What are the healthcare sector’s top 5 cyber security risks?
The healthcare sector is a vitally important, complex collection of products, services, and systems that help maintain and advance public health and medical care.
It's a dominating part of the global economy, a catalyst for innovation, and unique in its urgency and demand.
Since the advent of the internet, it's also unsurprisingly become a prime target for cybercriminals and those seeking to manipulate healthcare entities.
As the industry continues to transform to offer workers, patients, and other stakeholders more efficient and effective services, new digital risks emerge alongside technological advancements.
Our teams of public sector and healthcare cyber security experts have been hard at work combatting these risks for years and have a North American practice dedicated to the healthcare sector. Based on past client engagements and by staying up to date with the latest in the industry, there are five cyber security concerns that we've found to be the most pressing for healthcare organizations today:
- Ransomware attacks
- Third-party vendor risks
- Legacy systems and technology
- HIPAA compliance and data privacy regulations
- Phishing and insider threats.
Starting with insights gathered from the CEOs who must make these security decisions, we're sharing the healthcare industry's top five cyber security concerns along with the steps, solutions, and approaches our experts take to counter them in the field every day.
Ransomware attacks
Healthcare institutions are highly susceptible to ransomware due to their reliance on timely access to patient data. Cybercriminals exploit the urgency of healthcare services, knowing that disruptions can result in life-threatening consequences. This pressure makes healthcare providers more likely to pay ransoms to restore access quickly. The aftermath of an attack also includes potential data loss, operational downtime, and significant financial strain.
CEO view on this challenge:
Our primary challenges with ransomware are that it threatens patient safety, disrupts our operations, and undermines trust. We operate in a fast-paced environment where system downtime could directly harm patients. While we are continually enhancing our defenses, the evolving sophistication of ransomware attacks requires constant vigilance and resource allocation. Balancing this risk with our budget constraints poses a significant challenge, as we must simultaneously protect legacy systems and new technologies.
Third-party vendor risk
The healthcare industry often relies on numerous third-party vendors for services like medical devices, cloud storage, and software solutions. These vendors may not have the same security maturity level, and vulnerabilities within their systems can be exploited to breach healthcare providers. This risk has grown as digital supply chains expand, introducing more opportunities for attackers to target weak points.
CEO view on this challenge:
We depend heavily on third-party vendors for everything from medical devices to cloud services. These vendors' security practices directly impact us, but we often lack full visibility into their risk management practices. Auditing and vetting vendors for their cyber security protocols is a time-consuming and expensive process, especially given the number of partners we work with. The challenge is ensuring their cyber security measures meet our standards without disrupting our operations or partnerships.
Legacy systems and outdated technology
Many healthcare organizations rely on legacy systems that are difficult to patch or secure due to outdated hardware or software. These systems often cannot support modern encryption or security protocols, making them a soft target for attackers. Transitioning to new systems is usually complicated by cost concerns, compliance issues, and the need to maintain continuous operation.
CEO view on this challenge:
Like many healthcare providers, we rely on legacy systems that are critical to daily operations but difficult to secure. The cost and disruption associated with upgrading these systems can be immense, and healthcare providers are often hesitant to overhaul platforms that are deeply integrated into clinical workflows. Our challenge lies in finding a way to modernize our technology without compromising care or introducing unnecessary risk during the transition.
HIPAA compliance and data privacy regulations
Healthcare providers must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), HITRUST, and other data protection laws. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe fines and reputational damage. At the same time, ensuring compliance often creates operational challenges, as healthcare organizations must balance privacy with accessibility to critical patient data for care delivery.
CEO view on this challenge:
Compliance with HIPAA and other data privacy regulations is not optional, but the regulatory landscape is continuously evolving. Ensuring that we are fully compliant while managing the costs of compliance audits, employee training, and technology upgrades is a constant struggle. Additionally, these regulations sometimes create friction between ensuring patient privacy and providing accessible care. For example, balancing secure data exchange with rapid patient care delivery often presents operational difficulties.
