Hospitals have advanced substantially over the last several decades. In particular, computer systems have streamlined a great many processes and made many hospital functions — such as data-driven decision-making — more convenient for medical professionals and staff. Unfortunately, this increase in convenience has also come with a substantial number of new risks and threats. 

Since hospitals have integrated computer systems into their operations, they’ve become a common target of cybercriminals, and many have become frequent victims of cyberattacks. Specifically, ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in the healthcare space. Understanding the reasons why these attacks have become prevalent in hospitals can give one a deeper understanding of cybercrime, healthcare, and cybersecurity. 

Here is why ransomware scenarios commonly occur at hospitals. 

What Is a Ransomware Attack?

Ransomware attacks are a common form of cybercrime that involves holding an individual or organization’s information for ransom. Typically, the cybercriminal doing the attack will either threaten to release private information to the public or keep the victim locked out of their computer network unless given a ransom, which is typically a sum of money. 

Why Hospitals Are Frequent Victims of Cyberattacks

While many organizations fall victim to cyberattacks, hospitals are particularly vulnerable to this form of cybercrime. Understanding the reasons for this is essential to understanding why cybersecurity is so important in the healthcare space. 

Here is why hospitals are frequent victims of cyberattacks. 

Large Amounts of Patient Information

One of the main reasons that hospitals are a common target for ransomware attacks is that their computer systems typically store large amounts of patient data. This can include private information such as patients’ social security numbers, financial information, medical information, and more. 

Given the private nature of this information, hospitals are typically more willing to pay ransoms to have this information stay private. For cybercriminals, this makes hospitals a prime target for schemes of this nature, and they often prey on hospitals with weak cybersecurity measures for this reason. 

The Vulnerability of Legacy Systems in Hospitals

Over the last two decades, computer technology has advanced substantially. Unfortunately for many hospitals, this means that the computer systems they may have installed in the 2000s have likely become outdated. These legacy systems are typically incredibly vulnerable to cyberattacks and have a number of weaknesses that can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access. 

While hospitals may want to update or upgrade their systems, this can be a difficult task. The process of replacing a hospital’s computer system is both comprehensive and expensive. This has left many hospitals vulnerable to ransomware attacks that make the private information of patients more accessible to cybercriminals. 

Third-Party Vendors

For many hospitals, working with third-party vendors is a necessary aspect of operating. These third-party vendors can be organizations like PPE suppliers and health insurance companies. Though hospitals need the help of these organizations to operate, it can also make them vulnerable to a variety of cyberattacks. 

Oftentimes, third-party vendors will have access to the computer system of the hospitals they serve. Unfortunately, this means that if a third-party vendor is hacked, the hackers can gain access to a hospital’s network as well. This being the case, many hospitals have begun to limit the access that third-party vendors have to their networks in order to minimize the risk of being hacked. 

Ransomware Attacks Impact Patients

When a hospital becomes the victim of a ransomware attack, it can have a drastic effect on patients. Given the chaos of being locked out of their computer system, hospitals typically aren’t able to serve patients efficiently or at all until the matter is resolved. 

Knowing that hospitals will be pressured to succumb to their demands to meet patient needs, cybercriminals often target these types of organizations. This willingness to comply with cyber criminals in order to minimize the effect on patient outcomes makes hospitals a great target for cybercriminals looking to strongarm an organization into quickly paying a ransom. 

Preventing Ransomware Attacks

Though hospitals may be at a greater risk of being the victim of ransomware attacks than other organizations, some measures can be taken to mitigate their risk of becoming a victim of this type of attack. By being proactive and implementing robust defense measures, hospitals can increase their chances of thwarting the attempts of cybercriminals and keeping their data safe. 

Here are some measures that hospitals can take to prevent ransomware attacks. 

Update Computer Systems

Though it may be a complicated and expensive undertaking, updating computer networks in hospitals can ultimately save them money if it keeps them from being the victim of a ransomware attack. Newer computer systems have more robust cybersecurity measures and can be updated regularly while many legacy systems can’t. 

Given the substantial increase in security that new computer systems offer, along with the vulnerability of legacy systems, installing new computer systems is becoming a requisite for hospitals intent on safeguarding themselves from ransomware attacks. 

Limit Third-Party Vendor Access

As has been noted, third-party vendors pose a huge risk to hospitals when given full access to computer systems. This being the case, limiting the access that third-party vendors have can greatly bolster a hospital’s defenses. By not allowing these entities to have access to their computer systems, hospitals can rest assured that if these organizations’ networks are compromised, they won’t be at risk of being compromised as well. 

Educate and Train Hospital Employees

While hospitals may spend a substantial amount of money crafting robust cybersecurity measures, these can be in vain if employees are being frivolous. As such, it’s important for hospitals to educate and train employees who have access to their computers on how to utilize them responsibly. 

By ensuring that all employees are aware of cyber threats and the practices that can leave an organization vulnerable to attacks, hospitals can rest assured that they aren’t inadvertently weakening their cybersecurity efforts. 

