Hackers are always looking to make a quick buck, and now, they’re targeting vulnerable sectors like healthcare for profit. In the past year, the shift in focus to health providers has become alarmingly clear. The infamous attack on Change Healthcare at the end of 2023 marked a significant turning point, highlighting the severe risks and consequences of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector.
Top Cyber Threats Facing Healthcare
Healthcare organizations—from large hospital networks to small rural clinics—face a unique set of cyber threats. The stakes are incredibly high, with potential consequences including compromised patient safety and operational disruption. According to Huntress’ 2024 Cyber Threat Report, here’s a breakdown of the most pressing threats to the healthcare industry:
- Trojans - 21.1% of attacks involve trojans, which can sneak into systems and create pathways for more severe breaches.
- Remote Access Trojans (RATs) - Making up 14.3% of attacks, RATs allow hackers to remotely control systems, often leading to significant data breaches.
- Initial access - Accounting for 10.7% of threats, attackers use a variety of tactics—like phishing or exploiting connected devices—to gain initial access into your systems.
These threats often precede ransomware attacks, which can disrupt operations and critically impact patient care.
The Devastating Impact of Ransomware
Ransomware remains a critical threat to healthcare providers. Such attacks can render vital data inaccessible, force ambulances to be rerouted, and overwhelm healthcare staff with manual processes. The surge in ransomware attacks underscores the escalating risk.
The most common ransomware families targeting healthcare today are:
- Dharma - 29% of ransomware attacks in healthcare
- DarkGate - 17% of attacks
- LockBit - 15% of attacks
Business Email Compromise (BEC) Threats
BEC is another major threat, where hackers can gain access to the healthcare personnel’s email in order to steal sensitive information or transfer funds. Common tactics include:
- Manipulating mailbox rules to redirect or access confidential communications.
- Using VPNs or proxies to bypass security measures.
- Attacking multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems.
- Gaining unauthorized access through stolen credentials.
Key BEC Findings:
- 34% of Microsoft 365 threats in healthcare involve malicious inbox rules.
- 26% involve the use of VPNs or proxies to circumvent security controls.
Tips for Navigating Today’s Cyber Threats
- Educate Employees: Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness with regular training to ensure staff can identify and respond to threats.
- Harness Technology: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and advanced email security to address specific challenges.
- Invest in Advanced Threat Detection: Utilize technologies like endpoint detection and response (EDR) combined with managed detection and response (MDR) to gain 24x7 threat detection and response.
- Add identity threat detection and response: Take advantage of managed services that focus on detecting and responding to unwanted access, BEC, and other identity-related threats.
- Regularly Update Systems: Keep all software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
Maintaining robust security in the healthcare sector is essential for ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders. Stay informed and proactive with our resources to safeguard your operations and patient services against emerging cyber threats.
For more insights, check out our Healthcare Cybersecurity Success Kit and Request a Huntress Demo to enhance your cybersecurity measures.