Cybersecurity in the healthcare industry is of paramount importance due to the sensitivity of the data held.

The sensitivity of this data makes it a prime target for cybercriminals, who will immorally exploit it. Confidential patient information can be sold by hackers quickly - and for a high price. 

Compromised information can be used to defraud victims through social engineering scams, fraudulent billing and phishing

Due to the nature and need of providing comprehensive care there are so many touch points that need access to patient information. Unfortunately this means there are many interconnected avenues for cyber criminals to exploit.

Beyond the compromised data of your typical cyber attack, healthcare cyber attacks carry a real, tangible and direct risk to human life.

Read: Children's Health Data Leaked Following Alder Hey Cyber Attack

IOT devices, including medical equipment. can be vulnerable to attacks. The IoT, short for Internet of Things, are objects connected to the internet and able to communicate with each other. IoT devices are connected to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data. These devices often have built-in sensors that collect data about their surroundings, such as temperature, motion, or air quality, In an extreme example, a heart bypass machine could be hacked, putting the patient at risk.

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Healthcare Providers Targeted by Ransomware

The cyber attack on Change Healthcare impacted over 100 services including dental, pharmacy, medical records, clinical, patient engagement, revenue, and payment services.

As of October 2024, UnitedHealth, the parent company behind Change Healthcare, has confirmed that over 100 million patients had their personal data compromised. This makes it the biggest healthcare data breach in recent years. The attack caused over $872 million in losses for the healthcare giant.

Similar attacks take place regularly on small and large providers alike including McLaren Health CareHealthEquityNew York Blood Center and the NHS.

Best Cybersecurity Solutions for Healthcare

With so many different solutions on the market it can be overwhelming for IT decision makers for healthcare providers to know where to start. 

Luckily in this list we’re exploring ten of the leading cybersecurity solutions today, examining the features and capabilities that make them stand out so that you can make the best decision for your organisation.