Hospitals Should Prioritize Cybersecurity

Ransomware attacks have become dishearteningly common among healthcare organizations. Given this significant risk, it’s vital that all hospitals put effort and resources into bolstering cybersecurity measures in many different ways. 

The more robust cybersecurity efforts become in the healthcare space, the more cybercriminals will be deterred from attempting to hold the private information of healthcare organizations at ransom. 

Providing quality patient care is the foundation of every hospital and healthcare facility. When a hospital works with a patient-centric approach, they end up engaging with their patients by learning about their experiences. The patients are content when they see their input and individuality being acknowledged.

Healthcare workers who value their patients’ well-being above everything else work towards using treatment practices that prioritize the quality of actions over quantity. Every effort they make to care for their patients leads to positive results. These may include treatments that have lasting effects, fewer patients having to check into the hospital, and satisfied patients who are happy with the care and attention they received while at the facility.

The perspective patients form about the health care facility is primarily attributed to the hospital’s success and reputation in the area. This is why it is of utmost importance to design care and treatments that cater to the patients and all their needs. A healthcare facility should be equipped with all the materials and equipment needed to treat patients. The same goes for the staff. You need to have qualified staff and personnel to provide care for the patients who are admitted to your facility. Thankfully, many passionate young individuals are switching careers to the medical side with the introduction of online second degree accelerated BSN programs. This way, you can find and hire the right people who could become a part of your team and add to the overall reputation of your healthcare facility.

Here is a list of ways your hospital or another medical facility can improve patient care practices.

Use the best available equipment and technology

People who work at hospitals make several prompt decisions related to patient care. This continuous need to be quick and vigilant means it’s crucial for a healthcare facility to have the latest equipment, machines, and tools for treatment and diagnosis. This also includes using the latest technology for maintaining patients’ records. Several US healthcare providers are using biometric patient identification platforms like RightPatient to prevent patient data mix-ups and ensure that the right EHRs are used by physicians. 

Incorrect diagnoses are a sign of incapability but can also prove to be hazardous and, in some cases, fatal. When you have the required equipment for treating your patients, you end up winning the trust and acknowledgment of your patients. Your hospital will be known for its responsible ways of providing treatment and care.

Practice Communication that is Efficient and Transparent

Every healthcare worker should possess the right communication skills. They should be clear in their words and compassionate in how they talk. That’s because, in today’s age, patients play an active and vital role in their treatment process. 

Healthcare workers should aim to state the science behind the treatment and the possible experience that a patient will have in the simplest way possible. They shouldn’t make assumptions or have a patronizing tone. Use the language best suited to a particular situation, which is only possible when a healthcare worker has conversations with the patient. This way, you also answer any questions they may have and can gauge their understanding of a treatment or procedure.

When there’s a productive level of communication amongst the staff members, the entire team works more efficiently and well. There’s little chance of mistakes, improper diagnosis, and no gaps in the information.

Work With Patient Advocates

Apart from effective communication among the staff and other related personnel of the hospital, it’s also imperative to bring in patient advocates to a medical team. This can lead to a better understanding of the patient’s needs, feelings, and preferences by the entire team.

These advocates can either be in-house hospital staff or outsourced from a third-party agency. Patient advocates are a means of support to patients during their treatment. They listen to them, comfort them, encourage them and facilitate a conversation with professionals who can further help them along the way.

Since they play a guiding role in these patients’ journeys, patient advocates can bond and connect with patients in a way that other members of the hospital’s team are unable to do. This often results in an in-depth insight into the patient’s mind and can help design an effective treatment plan. 

Follow Up After Treatment

It should be known that a hospital’s care for their patient doesn’t end when the patient pays their bills and walks out of the hospital. There are times when it is necessary for patients to actively participate in programs offered by other facilities or even in the comfort of their own homes. These can be physical therapy or some form of rehabilitation. This is done to stop a situation from getting out of hand in the near future and ensure that the treatment has lasting effects.

Hospitals and other healthcare-providing facilities should continue to maintain relationships with their patients. They can do this through follow-up appointments, where a healthcare provider from the team can pay a visit to the patient’s residence and analyze the treatment plan by addressing any concerns they may have about their health. Patients may also seek advice, helpful tips, reminders, or any necessary guidance regarding their overall health.

The most valuable aspect of any treatment is information. That’s what a patient needs the most, regardless of where treatment might lead. There’s no way to be sure about whether a patient will attend any further appointments in the future, even if a healthcare worker recommends it to them. So, when a patient is discharged, all facilities should provide patients with helpful information. This includes everything about their condition, the treatment, and what might happen in the future. This way, the patient has all the information they need to make a decision for themselves. With the information they have, they can either get readmitted to the hospital, consult with another doctor or facility, or not do anything about their condition.

Conclusion

Running a hospital or any other healthcare facility is not easy. It requires a lot of attention to detail, precision, the right resources, and working with an objective to provide the best possible health care to your patients. The entire team should share this objective, from the chief medical officer and senior surgeons to the cleaners and other support staff. Patients place a lot of trust in a hospital when choosing one for their treatment and their loved ones. It is only fair that they receive the best care in return for their trust.