Hospitals are under siege: cyber risk now outranks every other operational threat.

Cyberattacks are now the biggest threat to hospitals, surpassing staffing shortages and resource issues. In 2024 alone, over 276 million healthcare records were stolen - double the previous year. By September 2025, 485 breaches had been reported, with 418 still under investigation. These attacks disrupt patient care, delay treatments, and cost hospitals an average of $10.9 million per breach. Sensitive health data, often sold for up to 10x more than credit card data, makes hospitals prime targets for hackers.

Key challenges include outdated systems, insufficient cybersecurity budgets, and vulnerable medical devices. Attackers exploit unpatched software, phishing scams, and third-party access to infiltrate hospital networks. The impact extends beyond financial losses - patient safety is jeopardized, and trust in healthcare systems erodes.

To combat this, hospitals must prioritize cybersecurity by conducting regular risk assessments, training staff, and implementing robust defenses like multi-factor authentication and secure backups. Tools like Censinet RiskOps™ can streamline risk management, helping hospitals strengthen their defenses against evolving threats. Safeguarding digital systems is essential to ensuring patient care and hospital operations remain uninterrupted.

Healthcare Threat Landscape and Risk Mitigation | Nitin Natarajan, CISA

How Cyber Risk Became Healthcare's Biggest Threat

Cyber threats have become a dominant concern for healthcare, driven by rapid technological advancements, increasingly sophisticated criminal strategies, and inherent weaknesses in healthcare systems. These risks are no longer isolated incidents - they’re growing in frequency and causing more severe operational disruptions.

Hospital Cyberattacks Are Increasing at an Alarming Rate

The numbers don’t lie: ransomware attacks and data breaches in healthcare are climbing at an unsettling pace. Hospitals and health systems now face not only steep ransom demands but also sky-high recovery costs, even when they refuse to pay. One health system, for instance, faced such overwhelming recovery expenses that it had to revert to manual operations across its facilities.

What’s worse, cybercriminals are getting smarter. Attacks now go beyond encrypting files; hackers are combining data theft with threats to publicly expose sensitive information. In some cases, they’re even targeting patients directly, demanding additional payments. Meanwhile, phishing scams aimed at healthcare employees have become more sophisticated, often serving as the gateway for larger ransomware attacks. These schemes can infiltrate and cripple entire networks in just hours, making today’s cyberattacks far more destructive than traditional security challenges.

Why Cyber Risk Outweighs Other Hospital Threats

Unlike natural disasters, equipment breakdowns, or supply chain issues - which tend to cause temporary and predictable disruptions - cyberattacks can unleash widespread chaos across interconnected systems. These attacks don’t just stop operations; they can paralyze them for extended periods. For example, one major cyberattack forced a health system to divert emergency patients, leading to immediate service interruptions and long-term financial, competitive, and reputational fallout.

The impact on patient safety is particularly alarming. In one case, a cyberattack disrupted pharmacy operations nationwide, delaying critical medications for countless patients. These cascading failures highlight the urgency of addressing cyber threats, as they pose risks far beyond operational setbacks. Regulatory penalties from cyber incidents can also be severe, with fines and legal consequences that dwarf those associated with more traditional disruptions.

Then there’s the hit to reputation. One hospital network saw a sharp drop in patient trust and engagement after a data breach exposed highly sensitive information. Unlike other crises, which can often be resolved relatively quickly, recovering from a cyberattack - both operationally and in terms of public trust - can take years.

Each cyber breach not only exposes vulnerabilities but also demands ongoing investments in security and constant vigilance. Given the interconnected nature of healthcare systems today, a single cyberattack can ripple across hospitals, suppliers, and service providers, amplifying its impact. This interconnectedness makes cyber risk a uniquely pressing and growing threat for the healthcare industry.

What Makes Hospitals Easy Cyber Targets

Healthcare organizations, particularly hospitals, face a unique set of challenges that leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Constant operational pressure, combined with specific risk factors, makes these institutions appealing targets for attackers.