Phishing and insider threats
The healthcare workforce often includes clinical and administrative staff who may not have the same level of cyber security awareness as those in other sectors. Phishing campaigns and social engineering tactics targeting healthcare workers can lead to breaches through compromised credentials or accidental data exposure. Insider threats—malicious or accidental—are a growing concern, given the high level of access staff have to sensitive patient data.
CEO view on this challenge:
Phishing attacks and insider threats are particularly challenging because they involve human behavior, which is harder to control with technology alone. We invest in cyber security awareness programs, but healthcare staff are under immense pressure, and mistakes are bound to happen. The challenge is finding the right balance between educating our workforce and deploying technological safeguards that minimize the risk of human error without slowing down critical patient care or frustrating staff with cumbersome security protocols.
Ransomware in healthcare is a critical threat – How to defend and recover
The healthcare sector is in a constant race against time. Medical emergencies don't wait, and neither do cybercriminals targeting healthcare organizations.
Ransomware attacks are one of the most disruptive and dangerous cyber threats facing healthcare today, and the stakes are as high as they get—lives, trust, and financial stability.
In the middle of providing life-saving care, the last thing any healthcare organization can afford is a sudden, crippling ransomware attack that locks up critical systems. Picture this: patient records become inaccessible, medical devices stop working, and operations grind to a halt. The panic sets in, and the attacker demands an exorbitant ransom.
For many healthcare providers, paying the ransom might seem like the only option to restore services quickly. But is it the best course of action? And what happens next time?
Why ransomware loves healthcare
Healthcare providers are prime targets for ransomware attacks for several reasons:
- High-value data: Patient health information (PHI) is more valuable than any other data type on the black market.
- Operational urgency: Downtime in healthcare can directly result in harm to patients, making organizations more likely to pay to restore access quickly.
- Complex environments: The mixture of legacy systems, medical devices, and newer technologies can create easily exploited vulnerabilities for cybercriminals.
In a sector where lives are on the line, decision makers feel the pressure to resolve the issue immediately, often paying the ransom in hopes of returning to normal. However, this only makes healthcare more attractive to future attacks.
Healthcare organizations need to defend against ransomware and ensure they are prepared to recover and thrive in the face of an attack. Our goal as security practitioners is simple: We help you build resilience, protect patient care, and avoid paying that ransom.
Our approach: Prevention, protection, and preparedness
When it comes to ransomware, waiting for the threat to arrive is not an option. My teams work with healthcare providers to establish a proactive, layered defense strategy that strengthens their cyber security posture before an attack even happens. Here's how to do it:
1. Comprehensive vulnerability assessment
The first step to protection is knowing where the weaknesses lie. Have an outside security consultant conduct an in-depth analysis of your systems, identifying high-risk areas that ransomware actors could exploit. From legacy systems to third-party vendors, leave no stone unturned in finding gaps that must be addressed.
2. Advanced threat detection and response
Time is everything in healthcare; the same is true in cyber security. A 24/7/365 managed extended detection and response (MXDR) is your organization's first line of defense. With real-time monitoring and AI-driven threat detection, we spot suspicious activity before it escalates. If an attacker tries to breach your defenses, we respond swiftly to isolate threats and contain them before they can do serious damage.
3. Data backups and recovery planning
Ransomware attacks are not just about preventing access—they're about holding your data hostage. To combat this, bring in security consultants to ensure you have robust, encrypted backups in place. In the event of a ransomware incident, these backups allow you to restore systems quickly without ever needing to pay the ransom. The next step in detailed recovery plan that ensures patient care continues uninterrupted, even during a worst-case scenario.
4. Training and phishing simulations
Incidents so often begin with a simple phishing email, and healthcare workers are prime targets. Tailored training programs can teach your staff how to recognize and avoid these traps. Additionally, simulated phishing attacks are able to test your organization's response and measure how employees' cyber security awareness improves.
5. Incident response planning and forensics
Prevention is critical, but being prepared for an attack is equally important. Healthcare organizations need incident response plans that allow them to react quickly and efficiently.
