Report Warns of Human Toll of Healthcare Cyber Attacks

Paper argues that cyberattacks on healthcare are attacks on society as a whole

By By Dan Hounsell


Cyber attacks are traumatizing healthcare organizations. An email attack potentially exposed about 45,000 patients' information. A ransomware attack cost a healthcare system about $67 million. But the growing wave of attacks also is taking a human toll.

Cyberattacks targeting healthcare are putting patients at unnecessary risk, and more must be done to hold the cyber criminals involved to account, warns the CyberPeace Institute. Faced with a ransomware attack, a hospital might pay the cyber criminals the ransom they demand in return for the decryption key because it's perceived to be the quickest and easiest way to restore the network and, therefore, the most direct route to restoring patient care.

The CyberPeace Institute paper argues that cyberattacks on healthcare are attacks on society as a whole, potentially creating threats to human life, particularly when campaigns are targeting hospitals and healthcare organisations during a pandemic.



March 15, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


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.