Healthcare's Unique Vulnerabilities

Hospitals are especially exposed to cybercrime due to several factors. For starters, electronic health records (EHRs) hold valuable patient data that can fetch a higher price on black markets compared to stolen credit card information.

The rise of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices has also expanded the potential attack surface. These connected devices - ranging from insulin pumps and pacemakers to MRI machines - are often designed with functionality as the priority, leaving security as an afterthought. Hospitals manage a wide array of these devices, each representing a potential weak point that attackers can exploit.

Another significant issue is the reliance on legacy systems. Many hospitals continue to use outdated operating systems and software that no longer receive security updates. This reliance often stems from regulatory requirements, the complexity of integrating newer systems, or budget limitations.

Adding to the challenge, hospitals operate 24/7, making it difficult to schedule routine security updates or conduct thorough assessments without disrupting patient care.

How Cybercriminals Exploit Hospitals

Attackers use strategies tailored to the healthcare sector's unique environment. Phishing attacks are particularly effective, with emails disguised as communications from trusted vendors tricking healthcare workers into compromising systems. The high-pressure nature of hospital settings often leads to mistakes, as patient care takes precedence over scrutinizing every email.

Unpatched vulnerabilities are another common target. Cybercriminals know that operational demands often delay critical updates. A well-known example is the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which severely impacted the UK National Health Service, highlighting how unpatched systems can cause widespread disruption.

Hospitals also face risks from third-party access and insider threats. Vendors providing services like equipment maintenance or billing often have access to hospital networks, and a breach on their end can serve as an entry point. Internally, employees with legitimate system access may unintentionally or even deliberately compromise security.

In many cases, hospitals under attack may feel compelled to pay ransoms to quickly restore operations and protect patient safety, further encouraging attackers.

The Role of Budget and Compliance Challenges

Hospitals often allocate far less funding to cybersecurity compared to industries like finance, leaving them with outdated tools and overburdened IT staff. The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals only worsens the problem, as many hospitals struggle to recruit and retain talent. As a result, existing teams are stretched thin, making it harder to monitor systems and respond to incidents effectively.

Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity. Laws like HIPAA and the HITECH Act emphasize privacy but don’t mandate specific cybersecurity measures. This can lead hospitals to focus on meeting compliance requirements rather than addressing broader cybersecurity threats. Additionally, navigating these complex regulations can delay the implementation of critical security updates.

These combined factors create a challenging environment for hospitals, leaving them highly susceptible to cyberattacks and underscoring the urgent need for stronger defenses.

How Cyberattacks Actually Hurt Hospitals

Cyberattacks on hospitals create a ripple effect that impacts nearly every aspect of healthcare, from patient safety to financial stability. These attacks highlight why cyber risks have become one of the most urgent operational threats hospitals face today.

Case Studies: Major Hospital Attacks from 2024-2025

In 2024, healthcare cyberattacks reached a staggering scale. By the year’s end, the healthcare records of 259 million Americans had been stolen, marking a new high ^[3][1]. To put this into perspective, since 2020, more than 500 million people - exceeding the U.S. population - have had their healthcare data stolen or compromised at least once ^[1].

These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real-world consequences, including compromised patient safety and an erosion of trust in healthcare systems.

Patient Safety and Trust Problems After Attacks

Cyberattacks disrupt critical healthcare services, with 70% of affected organizations reporting delays and interruptions in patient care ^[2]. These disruptions can slow down treatments, hinder emergency responses, and create dangerous situations for patients who rely on timely care.

The damage doesn’t stop there - patient trust takes a significant hit. A striking 66% of patients say they would consider switching providers if their personal information were compromised ^[3]. This erosion of trust has far-reaching consequences, both financially and in the doctor-patient relationship.

