Healthcare Suffered 239.4 Million Cyber Attacks in 2020

FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies all have issued warnings about the surge in attacks


For as many opportunities as telehealth and other information technology innovations have opened up for healthcare organizations, they also have created a whir, wind of challenges and threats. And they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

VMware Carbon Black recently released 2020 data that paints a holistic view of the threats healthcare organizations face and should be prepared for in 2021. Researchers found that 239.4 million attempted attacks targeted healthcare alone in 2020, according to Security.

“Amid the pandemic, cybercriminals now have limitless attack methods,” said Rick McElroy, principal cybersecurity strategist at VMware Carbon Black. “Whether it’s using tried and true malware like EMOTET or using BitLocker to ransom systems, malicious actors continue to gain ground. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies have all issued warnings about the surge in cyberattacks against healthcare organizations.” 

VMware Carbon Black observed secondary infections, leveraged to facilitate long-term cyberattack campaigns, happening across the digital healthcare supply chain, leading to a surge of extortions.

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February 9, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


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