Cyber security expert weighs in on cyber attacks targeting hospitals.
Across the country, hackers are launching cyber attacks against medical facilities. A cyber-attack hit Prospect Medical Holdings, a company with hospitals and clinics in multiple states.
It disrupted computer systems, forcing emergency rooms to shut down, and ambulances to be diverted. And it’s part of a growing trend the FBI says the average cost of a healthcare data breach reached nearly $11 million in 2023, a more than 50% increase since 2020.
The attack on Prospect Medical Holdings was particularly damaging, as it affected the ability of the company to access patient records. In addition to this, the hackers were able to gain access to the company’s financial and billing systems, as well as other sensitive data. The attack forced the company to shut down its IT systems and take measures to protect its data.
It is unclear who was responsible for the attack, but the incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity for medical facilities. Prospect Medical Holdings is actively working with law enforcement to investigate the attack and identify the perpetrators.
Cybersecurity is an important issue for medical facilities, as they are responsible for safeguarding sensitive patient data. The attack on Prospect Medical Holdings serves as a reminder for other medical facilities to take steps to protect their data and systems from hackers.