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As the cyber security threat landscape grows and develops, cybercriminals are turning their target on healthcare companies.
Unfortunately, this industry is becoming increasingly susceptible to these attacks.
So, why is the healthcare industry being specifically targeted?
The major appeal lies in the value and sensitivity of health data.
Confidential patient information can be sold by hackers quickly - and for a high price.
There is also a more pressing risk beyond data breaches.
Unlike other cyber threats, these attacks can have a tangible impact on human life.
This study also found that 28% use the blunt approach of automatic expiration date setting.
Additionally, inadequate data management or protection means that sensitive data is left vulnerable to hackers.
BlackCat also claimed responsibility for another ransomware attack in November 2023 against Fortune 500 healthcare organization, Henry Schein.
The ransomware gang asserted that they were able to take 35TB of data during the attack.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, utilized MOVEit through its third-party contractor IBM.
Medicaid and Medicare ID numbers, as well as health and health insurance data, were also stolen.
Another notorious case of patient data being used against providers involved Australian health insurer Medibank.
The company was hacked in October 2022, with ransomware gang REvil later linked to the cyber attack.
The hackers publicly demanded a ransom from Medibank in return for not posting sensitive medical information online.
Medibank refused to pay the ransom, leading to six gigabytes of data being posted online.
And the personal data stolen, in itself, is not sufficient to enable identity and financial fraud.
The ransom demand amounted to a staggering $9.7 million, equating to a dollar for each affected customer.
Initial analysis by Medibank also implied that this was the case.
However, steps can still be taken to ensure the best possible security.
An effective option is adopting a Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).
This can help address the main conflict the healthcare sector faces- balancing improving security and reducing costs.
Security controls like micro-segmentation offered in Unified SASE help to limit the impact of future online attacks.
This includes use of security measures like advanced threat protection and intrusion prevention.
Is their email the one they typically use to send messages to you?
Is their email or message worded in a way to induce fear, panic, anxiety or urgency?
Another way to combat the threat of phishing is by installing antivirus software.
Some antivirus providers also offer identify theft protection, giving you an additional layer of security against malicious actors.
Another way to protect yourself from thefalloutof data breaches is to use a password manager.
Some password managers also offer dark web monitoring, meaning you will be alerted if your data is leaked.
Another major way to ensure the security of your devices is to invest in a VPN.
By implementing these measures, you might secure your data and create a robust defense against cyber threats.
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, proactive cyber security practices are essential to safeguard your personal information.
Below is a summary of our top three picks.
It also boasts rapid server speeds, customization options, and a growing catalog of features.
Heres what to consider when choosing your VPN to meet your needs.
Features:review additional features offered that make the cost the most worthwhile to you.
These include options like NordVPNs' built in ad blocking or Express VPNs 24/7 customer support.
Confirm how many devices you will need to protect and ensure your VPN provider covers this.
Apps:Think about how you would like to access your VPN.
Depending on your equipment, you may be limited in your choice of what provider you could pick.
Ensure you do not compromise on quality by reading ourlist of the best cheap VPN services.
We sign up as anonymously as possible and verify server claims by connecting to test locations.
A good VPN should be able to unblock multiple streaming services.
We carry out constant real-world testing to double-check our analysis is always accurate and relevant.
Read our full testing methodology on ourVPN testing methodologypage.
Using a VPN FAQs
Are VPNs safe?
Yes, VPNs are considered safe and are widely used as essential tools for creating robust cybersecurity.
They encrypt your internet connection, providing an added layer of security and privacy.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
The legality of using a VPN depends on the country in which you are using it.
In many countries, including the UK and US, VPNs are legal and commonly used.
However, in some countries like China and Russia, there are restrictions on VPN usage.
Its also important to remember that any illegal activity performed while using a VPN is still illegal.
Are VPNs easy to use?
Yes, modern VPNs are designed to be incredibly user-friendly.
For example, ExpressVPN features an intuitive one-click connect function for seamless connection.
