Protecting sensitive date: Top 5 cybersecurity risks in healthcare

Table of contents

Why is cybersecurity more essential in the healthcare sector?

The NHS cyber attack: June 2024

What are the biggest cyber threats to healthcare?

How to take action

Working with Focus Group to protect sensitive data

The healthcare industry holds some of the most sensitive information imaginable: personal health records, financial data, and even genetic information. Unfortunately, this makes healthcare organisations prime targets for cybercriminals. The stakes are high—not just for the companies, but for the patients whose lives could be affected by a breach.

With high-profile incidents, such as the NHS cyber attack in June 2024, and a continued reliance on outdated systems, it’s clear that no healthcare organisation, regardless of size, is immune. Let’s dive into why cybersecurity in healthcare is so essential, the biggest threats, and what steps businesses can take to stay protected.

Why is cybersecurity more essential in the healthcare sector?

Healthcare providers operate in a landscape where personal and sensitive data is at the heart of their work. Unlike other industries, a breach here doesn’t just mean financial losses—it can jeopardise patient trust, disrupt critical services, and even put lives at risk.

• Valuable data: Healthcare companies store extensive personal information, from medical histories to social security numbers. This makes them a lucrative target for hackers aiming to sell data on the dark web.
• Operational Impact: A successful attack can shut down hospital systems, delay treatment, and put patient safety in danger.
• Outdated infrastructure: Many healthcare systems rely on legacy technology, which often lacks the latest security protections, making them easy prey for cybercriminals.

The NHS cyber attack: June 2024

In June 2024, the NHS faced a significant cyber attack targeting Synnovis, a key pathology laboratory serving South East London. The attack, involving ransomware, disrupted vital blood testing operations, delaying diagnoses and treatments for countless patients. This incident highlighted the critical vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, particularly when reliant on external partners for essential services.

The attackers claimed to have stolen sensitive internal data, later confirming the release of this stolen information online. This breach forced NHS England, Synnovis, and the National Crime Agency into a collaborative response to mitigate the impact, restore services, and address concerns over patient privacy. Despite these efforts, the disruption showcased how such breaches can paralyse healthcare operations and jeopardise trust.

What can we learn?

This attack underscores the urgency of adopting robust cybersecurity in healthcare, including regular system updates, strict data protection protocols, and thorough vetting of third-party partners. It also reinforces the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring healthcare businesses of all sizes remain vigilant against evolving threats.

What are the biggest cyber threats to healthcare?

Cybersecurity in healthcare faces unique challenges, with the following risks standing out as the most pressing:

1. Phishing

Phishing attacks are one of the most common cyber security issues in healthcare. These attacks trick staff into clicking malicious links or downloading infected files, often by impersonating trusted sources. Once inside, attackers can steal credentials, deploy ransomware, or access sensitive data.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware has become a weapon of choice for attackers, encrypting healthcare data and demanding payment for its release. The consequences can be catastrophic, from system downtime to lost patient records, as seen in high-profile examples of data security breaches in healthcare.

3. Outdated software

Many healthcare companies rely on legacy systems that are no longer supported or patched for security vulnerabilities. These systems are easy targets for attackers who exploit known weaknesses, often with little resistance.

4. Connected devices

The rise of IoT (Internet of Things) in healthcare—such as smart monitors and connected medical devices—introduces new entry points for cybercriminals. These devices often lack robust security measures, creating vulnerabilities in healthcare information systems.

5. Regulatory compliance

Healthcare organisations must navigate strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA. Failing to meet compliance standards not only increases the risk of breaches but also invites hefty fines.

Educate your workforce:

Cybersecurity starts with people. Conduct cyber security awareness sessions to help staff recognize phishing attempts, avoid clicking suspicious links, and follow secure password practices. This step is crucial, as human error remains a leading cause of breaches.

Keep systems updated:

Outdated software is a major vulnerability. Regularly update and patch all systems, including legacy applications, to close known security gaps. Investing in modern, supported software can provide stronger defences and reduce the risk of exploitation.

Encrypt sensitive data:

Use encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen, it remains unreadable to unauthorised users.

Strengthen access controls:

Implement role-based access controls and the principle of least privilege, ensuring that employees only have access to the information necessary for their roles. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another essential layer of protection, requiring users to verify their identity in multiple ways before gaining access.

Secure connected devices:

With the rise of IoT (internet of things)devices in healthcare, ensure that all connected devices are properly secured. This includes changing default passwords, updating firmware regularly, and segregating IoT devices from critical systems through network segmentation.

Monitor and respond in real time:

Employ advanced monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity as it happens. Real-time alerts can help security teams respond quickly to contain potential breaches before they escalate.

Regularly test defences:

Conduct penetration testing and simulate cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. This proactive approach ensures that security measures remain effective over time.

Develop a response plan:

Even the best defences can be breached. Prepare for this by creating and regularly updating an incident response plan. Ensure all staff know their roles in the event of a cyber attack and conduct regular drills to test the plan’s effectiveness.

What are the biggest cyber threats to healthcare?

Cybersecurity for healthcare is too critical to leave to chance. That’s where Focus Group comes in. Our team specialises in crafting tailored security solutions designed to meet the unique challenges of the healthcare industry.

Here’s how we can help:

• Customised Assessments: We’ll evaluate your existing systems and identify vulnerabilities specific to healthcare, from outdated software to IoT device security.
• Advanced Protection: Using cutting-edge tools and techniques, we’ll help you implement healthcare cybersecurity best practices, including encryption, endpoint protection, and real-time monitoring.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: We’ll guide you through the complexities of data protection in health and social care, ensuring your systems align with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.
• Ongoing Support: Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and so should your defences. We’ll provide continuous monitoring and updates to keep your systems protected.

Your focus should be on providing exceptional care—not worrying about cyber threats. Let Focus Group handle the complexities of cybersecurity so you can protect your patients and your reputation with confidence. Reach out today to learn more about how we can safeguard your business.