Healthcare Top Target for Cyberattacks in 2017, Experian Predicts

Ransomware is expected to become an even more insidious threat

Global information services company Experian has released its 2017 data breach industry forecast, and the news is sobering. Among the report's top five predictions? "Healthcare organizations will be the most targeted sector, with new sophisticated attacks emerging." Experian sees healthcare as particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks because medical identity theft remains so lucrative and relatively easy for hackers to exploit – and they continue to find markets for reselling patient data.

Electronic health records remain likely to be a top target for hackers, Experian found. Also, as more healthcare institutions deploy new mobile applications, it's possible they will introduce new vulnerabilities that will also be attractive targets for attackers. "Ransomware presents an easier and safer way for hackers to cash out; given the potential disruption to a company, most organizations will opt to simply pay the ransom," the report states. "This has unintended consequences of funding more research and development by attackers who will in turn develop more sophisticated and targeted attacks."

As attackers shift their focus, an increase in hospital breaches means the consequences for healthcare organizations that don't properly manage this risk will increase, Experian warns. It makes it critical for healthcare organizations to have proper, up to date security measures in place, including contingency planning for how to respond to a ransomware attack and adequate employee training, the report concludes...