Healthcare cyberattacks surge as AI-driven threats and ransomware attacks rise

Cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations have risen sharply, with a growing number of ransomware attacks and threats coming from third-party suppliers. A recent report by ClearDATA highlights how cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to improve phishing schemes and automate malware, making it easier to breach security systems.

The report warns that healthcare providers must take strong security measures to protect patient data and keep their systems safe. One of the key findings is that organizations using advanced security tools saw a 76% reduction in their attack surfaces, proving that proactive defense can limit cyber risks.

Rise in ransomware attacks targeting healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare providers are among the most targeted industries for cybercriminals. Hackers see medical data as valuable because it contains sensitive personal and financial information that can be sold or used for identity theft.

One of the most damaging cyberattacks in recent history happened in February 2024, when Change Healthcare, a company that handles billing and claims processing, suffered a ransomware attack. The breach affected 190 million people, exposing patient diagnoses, treatment records, insurance details, and even Social Security numbers.

The attacks can disrupt hospitals and pharmacies nationwide, delaying prescriptions and payments for medical services. UnitedHealth Group, which owns Change Healthcare, confirmed that the attack was one of the largest breaches ever recorded in the healthcare sector.

The report warns that ransomware attacks are growing in both frequency and impact, and healthcare organizations must invest in stronger security measures to prevent disruptions and data theft.

Increasing risk from third-party vendors

Healthcare organizations rely on many outside vendors for software, billing, and medical technology. These vendors often have access to patient records and hospital systems, making them a prime target for cybercriminals.

Hackers often target vendors because they may lack strong security controls, allowing attackers to gain entry into hospitals through weak links in the supply chain.

ClearDATA emphasizes that hospitals and healthcare companies need to carefully vet their vendors and ensure they follow strict security standards. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, so organizations must conduct regular security checks on their partners.

To reduce risks, healthcare companies should use frameworks like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) to assess their vendors’ security practices. These frameworks help organizations evaluate risks, ensure compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, and improve overall security.

Key steps to improve cybersecurity

Keeping patient data safe requires strong security measures. ClearDATA stresses the importance of using multifactor authentication (MFA) to stop unauthorized access and monitoring systems at all times to catch threats early. Regular security checks help find weaknesses before hackers take advantage of them.

Hackers often trick employees into giving away passwords through phishing scams. Training staff to recognize these scams can prevent serious data breaches. Limiting access to patient records is another way to protect information, making sure only the right people can see sensitive data.

Strong leadership is needed to make cybersecurity work. Healthcare leaders must make security a priority, provide the right tools, and enforce rules across the organization. Without their support, even the best security plans may fail, putting patient information at risk.

Strengthening digital hygiene in healthcare

Good digital habits are just as important as advanced security tools in keeping healthcare data safe. Cybercriminals often take advantage of outdated software, weak passwords, and systems that haven’t been updated, making it easier to access sensitive information.

Healthcare providers can reduce these risks by keeping their software up to date and applying security patches as soon as they are available. Strong password rules should be in place, requiring employees to create unique and difficult-to-guess passwords. Remote employees should also verify their identity in real-time before being allowed to reset their passwords, helping to prevent fraud.

Detecting threats early is another key step in protecting healthcare systems. Automated security tools can help by identifying unusual activity and responding before a small issue turns into a major attack. Automating security responses not only helps stop threats faster but also reduces the burden on security teams, allowing them to focus on more complex problems.

Ensuring compliance and managing future risks

With rising cyber threats, healthcare organizations must stay compliant with industry regulations like HIPAA, which requires them to protect patient data and report breaches promptly. Failing to meet compliance standards can lead to heavy fines and lawsuits, making it critical for healthcare providers to regularly review their security policies.

ClearDATA also advises executives and IT teams to work together in developing a disaster recovery and business continuity plan. If a cyberattack happens, having a solid recovery plan ensures that hospitals and clinics can continue providing care without major disruptions.

To stay ahead of cybercriminals, healthcare providers must invest in strong security measures, continuously monitor threats, and enforce strict access controls. Partnering with vendors who meet high-security standards and adopting cybersecurity frameworks like NIST and HITRUST can help minimize risks.

By making cybersecurity a top priority, healthcare organizations can better protect sensitive patient data and ensure that hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities remain safe from growing cyber threats.