"When patients fear for the confidentiality of their information, they become hesitant to share vital health details, potentially jeopardizing their care. This erosion of trust can have a domino effect, leading to decreased patient engagement and a reluctance to seek necessary medical attention."
– Spirion's November 2024 analysis ^[3]

For patients managing sensitive health conditions like mental health issues, reproductive health concerns, HIV, or substance use disorders, a data breach can result in stigma, discrimination, and emotional distress ^[2]. In some cases, this fear of exposure may push patients to avoid seeking care altogether, creating broader public health risks.

The fallout doesn’t just affect individual patients. Hesitancy to share complete medical histories with new providers increases the likelihood of misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment plans. For hospitals, the consequences extend beyond patient care. Breaches can lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, HIPAA investigations, and costly lawsuits ^[2]. Even after technical issues are resolved, the loss of trust can linger for years, undermining both patient relationships and long-term hospital operations.

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How to Find and Fix Cyber Risks in Hospitals

To address the operational challenges posed by cyber threats, hospitals need a focused approach to risk management. Tackling these risks involves a well-structured plan that identifies vulnerabilities, assesses potential threats, and strengthens defenses to safeguard patient data and critical operations.

Best Practices for Cyber Risk Assessment

A solid risk assessment strategy is the first step toward mitigating patient safety and financial risks.

Start with a detailed inventory and mapping of assets.
Hospitals need to know exactly what they’re protecting. This means cataloging all connected devices, systems, and data flows - everything from electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical devices to IoT sensors and vendor connections. A thorough inventory ensures no security gaps are overlooked.

Use vulnerability scanning and penetration testing regularly.
Automated scans are essential, but they should be paired with professional penetration testing. This combination helps uncover vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss, especially in complex environments where outdated systems coexist with modern technology.

Systematically assess third-party and vendor risks.
Hospitals rely on a wide range of vendors, from EHR providers to medical device manufacturers. Each vendor relationship introduces potential risks. A thorough evaluation of vendor security practices, data handling protocols, and compliance with healthcare regulations is critical. This can include security questionnaires, on-site assessments for key vendors, and ongoing monitoring of their security measures.

Adopt continuous monitoring with threat intelligence.
Cyber threats evolve rapidly. Continuous monitoring systems track network activity, user behavior, and performance, flagging anomalies that may signal security issues. Threat intelligence feeds provide real-time insights into emerging attack methods and indicators of compromise specific to healthcare.

Once risks are identified, hospitals must act quickly to strengthen their defenses.

Building Strong Hospital Cybersecurity Defenses

Invest in staff training and awareness programs.
Human error is a leading cause of data breaches in healthcare. Regular training should cover phishing prevention, password management, device security, and incident reporting. Tailored programs for different roles - clinical staff, administrators, and IT personnel - ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.

Develop and test incident response plans.
When a cyberattack happens, having a clear and practiced plan is crucial. Incident response plans should outline specific roles, communication protocols, and step-by-step actions for different types of incidents. Regular simulation exercises can help identify weaknesses and prepare staff to act effectively under pressure.

Implement multiple layers of security.
Hospitals need overlapping security measures to protect their systems. These include multi-factor authentication, encryption for both data at rest and in transit, endpoint protection, and network segmentation to limit the spread of breaches. Each layer acts as a safety net in case others fail.

Establish reliable backup and recovery systems.
Ransomware often targets backups, making it vital to store multiple copies in different locations, including offline backups. Regularly testing recovery procedures ensures hospitals can quickly restore operations after an attack.

Continuously monitor and secure medical devices.
Medical devices, often with weak security controls, can be entry points for attackers. Hospitals should maintain an updated inventory of devices, apply patches promptly, replace default passwords, and monitor device communications for suspicious activity.

For large healthcare organizations, specialized platforms can simplify and enhance these practices.

Using Censinet RiskOps™ for Large-Scale Risk Management

Managing cyber risks across extensive healthcare networks requires tools tailored to the complexity of these environments. Censinet RiskOps™ offers a platform designed specifically for healthcare organizations to streamline risk management.

Automated risk assessments and vendor evaluations
The platform automates security questionnaires, tracks vendor responses, and provides standardized risk scores. This streamlines the evaluation process, helping organizations assess vendors more thoroughly and efficiently.

