Photo Source: Mikhail Nilov
The rise of cybercrime in 2024 has placed healthcare organisations in a precarious position. Nearly a quarter of all reported cybersecurity breaches last year were in healthcare, signalling a growing vulnerability within an industry that handles sensitive patient data and critical systems.
Many healthcare institutions continue to fall short in their cybersecurity investments, despite increasing risks, . This escalating crisis is forcing healthcare providers to confront the urgency of stronger, more effective defences.
Why Healthcare is a Prime Target for Cybercriminals
The healthcare sector has become a prime target for cybercriminals, who view medical records as a “goldmine for cybercriminals engaged in identity theft, insurance fraud, or the sale of data on the dark web.” With a wealth of personal, financial, and protected health information (PHI) bundled together, health records are now seen as far more valuable than stolen credit card details. Hospitals, too, are vulnerable, relying on interconnected digital systems and IoT devices, from ventilators to imaging systems.
If compromised, these devices could have “severe, life-threatening consequences,” pushing attackers to demand ransom in the event of a ransomware attack. The risks are rising, yet cybersecurity investments in healthcare remain insufficient, with 92% of healthcare organisations reporting a cyberattack last year, a notable increase from the previous year.
Nearly 70% of these attacks disrupted patient care, proving that the consequences go far beyond financial loss.
The Cyberthreats Endangering Healthcare Systems
The healthcare sector faces a relentless barrage of cyberattacks, ranging from ransomware and phishing to insider threats and DDoS attacks. Ransomware continues to be the most damaging, with cybercriminals using double extortion tactics, “encrypting hospital data and threatening to leak it if a ransom isn’t paid.”
High-profile cases like the 2017 WannaCry attack and the 2021 breach of Scripps Health, which saw 150,000 health records compromised, highlight the profound disruptions such attacks can cause. Phishing schemes are another persistent risk, with attackers “tricking employees into revealing credentials,” opening the door to sensitive hospital systems.
Furthermore, the rise of connected medical devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps has created an “increasing attack surface in healthcare,” presenting more opportunities for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
A Proactive Defence Against Healthcare Cyberattacks
Healthcare organisations are increasingly relying on Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solutions to defend against the growing tide of cyber threats. Offering 24/7/365 monitoring, threat analysis, and rapid incident response, MXDR provides an ongoing cybersecurity presence. The benefits are vast: it helps protect patient data, as “patient data breaches can have severe consequences, including identity theft, insurance fraud, and compromised medical histories.”
Operational continuity is also ensured, with MXDR reducing the impact of downtime, which can have “life-threatening consequences” in healthcare settings. In addition, MXDR helps healthcare providers stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA, minimising the legal and financial risks associated with noncompliance.
The solution also goes beyond reactive defence, proactively hunting for vulnerabilities and newly discovered threats within hospital networks.
The Real-World Impact of Cyberattacks on Healthcare
Cybersecurity failures in healthcare have led to high-profile attacks with far-reaching consequences. In 2021, Scripps Health experienced a ransomware attack that “shut down its systems for nearly a month,” causing severe disruptions, including the use of paper records and delayed surgeries.
Similarly, in 2020, the University of Vermont Health Network’s six hospitals were impacted by a ransomware attack, resulting in system outages and patient diversions.
These examples make it clear that healthcare organisations must invest in advanced cybersecurity measures like MXDR to prevent future crises. Healthcare providers must understand that cybersecurity is an ethical obligation—not just a financial consideration. Solutions like MXDR and collaboration through groups like Health-ISAC are vital to protect patients and ensure operational continuity,
“With the stakes higher than ever, investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions such as MXDR and participating in industry collaboration will ensure that healthcare organisations remain resilient in an evolving threat landscape.”