Reduce the Ransomware Risk to Healthcare Services with MDR

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) recently released its report on the cyber threat landscape for the healthcare sector and it didn’t make for pretty reading.

Why Healthcare Organisations are Prime Targets for Cybercriminals?

Healthcare providers are increasingly falling victim to cyber attacks, so much so, that cyber security experts are predicting that 2023 will easily surpass 2022’s figures. The data collated by ENISA highlight just how vulnerable the European health sector is with its figures showing a troubling trend that emphasizes the need for robust protection measures, including Managed Detection and Response services.

The Statistics

Healthcare Providers' Vulnerability: Healthcare providers made up 53% of the total cyber security related incidents, with hospitals bearing 42% of these. Health authorities, bodies, and agencies were targeted in 14% of incidents, followed by the pharmaceutical industry at 9%.
Ransomware as a Dominant Threat: Ransomware has reemerged as the leading menace, accounting for 54% of incidents. The trend appears likely to continue, especially considering that only 27% of surveyed organisations said they have a dedicated ransomware incident response plan in place.
Financially Motivated Attacks: Driven by monetary gain, cybercriminals threaten both health organisations and patients by threatening to reveal sensitive data. Such extortion schemes have targeted patient data, including electronic health records (30%), and an alarming 46% of incidents aimed to steal or leak health organisations' information.

What are the implications and Areas of Concern?

Targeting the Vulnerable: Patient Data at Risk

Patients' electronic health records are often the most targeted assets. The compromise of this information doesn't just breach privacy; it could have serious ramifications for patient care and safety.

Weak Defence Mechanisms

With only 27% of organisations having a dedicated ransomware defence programme, there’s an urgent need to fortify defences. The lack of robust security measures exposes healthcare providers to continuous threats.

Hospitals: The Main Battleground

Hospitals, being integral parts of the healthcare system, are particularly susceptible. With 42% of incidents reported, the threat to these establishments is high and any attacks on them can cause massive disruption and endanger lives.

The Need for Vigilance

The figures in the ENISA report highlight the need for healthcare organisations to be on high alert. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, the sector must adopt advanced protective measures, such as MDR services, to guard against these persistent and evolving threats. Protecting patient data isn't just a regulatory requirement; it's a moral obligation. And with healthcare being such a vital sector, a comprehensive defence strategy isn't just recommended, it's imperative.

Using Integrity360’s MDR Service to tackle ransomware

Enlisting the help of Integrity360’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service can significantly fortify an organisation's ransomware defences. Here’s a snapshot of the ways MDR can enhance security:

Cyber Incident Response Planning: MDR can analyse and prioritise alerts, handling threats on the client's behalf and taking swift action to eliminate them.
Improved Analytics and Assessments: By harnessing the insights of our cyber security experts insights, MDR helps organisations navigate daily security alerts, offering continuous insights into the attack surface, identifying weaknesses, and suggesting actions to bolster security.
Vulnerability Scanning: Our MDR teams thoroughly assess the threat environment, discovering unknown IT assets and entry points. They leverage advanced technologies to detect suspicious activities.
Configuring Devices and Applications: Ransomware often exploits device and application misconfigurations. Our MDR service tracks, identifies, and recommends corrections to such vulnerabilities.
Cyber Hygiene and Awareness: We work intimately with our customers to develop in-house security capabilities and skills. Industry leading and regular reporting on the latest vulnerabilities allow customers to take proactive measures.

If you are worried about any of the threats outlined in this blog or need help in determining what steps you should take to protect yourself from the most material threats facing your organisation, please Get in touch to find out how we can help. 