Speed up assessments with Censinet AITM™
Censinet AITM™ accelerates vendor assessments by summarizing evidence, capturing integration details, identifying risks from secondary vendors, and generating summary reports. This enables healthcare organizations to maintain high evaluation standards while saving time.

Collaborative tools for better decision-making
Censinet RiskOps™ fosters collaboration by allowing organizations to share threat intelligence and best practices. Smaller hospitals can benefit from the insights of larger institutions, creating a stronger collective defense across the sector.

Real-time risk tracking and reporting
Interactive dashboards provide a clear view of risk trends, vendor performance, and compliance status. This real-time visibility helps hospitals prioritize security investments effectively.

Benchmarking against industry standards
The platform allows hospitals to compare their security measures with industry peers. This helps pinpoint areas needing improvement and provides data to justify cybersecurity budgets.

Censinet’s approach combines automation with human oversight, ensuring that risk management remains efficient without sacrificing accuracy or control. This balance allows healthcare organizations to scale their cybersecurity efforts while maintaining strong oversight.

What's Next for Hospital Cybersecurity

Hospital cybersecurity is evolving quickly. With new threats emerging and regulations tightening, healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to safeguard patient care and ensure smooth operations.

New Threats and Stricter Regulations

AI-powered attacks are getting smarter. Cybercriminals now use AI to create realistic phishing emails, automate the discovery of vulnerabilities, and launch highly targeted attacks. These adaptive tactics can bypass traditional defenses, making it critical for hospitals to stay a step ahead.

Supply chain vulnerabilities are growing. Hospitals depend more than ever on connected medical devices, cloud platforms, and third-party software. Each partnership introduces potential security gaps. Tools like Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) are now essential to identify and address risks in these complex ecosystems.

Ransomware is evolving. Attackers are now targeting hospital backup systems, knowing that many organizations rely on them for quick recovery. This forces hospitals to rethink their backup strategies and implement more advanced protections to ensure resilience.

Regulations are becoming stricter. Cybersecurity requirements are expanding, with new rules for incident reporting, specific controls, and state-level standards. Hospitals must meet these demands by conducting regular assessments, maintaining detailed documentation, and demonstrating compliance.

Medical device security is under scrutiny. The FDA now requires manufacturers to provide detailed security information and regular updates for devices. Hospitals will need to work closely with these manufacturers to ensure ongoing security, which may include monitoring and patching devices more frequently.

To keep up with these challenges, hospitals must regularly evaluate and refine their security strategies.

Staying Ahead with Testing and Collaboration

As cyber threats evolve, hospitals need to adopt more dynamic and proactive approaches to protect their systems and patients.

Continuous security testing is no longer optional. Annual penetration tests aren't enough. Hospitals need ongoing vulnerability assessments, frequent red team exercises, and continuous monitoring to stay secure. This means investing in advanced tools and skilled teams who can quickly act on findings.

Benchmarking against peers highlights weaknesses. Comparing security practices with similar organizations helps identify blind spots. Beyond meeting compliance standards, hospitals should measure key metrics like response times, threat detection capabilities, and vendor risk management to prioritize improvements.

Collaborative threat intelligence is key. By joining information-sharing networks, hospitals can access real-time insights into emerging threats. When one organization detects a new attack or vendor compromise, sharing that information helps others strengthen their defenses. These networks now offer automated threat feeds and standardized alerts to streamline collaboration.

Tabletop exercises build readiness for real incidents. Beyond technical testing, hospitals must train their teams for cyber emergencies. Simulating realistic attack scenarios - like disruptions to patient monitoring systems during critical care hours - helps uncover gaps in communication and coordination across IT, clinical, and administrative teams.

Strengthen vendor risk management with continuous monitoring. Instead of relying solely on annual reviews, hospitals should regularly evaluate third-party security practices to address vulnerabilities as they arise.