In the event of an attack, we always stress proper forensic analysis to identify how the breach occurred, the extent of the damage, and actionable steps to prevent future incidents.
The bottom line:
Ransomware is an evolving threat that will continue to target healthcare providers. But with the right partner, you can defend against these attacks, maintain the trust of your patients, and avoid the crippling consequences that come with paying a ransom. We're here to help you protect what matters most—your patients, your data, and your organization's future.
Third-party vendor risk: The hidden cyber security challenge in healthcare
In today's healthcare landscape, collaboration with third-party vendors is essential. Whether for cloud storage, medical devices, software solutions, or even data processing, third parties play an integral role in day-to-day operations. But with convenience comes a hidden risk: third-party vendors can be the weakest link in your cyber security chain.
Healthcare organizations are attractive targets for cybercriminals because of the vast amounts of sensitive data they handle. However, it's not just your own systems that need to be protected—every vendor you partner with could introduce vulnerabilities. A breach in one of your vendors' systems could have a catastrophic ripple effect, exposing your patient data, halting operations, or even bringing your entire network down.
Managing the unknown
The problem with third-party vendors is the lack of visibility into their cybersecurity practices. As healthcare providers, you may invest heavily in your own security, but how do you ensure that your partners—who may handle equally sensitive data—have the same level of protection?
The risks posed by third-party vendors are multi-faceted:
- Lack of visibility: It's hard to know what cyber security measures your vendors have in place. Without proper oversight, you may unknowingly be exposing your data to risk.
- Vulnerabilities in supply chains: With more vendors using cloud-based systems and connected devices, a single security flaw in a vendor's system could provide a direct route for attackers to breach your network.
- Compliance risks: Third-party breaches could also jeopardize your compliance with regulations like HIPAA or HITRUST. Even if the breach occurs on the vendor's side, you may still be held accountable.
In a world where healthcare is rapidly digitizing and vendors are more involved in your critical operations than ever before, how can you ensure that you're protected?
A holistic approach to vendor risk management
Any competent security professional understands that the security of your organization extends far beyond your internal network—it's about creating a strong, secure ecosystem where your vendors are just as prepared as you are.
Initiating a comprehensive approach ensures that you can continue working with trusted partners without compromising your cyber security posture.
1. Vendor risk assessment and due diligence
The first step to reducing vendor risk is understanding who you're working with. We conduct thorough assessments of your third-party vendors, analyzing their security protocols, policies, and track records. This includes reviewing their vulnerability management processes, encryption standards, and compliance certifications. We then help you establish a risk ranking for each vendor, so you know where potential risks are highest.
We also work with clients to confirm vendor contracts include the necessary cybersecurity requirements, providing clear guidelines for data protection, breach notification, and incident response expectations. By holding your vendors accountable, you can create a safer environment for collaboration.
2. Continuous monitoring and alerts
Vendor risk is not a one-time check. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and a vendor's security posture can change over time. Real-time monitoring solutions like what we offer continuously track your vendors' systems for signs of vulnerability or suspicious activity. If a vendor experiences a breach or an attack, you'll be the first to know, allowing you to act quickly and minimize potential damage.
All that recorded data is great, but we provide you with clear, actionable insights so you're always aware of how your vendors are performing. This ensures that even as new risks emerge, you're prepared to respond.
3. Vendor access management
Many third-party breaches occur because vendors have excessive access to your systems. We help you establish strict access controls so that they can only reach the systems and data they need for their specific role. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or data leakage.
By implementing the principle of least privilege, we make sure that even if a vendor's credentials are compromised, the attacker's ability to move laterally across your network is severely limited.
4. Incident response and remediation
In the event of a third-party breach, time is of the essence. Our cybersecurity experts work with you to develop incident response plans that specifically account for third-party risks. This includes protocols for isolating compromised vendors, securing data, and mitigating the impact of an attack.
If a vendor breach does occur, we provide forensic analysis to identify how the attack happened, which data was impacted, and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. We work side-by-side with your team and the vendor to ensure a swift resolution.
