Healthcare Facilities Have Complex Cybersecurity Risks

Nonprofit hospitals face greater risks from cyberattacks than any other sector due to the interconnected nature of hospital technology, according to an article on the Crain's Detroit Business website.

Since 2010, the Michigan-based five-hospital Henry Ford Health System has reported four possible data breaches. Like others in healthcare, Henry Ford is required by federal privacy laws to report breaches and notify patients.

Because of this, Henry Ford has taken steps in recent years to protect patient data, educate its workforce and prevent and contain potential intrusions from ransomware attacks.

For instance, Henry Ford has created a robust vendor risk-management program to ensure companies that it does business with also take cybersecurity seriously.

There has been a significant increase in ransomware attempts against organizations responding to the pandemic, according to an article on the Built in website.

The pandemic pushed hospital staff that were able to work remotely — departments like vendor support and administration — into the home office. Healthcare cybersecurity experts usually urge keeping as much activity inside the firewall of the facility as possible. 

Read the full Crain's article.