Healthcare cyberattacks increase precipitously as cybercriminals use old tools fueled by the Dark Web to create new threats that capitalize on the uncertainty of the global pandemic

The World Health Organization recently estimated a fivefold healthcare cyberattacks increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes at a time when phishing attack dangers have never been higher and Dark Web activity is skyrocketing.

Healthcare providers from local clinics to heavyweights like laboratories, hospitals, and drug companies are prime targets, just when they can’t afford any disruption of IT service that could affect the continuum of care as they grapple with COVID-19.

Ransomware attacks are a growing menace

One major threat to healthcare providers is a drastic increase in ransomware attacks. Ransomware attacks are typically born on the Dark Web. Interpol recently released a Purple Notice warning of the mounting danger. In March 2020, experts noted an approximate 70% increase over February 2020 in ransomware attacks reported by healthcare providers. Ransomware tools are easily available to bad actors on the Dark Web, as is the information that powers those attacks, like compromised passwords and staff login credentials from many healthcare organizations.

Guard against ransomware with Dark Web Monitoring

Dark Web Monitoring enables healthcare companies stay prepared to defend against Dark Web threats. Ransomware is fueled by the Dark Web. Watch for Dark Web threats with Dark Web monitoring. By using human and machine intelligence, Dark Web monitoring can monitor and analyze potential Dark Web threats to any organization.  With Dark Web Monitoring, companies are alerted quickly if they’re in danger from a Dark Web source like a password dump or information exchange, making it easier for IT teams to act quickly to mitigate the threat.  

Phishing is soaring and more precise than ever

Phishing is another major threat that has dramatically increased for every industry, including healthcare. March 1 and March 23, 2020, a group of security experts noted more than 467 thousand phishing or spear phishing attacks. Bad actors are leveraging information about workers and companies that they obtain on the Dark Web to craft highly convincing emails that trick users into providing them with logins, passwords, and other sensitive data, causing a devastating security breach.  A health care data breach doesn’t just have a high repair cost, it also attracts regulatory scrutiny and incurs big fines

Guard against phishing with Security Awareness Training

Ongoing Security Awareness training educates staffers to be the first and strongest line of defense against phishing attacks. Through training and testing with hundreds of phishing kits and video security campaigns, Security Awareness Training makes sure that users are ready for the latest phishing attacks. Employees receive fake phishing email and follow up training based on their next steps.