Health care organizations are increasingly expanding their digital presence, but with this expansion comes added risks associated with increased reliance on technology. One of the major risks that organizations must consider is the potential exposure of sensitive patient information to cybercriminals looking to exploit these vulnerabilities.
A recent example of the impact of cyberattacks on the health care industry can be seen in the case of Change Healthcare. The cyberattack on Change Healthcare had far-reaching consequences, causing disruptions in the health care ecosystem and impacting various sectors of the health care economy. Some organizations experienced delays in patient care, suspension of reimbursement for services, and challenges in meeting financial obligations such as making payroll and payments.
It is important for health care organizations to recognize that cyberattacks are an ongoing threat and are unlikely to cease anytime soon. Public documents from health care organizations have shown a steady increase in mentions of cyberattacks from January to mid-April, with projections indicating that these incidents are on track to surpass last year’s total. This underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and mitigate the potential fallout from cyber threats.