Healthcare companies continue to face increased risks of ransomware attacks on their operations. According to the recently released BD Cybersecurity Annual Report for 2021, such attacks are also increasingly sophisticated. Management can take important steps to minimize the risks of this form of cybercrime.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that encrypts files on a device, rendering the files and systems that rely on them unusable. Bad actors seek to extort payment for the decryption information. As tactics evolve, threat actors are increasingly encrypting or deleting backup data; stealing data and threatening to publish, contacting employees, patients, or customers using stolen contact information; or posting a company’s name or data on a website to increase their leverage.
A ransomware attack can result in unauthorized access or acquisition of sensitive data; the loss, corruption, or unavailability of data; disruption to internal operations such as billing and invoicing; or the inability to provide essential services. These malicious attacks can cause…
