ASL 1 Abruzzo, a local healthcare organization in the province of L'Aquila, has been hit by a cyber attack on 3rd May 2023 by a ransomware gang. According to ACN, the National Cybersecurity Agency, stated that this is one of the most serious cyber attacks in recent months. ASL 1 Abruzzo directly manages 4 hospitals distributed over 60 peripheral locations. The impacts of this cyber attack has been detrimental not only to data privacy but also operational continuity and patient safety. The ransomware gang has stolen over 50GB of data from the Abruzzo healthcare company. And has released an enormous amount of personal and sensitive data of patients assisted by the health facilities of ASL 1 Abruzzo on the dark web. Data published by the ransomware gangs includes:
Additionally, the healthcare company’s computer system as of 10 days after the attack, were still partially out of order. Causing disruption in booking visits, and in some hospital services and scheduled therapies. The recent ransomware attack on ASL 1 Abruzzo is a stark reminder of the urgent need for the healthcare sector to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures. This is especially the case with the escalation of cybersecurity threats and attacks occurring, particularly in the healthcare industry. More About Ransomware Ransomware is a malware that once installed on a computer system, makes it inaccessible. In practice, this malware is used to prevent the owner of the system from accessing their data, stealing it, and sometimes holding the stolen data for ransom. Ransomware attacks are common all around the world as cybercriminals do not need large economic resources or tools to carry out this attack. Also, the risk is small, as finding those responsible for the attack is not easy. Back to Healthcare Industry - Why So Vulnerable? The healthcare sector is among the most vulnerable to ransomware attacks as public employees are rarely asked to apply security measures and password management to protect themselves from these cyber threats. Also, there is little awareness of the risks and consequences of cyberattacks on their systems and operations in general. Furthermore, there are various access points to healthcare facilities’ information systems, and hiring technicians tends to be of lower priority - few technicians are hired to monitor safety. The healthcare sector are also ideal targets as they are more open to blackmail than companies – other companies can be temporarily stopped, but personal care cannot. “It is time to view cyber attacks on hospitals as threat-to-life crimes, and not financial crimes” - John Riggins Cyberattacks can have dire consequences for patient safety, data privacy and the integrity of critical healthcare systems. Below are a few best practices for healthcare organizations to ensure that they have robust cybersecurity, and to stay one step ahead of cyber threats. Best Practices For Healthcare Security 1. Implement Robust Security Measures: Healthcare institutions should deploy multi-layered security measures, including encryption, intrusion detection systems and endpoint security solutions such as Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). These are essential as traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software are no longer sufficient to protect against these advanced threats. Regularly updating software and systems, patching vulnerabilities, and conducting vulnerability assessments can also help prevent and mitigate potential cyber threats. Vulnerability assessments are particularly important as they help provide you with details on any security vulnerabilities in your environment. 2. Educate and Train Staff: Healthcare personnel must be well-informed about cybersecurity best practices. Ongoing training programs should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and recognizing potential threats. Encouraging a culture of cybersecurity awareness among staff is vital for preventing human error-related breaches. This is particularly important with human error being one of the main cybersecurity risks for healthcare organizations. 3. Enhance Incident Response and Recovery Plans: Healthcare organizations should develop comprehensive incident response and recovery plans to minimize the impact of cyber attacks. These plans should outline clear steps to be taken during an incident, including communication protocols, containment procedures, and recovery strategies. 4. Collaborate and Share Information: Healthcare institutions should actively participate in information sharing and collaboration initiatives, such as ISACs (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers). Sharing knowledge about emerging threats and vulnerabilities enables the industry as a whole to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Takeaway The ransomware attack on ASL 1 Abruzzo serves as a sobering reminder that the healthcare industry must take cybersecurity seriously. Protecting patient safety, ensuring data privacy, and maintaining operational continuity are critical imperatives that require robust cybersecurity measures. By implementing best practices, fostering a culture of cybersecurity, and staying vigilant against evolving threats, the healthcare sector can better safeguard its digital infrastructure and provide safe and secure services to patients in an increasingly interconnected world. Cyber Security For Healthcare with TAFA Healthcare organizations are top targets for cyber threat actors, and they are facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. To protect against these threats, it is necessary to utilize cybersecurity solutions that can prevent zero-day and advanced cyber threats and help ensure regulatory compliance. With our prevention first and zero-trust approach to security using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), TAFA Shield will strengthen your company's ability to prevent and block cyber attacks and threats. With our comprehensive customized vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) service, not only do we ensure the safety and security of your organization’s operation and data, but also we ensure that you will meet the required industrial and regulatory compliances. To learn more information about TAFA Shield and how we can help your company, do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Related Topics Why do businesses need to be cyber secure? Is it as important as emphasized everywhere? 7 Types of Cybersecurity Measures SMEs Need to Protect Their Business Comments are closed.
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