Health Sector Victims of Record-Breaking Cases of Ransomware Assaults Over the Past Four Years.
In a concerning development, the latest report titled 'The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2024' by Cybersecurity company Sophos has highlighted a significant rise in ransomware attacks against healthcare organisations. The report, which is part of a broader survey of 5,000 cybersecurity/IT leaders, reveals that 67% of the 402 healthcare organisations surveyed were impacted by ransomware attacks in the past year. This is a slight decrease from the 66% reported across sectors in 2023, but a worrying increase from the 59% recorded in 2022. John Shier, Sophos Field CTO, stated that attacks against healthcare organisations continue to intensify in number and scope. The highly sensitive nature of healthcare information and the need for accessibility make the industry a prime target for cybercriminals. The report further reveals that only 22% of ransomware victims fully recovered in a week or less in 2024, a considerable drop from the 47% reported in 2023 and 54% in 2022. Moreover, 37% of healthcare organisations took more than a month to recover from ransomware attacks, up from 28% in 2023. Prominent insurance companies involved in ransom payments for ransomware victims in the healthcare sector in 2024 include major cyber insurers. However, specific company names and their exact shares of payment were not detailed in available data. The market for cyber insurance is rapidly growing due to increasing ransomware threats, with insurers facing volatile claims and adjusting coverage conditions accordingly. Despite the challenges, it's important to note that the overall rate of ransomware attacks fell from 66% in 2023 to 59% in 2024 across sectors. This suggests that while the healthcare sector is under increased threat, the overall trend of ransomware attacks may be slowing down. As we navigate this digital landscape, it's crucial for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and ensure business continuity. The Sophos report serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive cybersecurity strategies in the face of growing ransomware threats.
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