5. Vendor security awareness training
The human element is often the weakest link in cybersecurity, and that applies to your vendors as well. We offer tailored training programs for vendors, ensuring they understand the specific security expectations when working with your organization. By improving vendor awareness and practices, you reduce the overall risk to your network.
The bottom line: Secure your entire ecosystem
In a hyper-connected healthcare world, your security is only as strong as your weakest link. Third-party vendors are crucial to your operations, but they also introduce real risks that can't be ignored. With some help, you can mitigate these risks, ensuring your vendors are secure, compliant, and prepared for the evolving threat landscape.
Legacy systems in healthcare: The silent cyber security threat
In the world of healthcare, technology is the backbone of delivering critical patient care. From electronic health records (EHR) systems to medical devices and patient monitoring tools, everything depends on technology running smoothly. However, while advances in healthcare tech have transformed the industry, many organizations still rely on legacy systems—older hardware, software, and networks that were never designed to handle modern cyber security threats.
While essential for everyday operations, legacy systems pose a serious risk to the healthcare sector. These outdated systems often lack the necessary security features to protect against today's sophisticated cyberattacks. Yet, replacing or upgrading them is, unfortunately, more complex than just flipping a switch. For many healthcare providers, the financial, operational, and regulatory complexities of migrating to newer systems are overwhelming.
Outdated technology in a modern threat landscape
Healthcare organizations face unique challenges when it comes to legacy systems. On one hand, these systems are deeply integrated into patient care workflows, making them difficult to replace without causing major disruptions. On the other hand, cybercriminals know that legacy systems are easy targets because they often lack basic security measures like encryption, patching capabilities, or multifactor authentication.
Here are the key risks posed by legacy systems:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities: Many legacy systems can no longer be updated or patched because their manufacturers no longer support them. These unpatched vulnerabilities are often well-known to cybercriminals, making legacy systems prime targets for attacks.
- Incompatibility with modern security tools: Many older systems are incompatible with today's advanced security solutions, leaving organizations unable to implement key protections like endpoint detection or real-time threat monitoring.
- Disruption risk: Replacing legacy systems can be a costly and complex process, often requiring significant downtime that healthcare organizations can't afford. This leaves many providers feeling trapped between keeping outdated systems or risking service disruptions during upgrades.
In short, legacy systems are a ticking time bomb for healthcare organizations. But how do you secure systems that weren't designed for the modern digital world?
Secure, support, and strategize for the future
We understand the dilemma healthcare organizations face with legacy systems. Our mission is to help you protect these critical systems while creating a roadmap for future upgrades—all without jeopardizing patient care or breaking the bank.
Here's how we typically partner with healthcare organizations to solve this problem:
1. Comprehensive legacy system assessment
The first step in securing legacy systems is understanding the extent of the risk. We perform a full assessment of your infrastructure to identify which systems are outdated, which ones pose the highest risk, and where immediate action is needed. Our experts look beyond the surface, diving deep into your network architecture, connected devices, and software applications to give you a full picture of your cyber security posture.
We also evaluate which legacy systems are mission-critical and cannot be easily replaced, helping you prioritize which systems to protect first and which ones can be phased out or modernized.
2. Tailored security enhancements
Securing legacy systems requires creative solutions. While these systems may not be able to support the latest security features, we implement layered defense strategies that protect your infrastructure without needing to overhaul everything. This includes adding network segmentation to isolate older systems from more vulnerable parts of your network and deploying firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity.
We also work to integrate your legacy systems with newer, more secure technologies where possible. For example, even if a system cannot support multifactor authentication (MFA), we deploy MFA at other critical points in the workflow to reduce the overall attack surface.
3. Regular patching and vulnerability management
Even though many legacy systems are no longer supported, we have solutions for extending their lifecycle safely. Our team monitors known vulnerabilities in older systems and provides regular patching where possible. When patches are unavailable, we implement virtual patching to shield your legacy systems from common exploits by blocking known vulnerabilities at the network level.
