How hospital cyberattacks are affecting patients

The risk of hospital cyberattacks is concerning. These breaches can jeopardize not only sensitive medical information but also patient well-being. This can delay or prevent essential medical care, leading to life-threatening consequences for patients.

Moreover, sensitive patient information can be stolen, leading to privacy violations and potential misuse. The fallout from such attacks can erode public trust in healthcare institutions, making it harder for hospitals to operate effectively and safeguard their patients.

Recent hospital cyberattacks and what we can learn from them

Cyberattacks on hospitals are particularly devastating because they threaten not just data and financial security but also human lives. When cybercriminals target healthcare facilities, they can disrupt critical systems, such as electronic health records, medical devices, and communication networks.

Ascension cyberattack

The Ascension ransomware attack occurred in May 2024 when a large volume of sensitive medical records and other personal data was exposed online. The data breach involved Ascension, a data management company, which suffered a cyberattack that affected operations at its 142 hospitals.

Not only did the breach pose risks to patients being cared for since hospitals had to work around the system’s long downtimes—the attack also threatened the patients’ information. The breach raised serious concerns about data security and the vulnerability of sensitive personal information in the healthcare industry.

Change Healthcare cyberattack

In July 2024, Change Healthcare, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions, faced a significant cyberattack where cybercriminals infiltrated their system, compromising patient records. The breach caused delays in medical procedures and left many patients anxious about their personal information.

Why are hospitals targets for cyberattacks?

Hospitals are prime targets for ransomware attacks and data breaches because they house a wealth of sensitive information, including personal identification details, medical records, and financial data. Cybercriminals typically aim to steal this data for financial gain or to sell it on the dark web.

Some of the most common types of hospital cyberattacks

Cybercriminals employ various methods to infiltrate hospital systems. Here are the most prevalent types:

• Ransomware attacks: Bad actors encrypt hospital data and demand a ransom for its release. This can paralyze hospital operations and delay patient care.
• Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals send deceptive emails to hospital staff, tricking them into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
• Malware attacks: Malicious software is introduced into hospital systems, allowing hackers to access and extract patient data covertly.

How patients can protect themselves

While hospitals bear the primary responsibility for safeguarding patient data, there are steps individuals can take to help enhance their protection:

• Regularly update passwords and use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication on all sensitive accounts.
• Monitor financial statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information.

Keep your finger on the pulse

It is important to stay informed about breaches and check if you may be affected. Also, consider looking into features like identity, credit, and dark web monitoring when looking for an online security plan. A strong cybersecurity software with these features can alert you if your information is compromised, allowing you to act swiftly.