The healthcare industry, with its vast repositories of sensitive patient information and interconnected systems, has become a focal point for cybercriminals worldwide. This article delves into why this sector is such an alluring target for malicious hackers, the implications of these breaches, and the steps that can be taken to bolster its cybersecurity defenses.
The Lucrative Appeal of Medical Data
Arguably, one of the primary reasons cybercriminals target healthcare institutions is the high value attached to medical data. This data, which spans everything from personal identification information to complete electronic health records (EHR), can fetch substantial sums on the black market.
The comprehensive nature of healthcare data makes it a gold mine for cybercriminals. A single EHR can command prices up to $500,000 on the dark web. Individual patient records, often used to commit tax fraud, secure drugs, and perpetrate identity theft, can be sold for between $1 to $5 per record. The potential for high returns makes the healthcare sector an attractive target for cyber-attacks.
In recent years, the demand for stolen healthcare records has surged. In 2015, a staggering 113.2 million healthcare-related records were stolen. This trend is not slowing down either. Cybersecurity reports indicate that healthcare data breaches increased by 94% in 2022, marking it the worst year in nearly a decade.
The Constraints of IT Security in Healthcare
Despite the evident risks, many healthcare institutions continue to operate with inadequate IT security measures. This lack of robust security infrastructure exposes them to a heightened risk of data breaches.
According to the Ponemon Institute's Sixth Annual Benchmark Study on Privacy and Security Health Care Data, many healthcare organizations lack the necessary budget to invest in technologies that can mitigate a data breach. Furthermore, they also struggle with securing adequate funding for incident response processes.
In addition to financial constraints, many healthcare organizations also grapple with a lack of skilled IT security practitioners. With a rapidly evolving threat landscape, the need for employees who can identify and respond to cybersecurity threats is crucial. Unfortunately, this need often goes unmet in the healthcare sector.
Neglect of Proven Security Technologies
Even though healthcare entities are required by law to protect patients' sensitive medical information, many have failed to implement basic security measures like data encryption and two-factor authentication. This neglect of proven security technologies makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Encrypting data in transit and at rest is a recommended risk management tactic. But, surveys indicate that a significant number of healthcare providers do not encrypt their data. Without encryption, patient data can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals using various attack methods.
Two-factor authentication is another critical security measure that many healthcare institutions have not adopted. This security measure adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide two forms of identification before granting access to sensitive information.
The High Cost of Breaches
When healthcare data breaches occur, the financial implications can be staggering. Beyond the immediate costs associated with investigating the breach and restoring systems, there are also long-term costs related to regulatory fines, legal fees, reputational damage, and potential loss of business.
Cyberattacks against hospitals, clinics, and doctors are estimated to cost the U.S. healthcare industry over $6 billion a year. An average data breach can cost a hospital as much as $2.1 million.
The impact of cyberattacks is not just financial; it can also have severe implications for patient care. A 20% increase in mortality rates has been linked to cyberattacks, highlighting the potential life-and-death stakes involved.
The Technology Paradox in Healthcare
While technology has greatly enhanced healthcare outcomes, it has inadvertently opened up new avenues for cyber threats. The increasing number of devices connected to networks and the rapid digitization of health records have compounded the vulnerability of the healthcare sector to cyberattacks.
The proliferation of networked medical devices such as dialysis machines, heart monitors, and digital pacemakers has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. These devices, while critical to patient care, are often designed without adequate consideration for cybersecurity, making them easy entry points for attackers.
The shift towards electronic health records (EHRs) has made patient information more accessible and shareable. However, it has also made this data more susceptible to theft. Cybercriminals can steal digitized health records much more easily than their physical counterparts, making the digitization trend a double-edged sword.
Staff Unpreparedness and Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness
Healthcare staff, while experts in their field, often lack the knowledge and training necessary to identify and prevent cyber risks. This gap in cybersecurity awareness can inadvertently expose healthcare organizations to cyber threats.
Healthcare staff are often underprepared to deal with cyber risks. With demanding schedules and limited resources, finding the time and means to educate medical staff on cyber threats and best practices can be challenging. However, this lack of education can leave healthcare organizations vulnerable to attacks.
Despite the limited resources and time, it's critical for healthcare staff to understand basic cybersecurity best practices. These include being wary of external emails with attachments or links, only sharing patient information securely, and never sharing personal information or passwords.
The Challenge of Legacy Systems and Budget Constraints
Despite the significant advances in medical technologies over the past decade, many healthcare systems continue to operate with outdated technology due to budget constraints. This reliance on legacy systems exposes them to greater cyber risks.
Many healthcare systems continue to operate with outdated technology due to financial constraints. These older systems often lack the necessary security updates to protect against modern cyber threats, leaving healthcare data at risk.
Budget constraints not only prevent healthcare organizations from upgrading their technology but also limit their ability to invest in necessary cybersecurity measures. Many healthcare organizations operate with a static or declining security budget, making it difficult to address emerging cyber threats effectively.
The Broad Sharing of Healthcare Data
In the healthcare industry, data is often broadly shared across organizations, devices, and systems to facilitate better patient outcomes. While this practice enhances collaboration and efficiency, it also creates more opportunities for cyberattacks.
The broad sharing of healthcare data across numerous devices and systems increases the attack surface for cybercriminals. With each connected device acting as a potential entry point for attackers, healthcare organizations face a constant battle to secure their networks.
Many existing or legacy devices pose additional security challenges as they were not designed with security and risk in mind. These devices often require post-sale, customer-driven efforts to secure them, adding to the complexity of the cybersecurity landscape in healthcare.
Cybersecurity Not a Priority for Healthcare Staff
While healthcare organizations may have extensive networks of medical devices and vast amounts of patient data, cybersecurity is often not a priority for healthcare staff. This lack of focus on cybersecurity can leave healthcare organizations vulnerable to cyber threats.
As healthcare organizations grow, so does the number and range of devices connected to their network. Each connected device increases the potential risk and acts as a possible threat vector for cyber-attackers.
Medical staff are often preoccupied with their daily duties and have minimal awareness of cyber risks, particularly as it relates to the connected devices used in patient care. This lack of awareness can leave healthcare organizations exposed to cyber-attacks.
Small Healthcare Organizations Also at Risk
While large healthcare systems may be prime targets for cyberattacks due to the large volumes of data they hold, smaller healthcare organizations are equally vulnerable. Despite their smaller size, these organizations often face similar cybersecurity challenges, albeit with fewer resources to address them.
Small healthcare systems often operate with limited security budgets, making it difficult for them to invest in necessary cybersecurity measures. Additionally, they often lack the resources or staff to manage cybersecurity internally and may not have the means to outsource these functions.
Regardless of their size, all healthcare organizations manage sensitive patient data and face similar challenges related to data and technology risks. As such, all healthcare organizations, large and small, need robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats.
The healthcare sector, with its interconnected systems and vast amounts of sensitive data, presents a lucrative target for cyber attackers. Understanding the reasons behind the sector's vulnerability can help healthcare organizations better prioritize their cybersecurity efforts and invest in appropriate measures to protect their data and systems. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is critical for healthcare organizations to stay abreast of emerging cyber threats and adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly.