Healthcare Systems Receive Cyberattack Alert

The alert warns healthcare sector about possible threat Iranian hackers might pose to systems and facilities.

By HFT Staff


The nation’s healthcare systems continue to upgrade their information technology defenses against increasing cyberattacks that often seek access to valuable patient data, among other goals. Now, the Office of Information Security with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a brief warning the healthcare sector about the possible threat Iranian hackers might pose to the healthcare industry. The brief highlighted five things to know about Iranian hacker groups: 

  • Iranian threat groups such as Pioneer Kitten, UNC3890 and Magic Kitten are known to target the healthcare sector. 
  • In June, Christopher Wray, director of the FBI, revealed that Iranian government-backed hackers attempted to execute a cyberattack against Boston Children's Hospital. 
  • Iranian hackers have been known to engage in website defacement, malware, theft of personally identifiable information, spear phishing and distributed denial-of-service attacks against their victims. 
  • These groups are also known for wiper malware, as well as retaliatory attack strategies. 
  • HHS recommends that healthcare organizations implement user training, especially regarding phishing and other types of social engineering in order to mitigate attacks from Iranian-backed hackers. 


November 18, 2022


Topic Area: Information Technology , Security


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.