How to minimize ransomware attacks in healthcare

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Everywhere you look, yet another healthcare network or business has fallen victim to these cybercriminals. Harbor Medical Group and Health Alliance Plan are just a couple examples from 2019’s headlines. Ransomware attacks have become a worldwide epidemic and show no sign of slowing. In fact, recent reports state that by 2021, ransomware damages could cost the world $20 billion.  Not only expensive to attempt to resolve, ransomware attacks also can be very difficult to prevent; cybercriminals continue to evolve their strategy. Recent attacks have demanded more substantial sums of money than ever before and targeted small and midsize providers who often have less sophisticated IT systems and therefore are more willing to pay to protect their patients’ information. So how can healthcare providers harden their security measures and protect information in the event of an attack? Let’s start by taking a more in-depth look at how ransomware works.