Emerging Threats in Healthcare Cybersecurity: Patient Data at Risk

The healthcare sector is a prime target for cybercriminals because of the growing Cybersecurity dangers it faces. Numerous reasons that make healthcare institutions especially vulnerable can be blamed for this attack spike. Financial information, personally identifiable information (PII), and protected health information (PHI) are just a few of the sensitive data of healthcare businesses. On the dark web, this information is extremely valuable and frequently sells for up to ten times the amount of credit card information that has been stolen. Cybercriminals use this value by focusing on healthcare systems to get and sell this data. Malicious programs use phishing techniques to enter networks or exploit legacy system flaws. The research also emphasizes how ransomware is a serious concern since it can interfere with vital healthcare activities, even though it only makes up 0.30 percent of detections.

How Are Details Leaked in Healthcare Cybersecurity?

Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals often use phishing techniques to obtain private data. Workers might unintentionally click on harmful links or divulge login details via phony emails.

Insecure Remote Work: Since many employees might not have received enough training on cybersecurity best practices, the move to remote work has created vulnerabilities. Insecure home networks may potentially expose sensitive information.

Data Breaches: Significant data breaches are frequently the consequence of cyberattacks, in which hackers covertly access systems and steal vast amounts of private data.

Cybersecurity: Cyberattacks on healthcare companies

In 2022, there were 1,426 weekly cyberattacks on healthcare companies, a 60% rise over the previous year, according to sources. Because of the crucial nature of their operations and the necessity of gaining access to patient data, many healthcare facilities have been forced to pay for ransomware due to the prevalence of ransomware attacks. Numerous vulnerabilities are created by the intricacy of healthcare IT networks, which frequently combine antiquated systems and linked medical gadgets. Many medical equipment are vulnerable to exploitation because they employ off-the-shelf software that isn't always patched or updated. Advanced persistent threats (APTs), supply chain attacks, AI-driven attacks, and vulnerabilities in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) are new challenges facing the healthcare industry. These dangers pose serious risks to patient data and vital healthcare services by taking advantage of healthcare systems' increasing digitization and interconnectedness.

Cybersecurity: Why is it crucial for public health and national security?

According to the research, protecting important infrastructure, such as healthcare systems, is crucial for public health and national security as India continues its digital transition. The 2020 hack at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, which resulted in a protracted system outage, is cited in the media as one of the most significant hacks in Indian healthcare history. The breach of private patient information, including medical records, revealed negative points in the organization's cybersecurity readiness and infrastructure. In times of crisis, patients dealing with medical conditions may be forced to pay ransoms or meet demands since they frequently require immediate medical attention. Because of their desperation, companies may make snap decisions that jeopardize their security posture.

Data breaches involving patient information and COVID-19 test results were also reported during the pandemic. The healthcare system was also impacted by the 2021 Apollo Hospitals data breach caused by a third-party program weakness. In this case, almost 12 million people's names, addresses, phone numbers, and medical records were exposed.

Government Steps in India

The Indian government has taken several steps to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare sector:

Cybersecurity Frameworks: The government has set forth guidelines and frameworks to assist healthcare organizations in enhancing cybersecurity practices. This includes recommendations for improved data security protocols and incident response plans.

Awareness Programs: To raise the industry's general security knowledge, programs are being implemented to teach healthcare workers about cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Collaboration with Cybersecurity Agencies: The Indian government collaborates with agencies like the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to monitor threats and provide support during incidents.

Investment in Cybersecurity Infrastructure: There is increasing pressure on healthcare organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure and technology that can lessen the risks associated with cyberattacks.