The Complete Guide to Healthcare Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is top-of-mind for the healthcare industry today as attacks become more sophisticated. When infected with ransomware, healthcare organizations and networks lose access to their systems and/or data and the cybercriminals demand a ransom in exchange for restoring access.

The impact can be detrimental, leaving hospitals without access to electronic health records, waiting days for lab results, and having no choice but to cancel or reschedule appointments, among other disruptions.

One in four companies worldwide pay the ransom to regain access to their files and this number increases to 61% in healthcare – the highest percentage across all industries. However, paying up does not always pay off. The likelihood of getting all your data back after paying is slim, with only 2% of ransomware victims in the healthcare space reporting getting all their data back.

To stop ransomware attacks, collectively we need to cut off the cybercriminal’s source of income – that means not paying the ransom and understanding the alternative steps to take to prevent and respond to a ransomware attack.

In this complete guide to healthcare ransomware attacks, explore: 

• Why healthcare is a top target for ransomware attacks 
• Ransomware trends and families 
• How ransomware works 
• Checklists to prevent and detect a ransomware attack