By continuously monitoring for new vulnerabilities, your legacy systems will be as secure as possible, reducing the chances of a breach due to unpatched software.
4. Incident response planning
Legacy systems often can't defend themselves as well as newer technologies. We help organizations develop an incident response strategy that specifically accounts for older systems, ensuring they can detect and respond to attacks quickly to minimize damage.
In the event of an attack, our team provides 24/7 support to contain the breach, conduct forensic analysis, and recover critical data. We also guide you through compliance reporting, making sure you meet HIPAA, HITRUST, and other regulatory requirements if a breach occurs.
5. Future-proofing your IT infrastructure
While securing legacy systems is essential, we also help you plan for the future. Our team works with you to create a roadmap for gradually replacing outdated systems with more modern, secure solutions. We consider your operational needs, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements to make sure the transition happens smoothly.
Our goal is to help healthcare companies and health services modernize their technology infrastructure in a way that enhances security without disrupting care delivery. Whether it's phasing out outdated hardware, migrating to the cloud, or integrating new medical devices, it's time to future-proof your environment for evolving threats.
The bottom line: Secure the old while building the new
Legacy systems may be a necessary part of your healthcare operations, but they don't have to be a vulnerability. With the right cyber security partner, you can protect these systems while paving the way for future innovation. Find a firm you can trust to help you navigate the balance between patient care, budget constraints, and modern security needs—so you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent care.
About the author
VP of Consulting & Implementation Services, NCC Group NA
Michael is responsible for leading NCC Group's Strategy, Risk, and Compliance services within the company's Consulting & Implementation capability. He is a seasoned IT, security, and telecoms executive with a proven career of designing, implementing, and running global information security programs, operations, and advanced cyber technical services for Fortune 100 companies.
Over a 25-year career, Michael has held multiple leadership roles, built and run over 20 global cyber security operation centers, and overseen security for some of the world’s largest sporting events including multiple Olympics and the Rugby World Cup.
NCC Group and healthcare sector cyber security
Ransomware, third-party risks, legacy technology, regulatory requirements, and phishing or internal threats are some of the most significant issues healthcare entities face today. While I wish that were the end of the list, more threats are always looming around the corner. Through continued education, collaboration, and expertise, we can all play a part in strengthening the sector.
Why we're Different
Our deep understanding of the healthcare industry sets us apart. We recognize that your top priority is patient care and that any downtime can have life-threatening consequences. That's why we tailor our approach to ensure minimal disruption, whether you're a hospital, clinic, or healthcare system. We don't just protect your data; we protect your ability to deliver care.
Additionally, our partnership doesn't end after the first engagement. We continuously work with your team to assess evolving threats, enhance your defenses, and fine-tune your recovery strategies. Cyber security isn't a one-time fix; it's an ongoing commitment, and we're with you every step of the way.
Why Partner with Us?
At NCC, we don't just deliver services—we become your trusted partner in protecting the integrity of your healthcare operations. We understand the intricacies of healthcare regulations, patient data protection, and the growing magnitude of external and internal threats to your organization. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities with confidence.
Industry expertise: We have extensive experience in healthcare cybersecurity, ensuring we understand the unique challenges you face when it comes to protecting sensitive health data.
Patient-first approach: Our solutions are designed with patient care in mind. We know that system downtime can impact lives, so we focus on minimizing disruption while maximizing protection.
Tailored solutions: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. We take the time to understand your specific vendor ecosystem and tailor our risk management strategies to meet your needs.
Proactive support: We're not just here to fix problems after they happen. We work with you proactively to identify risks, implement solutions, and create a sustainable data governance framework that protects you well into the future.
End-to-end support: From initial assessments to continuous monitoring and incident response, we are with you at every step. We build resilient security frameworks that not only protect your data but also ensure compliance with HIPAA, HITRUST, and other regulatory standards.
Healthcare cyber security for a safer, more secure world.
NCC Group provides a full range of capabilities to test your systems, implement effective security controls, and respond efficiently when cyber attacks become a crisis. Get in touch for the details on how we can address your unique challenges.