In comparison to 2017, fewer ransomware attacks have taken place this year. However, in terms of damages, they have made quite a mark. If we specifically talk about the healthcare industry, then it will be safe to say that ransomware has turned out to be the biggest cyber threat
Allscripts, a technological service provider to healthcare establishments working across different states, came under a ransomware attack in January 2018 when its electronic health records were locked down by the cryptovirological attack. Amid swift response from ransomware removal and recovery experts of the organization, it had to face nearly a week of downtime. The attack temporary brought over 1,500 medical practices to a standstill. Apart from this attack, dozens of private and public healthcare establishments all across the US were hit by ransomware this year.
2019: The Trend Will Continue
Ransomware removal experts believe that the digital vulnerability of healthcare establishment will continue to make them a preferred target of cryptovirological operators. The data stored with hospitals and clinics is critical in nature, and they can’t afford to have it locked down for a long time. This data sensitivity of healthcare establishments increases the prospects of extortion recovery for the attackers in the name of ransomware removal.
Since many establishments are still working without data backups, therefore they remain an easy target for cryptovirological operators in the next year as well. Apart from securing their networks with up-do-date anti-ransomware software, healthcare companies must invest in data backup protocols to mitigate the effects of any cryptovirological activity.
However, with the current state of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector, the trend of increased ransomware attacks will pass on to the next year.
