In late 2015, IBM X-Force Security Research called attention to a shift in cybercriminals’ focus from retail to healthcare, and they warned of increased security risk in the healthcare sector, according to an article on the Security Intelligence website.
Halfway through the year, those predictions have become a reality.
Data breaches in the healthcare industry have been steadily increasing. They rose from 5 percent in 2013 to 8 percent in 2014, 9 percent in 2015 and 15 percent in the first half of 2016.
Opportunity for cybercriminals is the most disturbing aspect of the trend, the article said. Security-related threats and vulnerabilities include everything from mobile apps and cloud-based records to connected healthcare devices and the internet of (medical) things.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems