The same technology that makes it convenient for patients to request prescription refills, view test results and schedule appointments with physicians has also made it easier for hackers to launch crippling cyberattacks on hospitals and healthcare systems, and analysts say there’s no end in sight.
“These cyberattacks on our hospital infrastructures here and abroad only highlight the very urgent need for improved cybersecurity in healthcare overall,” asserted Steven McKeon, cybersecurity expert and founder of MacguyverTech.
In 2023, the healthcare and public health sector was the most targeted in the United States by ransomware attackers, according to a new FBI report, far surpassing other critical services like transportation and energy.
According to analysts, cybercriminals launch these very intricate and damaging ransomware attacks to lock up critical computer systems and steal data as a means of extortion.
Why is healthcare such an easy target? One reason might be its aging technology.
“Our company’s experience and its increasing demand to fix outdated technology that is in some cases more than a decade old is quite alarming,” McKeon continued. “With 1 in 3 Americans impacted by data breaches, modernizing these systems and enhancing cybersecurity measures are essential in protecting patient data and ensuring safety and continuity of care.”
But the healthcare system needs help, McKeon explained, in the form of increased federal funding and enforcement of required cybersecurity practices and enhancements.
“Collaborative efforts between governments and the healthcare industries are vital to tackling these threats and securing these systems for the long haul,” McKeon added.
Watch McKeon's recent ABC interview regarding TikTok security concerns here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifuPCwFVc6c.