The Scourge of Healthcare Hacking

Hacking is giving healthcare a headache

Ransomware and other attacks have cost hospitals money by taking advantage of lax security practices and the increasing number of connected devices—insulin pumps, fetal monitors and others—devoid of proper protection. Mobile technology and the Internet of Things offer significant advantages, but also increase risk. Experts recommend simple countermeasures like frequent backups of important data and software updates, including on mobile devices. They also warn against emails containing attachments and links, especially those urging immediate action. Further steps include the implementation of multi-factor authentication, which keeps data inaccessible even if hackers steal passwords.