Start Building Your Child’s Credit
Ransomware attacks on hospitals are a growing threat, with more and more healthcare organizations experiencing these attacks each year. These malicious cyber incidents not only jeopardize patient data security but also disrupt critical healthcare services.
The ethical dilemmas surrounding ransom payments have added complexity to an already challenging situation. This article will explore how a ransomware attack on hospitals happens, what its consequences are, and what strategies healthcare organizations can employ to protect their systems and patients.
What Is Ransomware in Hospitals?
Ransomware in hospitals refers to malicious software attacks that specifically target healthcare institutions, including hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare networks. In these attacks, cybercriminals deploy ransomware to encrypt sensitive patient data, disrupt critical healthcare services, and demand a ransom payment from the targeted hospital in exchange for the decryption key or restoring access to their systems.
The consequences of ransomware attacks on hospitals can be particularly severe:
- Patient safety at risk—Ransomware attacks can disrupt essential medical services, including patient monitoring systems and electronic health records (EHRs), potentially putting patients’ lives in jeopardy
- Data access restriction—Attackers encrypt patient records, medical histories, and billing information, making them inaccessible to healthcare providers. This data is critical for patient care and billing
- Financial fallout—Hospitals may face substantial financial losses due to the costs of resolving the attack, regulatory fines, and potential legal liabilities
- Loss of trust and reputation—Public trust in a hospital’s ability to protect patient data can erode after a ransomware attack, damaging its reputation and credibility
To combat ransomware attacks in hospitals, healthcare organizations must invest in robust cybersecurity measures.
Why Hospitals Are a Top Target of Ransomware Attacks
Hospitals are a particularly attractive target for ransomware attackers because they store a large amount of sensitive patient data, including:
- Test results
- Medical records
- Financial information
- Social Security numbers (SSNs)
This data is valuable to cybercriminals, who can use it to commit identity theft, medical fraud, and other crimes. In addition, hospitals are often understaffed, and their employees are overworked, which can make it difficult for them to implement and maintain effective cybersecurity measures. This makes them more vulnerable to attack.
Finally, hospitals are often willing to pay ransoms to get their data back quickly, as they can’t afford to have their operations disrupted for an extended period. This makes them more likely to be targeted by ransomware attackers.
How Do Hospital Ransomware Attacks Happen?
Hospital ransomware attacks can happen in various ways, but some of the most common methods include:
| Method | How It Works |
| Phishing emails | Phishing is one of the most common methods of initiating a ransomware attack. Attackers craft convincing emails that appear legitimate, often impersonating trusted sources such as healthcare organizations, colleagues, or vendors. These emails contain malicious attachments or links that execute the ransomware payload when the user clicks on them |
| Exploiting software vulnerabilities | Cybercriminals actively seek vulnerabilities in the hospital’s software, operating systems, or third-party applications. Once they identify a vulnerability, attackers exploit it to gain unauthorized access. Hospitals that delay software updates or fail to apply security patches promptly are particularly vulnerable to this method |
| Watering hole attacks | In a watering hole attack, attackers compromise websites frequently visited by hospital employees or patients. When individuals visit these compromised websites, they unknowingly download malware onto their devices, which can then spread within the hospital’s network |
| Brute force attacks | Attackers use automated tools to guess usernames and passwords, often targeting remote access systems, email accounts, or VPNs. Once they successfully crack login credentials, they gain unauthorized access to the network |
| Social engineering | Some attackers use social engineering techniques to manipulate hospital employees into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or network access codes. These tactics can be used in combination with other methods to gain a foothold in the network |
| Insider threats | In rare cases, individuals within the hospital with privileged access may become insiders involved in the attack. They may intentionally or unintentionally assist attackers in deploying ransomware within the organization |
Recent Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals
Ransomware attacks targeting hospitals are an increasingly common threat worldwide, and the U.S. is no exception. Here are some of the most impactful and concerning ransomware attacks that have targeted hospitals and healthcare organizations in recent months:
- In January 2023, a ransomware attack on the Community Health Systems hospital chain forced the closure of several hospitals and disrupted patient care. The attack encrypted patient records and computer systems, making the staff unable to access patient information. The attack affected a number of hospitals in the chain, including hospitals in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio
- In October 2022, a ransomware attack targeted CommonSpirit Health, a Catholic nonprofit organization that operates over 140 hospitals in 21 states. The attack encrypted patient records, including names, addresses, dates of birth, medical information, and insurance information. This also impacted the organization’s billing and scheduling systems. CommonSpirit Health took its systems offline and notified law enforcement and cybersecurity experts
- In March 2023, a ransomware attack on the Scripps Health healthcare system affected the data of over 147,000 patients. Scripps Health is a large healthcare system with over 30 hospitals and clinics in California. The attack affected a number of facilities in the system, including hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers
Steps To Prevent Hospital Ransomware Attacks
Hospitals and healthcare organizations can take several proactive measures to protect themselves from ransomware attacks, reduce vulnerabilities, and mitigate the potential impact of such incidents. Here are key steps they can implement:
- Employee training
- Regular software updates and patch management
- Regular data backups
- Security updates for medical devices
- Regulatory compliance
- Engage cybersecurity experts
Employee Training
Regular cybersecurity training is essential for all hospital staff, from healthcare providers to administrative personnel. Training sessions should cover the basics of recognizing phishing emails, identifying social engineering tactics, and implementing safe online practices. Employees should also be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or emails promptly. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, hospitals can create an additional layer of defense against ransomware attacks.
