Ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector are on an alarming rise, putting lives at risk, mainly from Iranian hackers, according to a Microsoft.
The report highlights a 300% increase in ransomware attacks since 2015, with a significant increase in stroke and cardiac arrest cases in hospitals receiving patients from facilities paralyzed by such attacks.
Read more: USA 2024: Data breaches in healthcare organizations affected over 14 million patients
This situation is reminiscent of the difficult conditions during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when certain ransomware groups had pledged not to attack healthcare facilities.
According to Microsoft's Sherrod DeGrippo, hackers recognize the seriousness of the situation and are more likely to provoke organizations into paying ransoms. Healthcare is among the 10 most targeted sectors, with the average payout reaching $4.4 million. Iranian groups appear to be attacking these organizations.
A study found that ransomware attacks on hospitals are causing secondary effects, with an increase in patients in unaffected hospitals — stroke cases increase by 113% and cardiac arrests by 81%. Survival rates have also declined due to delays in providing care.
See more: Cicada3301 Ransomware targets critical sectors in US and UK
Jeff Tully from the Cybersecurity said they are working on a ransomware impact plan, and building resilience is critical to withstand future ransomware attacks.
Source: cyberscoop
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