A recent report from Proofpoint provides insights into the most common attacks faced by healthcare organizations. To help better understand the evolving cyberthreat landscape, the report analyzed a year of cyberattacks against healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and life sciences organizations, and health insurers between 2018-2019.
One key trend noted throughout the report suggests that today's cyberattacks are targeting people, not just infrastructure and technology. Attackers are exploiting the human factor by impersonating staff members, instructing them to wire money or sensitive information, and tricking healthcare workers into opening unsafe attachments or links containing malware. These cybercriminals are waging war against an industry that’s mission is critical to saving human life. They are shutting down emergency rooms, hijacking medical equipment, defrauding patients and clinical staff, and crippling the industry’s ability to care for patients.
A few key highlights from the report include:
Cyberattacks today are not only targeting technology; they are targeting people and exploiting the human factor. Healthcare organizations must protect against these threats by using a people-centered approach to security. Cybersecurity experts suggest blocking these threats by using a layered defense, including anti-phishing and anti-malware solutions, filtering controls, and most importantly, employee training. Employees must receive regular training to help them identify threats and take appropriate action when suspicious activity is suspected.
For questions and information regarding employee training contact the experts at MedSafe. MedSafe is the nation's leading one-stop resource for outsourced safety, training, and health compliance solutions in healthcare.
Toll-free: (888) MED-SAFE
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