The future of hospital cybersecurity lies in being proactive. By combining cutting-edge technology, skilled professionals, and collaborative efforts, healthcare organizations can better protect patient care and adapt to the ever-changing cyber landscape.

Conclusion: Protecting Healthcare's Future

Cyber risks have become the most pressing operational threat facing hospitals today. What once felt like a distant possibility now directly affects patient safety, disrupts essential care, and jeopardizes the financial health of healthcare organizations across the United States.

Healthcare has become a prime target for cybercriminals. The combination of sensitive patient data, critical medical systems, and historically weaker cybersecurity measures has created a dangerous situation where both patient lives and hospital operations are at stake.

The cost of doing nothing is far too high. When ransomware attacks shut down emergency rooms, force ambulances to reroute, or disable life-saving medical devices, the fallout goes well beyond financial losses. Patient trust is shaken, regulatory pressures increase, and the core mission of healthcare - to provide safe and effective care - is undermined.

Still, there’s room for hope. Hospitals that make cybersecurity a priority are successfully fending off attacks and maintaining their ability to deliver care. The key is recognizing that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue - it’s a patient safety priority that demands commitment and investment from the entire organization. This shift in focus lays the groundwork for a stronger approach to managing risks.

Looking ahead, healthcare leaders must rethink how they handle cybersecurity. Annual check-ins and reactive approaches won’t cut it anymore. The future calls for continuous monitoring, sharing threat intelligence, and thoroughly assessing vendor risks to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats.

Technology alone isn’t the answer. The real solution lies in combining cutting-edge tools with skilled professionals, ongoing training, and a culture that values cybersecurity at every level. Organizations that invest in both their technology and their people are better equipped to protect patient care and adapt to the ever-changing cyber landscape.

The future of healthcare hinges on getting cybersecurity right. Taking decisive action now safeguards patients, secures hospital operations, and maintains trust in an industry where safety and security must always go hand in hand. Protecting digital systems is inseparable from protecting patient care itself.

FAQs

How can hospitals maintain high-quality patient care while staying on top of cybersecurity updates?

Hospitals can uphold high standards of patient care while tackling cybersecurity challenges by integrating security measures seamlessly into everyday workflows. For example, conducting regular risk assessments like Business Impact Analyses can pinpoint vulnerabilities without disrupting patient services. Treating cybersecurity as a strategic priority and employing layered defenses or AI-driven tools for threat detection can help protect sensitive patient data and keep operations running smoothly.

Another key element is staff training. Ongoing education on identifying cyber threats and adhering to security protocols can go a long way in minimizing risks. By taking a proactive stance and ensuring cybersecurity measures align with regulatory guidelines, hospitals can protect their systems and, by extension, their patients' well-being.

What steps can hospitals take to safeguard their backup systems from ransomware attacks?

Hospitals can safeguard their backup systems from ransomware attacks by maintaining regular, encrypted, and unchangeable backups. Storing these backups in air-gapped environments - completely isolated from external networks - adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access or tampering. It’s equally important to routinely test these backups to confirm they work properly and can be restored quickly in an emergency.

In addition, hospitals should adopt strict access controls, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), and use continuous monitoring to identify and block threats before they reach backup systems. Together, these precautions help protect patient data and ensure that hospital operations can continue smoothly, even in the face of sophisticated cyberattacks.

Why do cyberattacks on interconnected healthcare systems cause widespread disruption, and how can hospitals protect themselves?

Healthcare systems are deeply connected, which means a single cyberattack can quickly cascade through devices, networks, and even entire facilities. The consequences? Disruptions in patient care, exposure of sensitive data, and potential failures of life-saving medical equipment. One exploited vulnerability can create a domino effect, putting both patient safety and hospital operations at risk.

To tackle these challenges, hospitals need to prioritize strong cybersecurity practices. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, segmenting networks to limit access, implementing continuous system monitoring, and enforcing strict access controls. Beyond these measures, collaboration across the healthcare sector and developing resilient strategies are key to keeping systems secure and functional, even as cyber threats continue to evolve.

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