2024 saw 44 ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations—the highest monthly total in four years. These attacks can be devastating, with healthcare organizations losing an average of $900,000 a day due to operational outages caused by ransomware.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing and social engineering tactics remain major threats. In 2024, 19% of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations stemmed from malicious emails, while 9% were linked to phishing attempts. These attacks often exploit human vulnerabilities, making employee training crucial.

IoMT Device Vulnerabilities

The increasing adoption of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices has introduced new vulnerabilities. As healthcare facilities rapidly digitize, with an estimated 90% migrating to the cloud by 2025, securing these connected devices becomes paramount to protect patient data and safety.

During a recent interview, an Asgard Cyber Security expert relays a story he has seen many times and shares how he and his team were able to come to the rescue.

Q: When you initially met with Dr. Kerry Head and his Office Manager, were they surprised they had fallen victim to a ransomware attack?

ACE: Unfortunately, they were completely surprised. They had engaged an IT Outsourcing company that, among other services, installed anti-virus software on their office computers and made routine back-ups to their patient data. So, they assumed they were not vulnerable to such an attack.

In spite of doing everything right, Dr. Head and his staff came into the office one day and saw an image like this on every computer screen. It was a sobering moment. They quickly learned all their data was being held for ransom.

The backups of the data were not available and the hackers were demanding $3,500.

Cybersecurity Challenges in Healthcare

Employee Training and Awareness

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare cybersecurity is ensuring all staff members are adequately trained and aware of potential threats. As Connie Barerra, CISO at Jackson Health System, notes: "You can have the most stellar security team, and if they're the security team from yesterday -- the ones in that dark room behind the locked doors that were really unapproachable, never really seen and never interacted with people -- that's a problem. We need to get out there and talk to our users."

Regulatory Compliance (e.g., HIPAA)

Healthcare organizations must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, including HIPAA compliance. This adds an additional layer of complexity to cybersecurity efforts, as non-compliance can result in severe penalties.

Rapid Digital Transformation

The healthcare sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with an estimated 90% of healthcare facilities migrating to the cloud by 2025. This rapid change introduces new vulnerabilities that cybersecurity measures must address.

The total outlay of dollars by Dr. Head and his staff including the attorney fees was in excess of $75,000. Not to mention the disruption to his business, which was substantial. "A month of no patient schedule access, not knowing who was going to show up each day," said Stacie W, Dr. Head's office manager. "It was a disaster. The effort and embarrassment of potentially having to notify all our patients of the breach was devastating."

Thankfully, Dr. Head had Cyber Security insurance, but his premiums have now increased substantially. In fact, in some regions of the country, it is impossible or prohibitively expensive to get Cyber Security insurance at all.

Protecting Patient Data and Privacy

The protection of patient data and privacy is paramount in healthcare cybersecurity. With 92% of healthcare organizations experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past 12 months, and an average of 40 attacks per organization, the need for robust data protection measures has never been more critical. In 2024, the average cost of a healthcare cybersecurity compromise reached $4.74 million, highlighting the financial implications of data breaches.

It was after experiencing this terrible incident that Dr. Head began working with us at Asgard. "Dr. Head felt comfortable with our team after our very first meeting. And better still, what he really liked was our software, Asgard Ransomware Data Protector. With our software in place, he knows he won't have to relive that kind of disruption, cost, and headache again."

Cybersecurity Strategies for Healthcare Organizations

Regular System Updates and Patches

Keeping systems up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial. In 2024, 34% of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations resulted from vulnerability exploitation, emphasizing the importance of regular updates.

Third-Party Risk Management

Healthcare organizations must also manage risks associated with third-party vendors and partners. This includes conducting thorough assessments and ensuring all partners adhere to stringent security standards.

Asgard went on to do system penetration testing for Dr. Head, which is a simulation of a potential attack, that helped our team find and document vulnerabilities the doctor and his staff hadn't even considered. Recognizing that his staff was a possible weakness in his cyber protection, Dr. Head also engaged Asgard to train his staff and conduct simulated phishing attacks (emails and texts designed to get users to click on links which open up malware that attacks your systems and data).

Q: What advice would you give to other healthcare providers?

ACE: Well, I guess a couple of things….one is, even the best IT Outsourcing firms are not necessarily cyber security experts. They are very effective in doing what they do and Asgard does not replace those service providers. It's kind of like when your family doctor sends you to a specialist for a particular, complex health issue. Some things just require more than a generalist can provide.

I would also say, what you don't know CAN hurt you. If anyone reading this would like to get peace of mind to know they are really protected in today's ever-changing cyber security threat landscape, give us a call for a free assessment of risks in your business. It could save you a lot of future headaches and money.

Impact of Cyber Attacks on Patient Safety and Care Delivery

Cyber attacks can have severe consequences on patient safety and care delivery. Operational outages caused by ransomware attacks can disrupt critical healthcare services, potentially putting lives at risk. In 2024, $133.5 million of confirmed payments were sent to ransomware groups targeting healthcare organizations, highlighting the scale of the problem and its potential impact on patient care.

Emerging Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare

Collaboration Between Nation-States and Ransomware Attackers

There's a growing concern about potential collaborations between nation-state actors and ransomware groups, which could lead to more sophisticated and targeted attacks on healthcare infrastructure.

Geopolitical Risks

Geopolitical tensions can spill over into the cyber realm, with healthcare organizations potentially becoming targets in larger conflicts. This underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation.

Future of Healthcare Cybersecurity

The future of healthcare cybersecurity will likely involve increased use of AI and machine learning for threat detection, greater emphasis on zero-trust architectures, and more comprehensive staff training programs. As the healthcare sector continues to digitize, cybersecurity will become an even more integral part of patient care and organizational strategy.

Resources and Support for Healthcare Cybersecurity Efforts

Healthcare organizations can leverage various resources to enhance their cybersecurity posture, including government agencies like CISA, industry associations, and specialized cybersecurity firms like Asgard Cyber Security. Collaboration and information sharing within the healthcare sector will be crucial in staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

To schedule some time with one of our experts, call (866) 343-3211

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