Cyberattacks come in many different forms, and a robust cybersecurity structure will account for all types.
In today’s digital world, healthcare organizations are prime targets for cyberattacks. With sensitive patient data, financial records, and the increasing use of internet-connected devices, the healthcare industry faces a range of cybersecurity threats. From sophisticated phishing schemes to malicious software like ransomware, understanding the various types of healthcare cyberattacks is critical to preventing and mitigating damage. This article dives into some of the most prevalent cyberattacks, from cryptojacking to tabnabbing, and provides tips on safeguarding your organization’s systems.
What Are Healthcare Cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks are malicious attempts by hackers to gain unauthorized access to computer networks with the intent to steal, manipulate, or destroy sensitive information. In the healthcare sector, such attacks can compromise patient data, disrupt medical services, and lead to significant financial losses. Below are some common types of cyberattacks healthcare organizations should be aware of:
Common Types of Healthcare Cyberattacks
These are some of the most common healthcare cyberattack types that individuals and organizations face in the industry:
1. Employee Access
Perhaps the most overlooked kinds of healthcare cyberattacks are those that are due to employees accessing a network or system, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, it can be a disgruntled employee, but most instances in which disclosures occur are simply by mistake.
Such attacks occur as a result of a failure to have the appropriate encryption tools, methods, or processes in place to ensure that employees are trained and organizations conduct their business in a cybersecurity-aware way. Investing in continuous education, protection, and oversight is key to guaranteeing the security of your systems.
2. Phishing
There are multiple variations in phishing. Probably the most concerning is the one that allows hackers to gain access to your information very quickly, whether after sending an email to a corporate account or after you allow third-party access.
Let’s consider a practical example. Imagine that you’re a nurse working late in the evening. You just happen to go and check your personal Gmail account from a hovered entities asset. You open up that link, and, all of a sudden, your data has been exposed. That’s just how quickly phishing attacks work.
3. Internet-of-Things (IoT) Devices
The Internet of Things or IoT is another common threat. In healthcare environments, an increasing number of various medical devices are becoming wireless and exposed to cyberattacks, viruses, and other threats.
But it doesn’t even have to be a medical device. Consider security cameras, for instance. They are often installed and left with maybe a non-specific domain-controlled username and password. All security cameras come with an administrator password such as “1, 2, 3” as their default, and the failure to modify that and control access to those devices can lead to disclosure.
Fortinet recently announced that they had a huge issue with known usernames and passwords being disclosed. It’s easy for a hacker to exploit vulnerabilities in the system and gain access through old usernames and passwords. There have been many known breaches in regards to that.
How to Enhance Your Organization’s Cybersecurity Protection
One way to do this that not many people take seriously is to establish a protocol for when an employee leaves your organization. Some people call this IT hygiene.
You may be quick to take an ex-employee off payroll, but you should also take the time to look into what type of system access and control that person had. Then, make sure to remove that access, diminish, and protect it. These steps should be incorporated into your organization’s standard workflow and process.
Another thing you should consider doing is partnering with cybersecurity experts like ThinkSecureNet. Improving your organization’s cybersecurity protection should be an ongoing endeavor as online threats change daily. That makes it nearly impossible for non-specialists to keep up and modify their protection accordingly.
Luckily, a trusted partner such as ThinkSecureNet can help you navigate cybersecurity threats with confidence and develop a solid recovery plan in the event of a breach.
Conclusion
Healthcare cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeting everything from patient data to system resources. Understanding the various types of attacks, from cryptojacking to tabnabbing, can help healthcare providers take proactive measures to protect their systems. By investing in employee education, securing IoT devices, and partnering with cybersecurity experts, healthcare organizations can reduce their risk of cyberattacks and ensure the safety of their data and patients.