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
Hospitals should maintain a strict regimen of updating and patching all software systems. This includes operating systems, applications, and any third-party software in use. Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Implementing a robust patch management system can help automate the process, ensuring that security patches are promptly applied to reduce vulnerabilities.
Hospitals should also implement strong access controls and user authentication measures to limit unauthorized access to hospital systems.
Regular Data Backups
Maintaining regular, secure data backups both on- and off-site is critical to ensure that data can be quickly restored in case of a ransomware attack. It’s equally important for healthcare organizations to periodically test their data restoration procedures to verify their effectiveness.
Security Updates for Medical Devices
Hospitals rely on various medical devices that are connected to their networks. Ensuring that these devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines is vital for preventing potential vulnerabilities in these healthcare systems.
Regulatory Compliance
Hospitals should rigorously adhere to relevant data protection regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Ensuring compliance not only safeguards patient data but also indicates that hospitals meet legal requirements related to cybersecurity. Additionally, developing a comprehensive incident response plan specifically tailored to ransomware attacks is crucial for reducing the risk of this threat.
Engage Cybersecurity Experts
If they have the resources, hospitals can hire cybersecurity professionals or consulting firms specializing in healthcare security to ensure extra safety. These experts conduct thorough risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and provide guidance on how to secure the organization effectively.
By implementing these comprehensive measures, hospitals can significantly enhance their defense against ransomware attacks, safeguarding sensitive patient data. For individuals looking for an added layer of assurance that their personal information remains secure during a hospital ransomware attack, considering an identity protection service like FreeKick is a wise choice for comprehensive family protection.
FreeKick—A Two-In-One Identity Protection and Credit Building Platform
FreeKick by Austin Capital Bank is an FDIC-insured deposit account that helps you protect your family’s identities while building credit for your children. Child identity theft occurs every 30 seconds, which is why investing in identity protection services like FreeKick is more important than ever.
Use FreeKick for Identity Protection
FreeKick’s identity protection service is for the entire family. For adult children and parents, FreeKick offers:
- Credit profile monitoring
- SSN monitoring
- Dark web monitoring for personal information
- Up to $1 million identity theft insurance
- Full-service white-glove concierge credit restoration
- Lost wallet protection
- Court records monitoring
- Change of address monitoring
- Non-credit (Payday) loan monitoring
- Free FICO® Score monthly
- FICO® Score factors
- Experian credit report monthly
For minors, FreeKick offers:
- Credit profile monitoring
- Social Security number (SSN) monitoring
- Dark web monitoring for children’s personal information
- Up to $1 million identity theft insurance
- Full-service white-glove concierge credit restoration
- Sex offender monitoring—based on sponsor parent’s address
Use FreeKick for Building Credit
FreeKick also offers a credit building service for children aged 13 to 25. All you have to do is take three steps:
- Create an Account—Navigate to FreeKick.bank, create an account, and choose a deposit that suits your budget
- Set It and Forget It—FreeKick will start building 12 months’ worth of credit history for your children
- Keep Growing—After 12 months, you can close the account without any fees or continue building credit for your family for another year
As a result of this minor effort, your children will have up to five years of credit activity when they turn 18. In turn, this head start will help them save $200,000 during their lifetimes by letting them secure loans on more favorable terms.
FreeKick Pricing
FreeKick has two pricing plans:
| FDIC-Insured Deposit | Annual Fee |
| $3,000 | $0 (Free) |
| No deposit | $149 |
Each plan offers:
- Credit building for six children aged 13 to 25
- Identity protection for two parents and six children aged 0 to 25
Save your family from identity theft and give them a bright financial future—sign up for FreeKick today.
Freekick provides a double dose of financial empowerment and security for your whole family. It helps teens and young adults build strong credit profiles and offers identity motoring for up to two adult parents and six children under 25.
