Many providers deal with threats and attacks in different ways.
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Recently, a Los Angeles hospital paid hackers to regain control of its computers, even though patient care was not compromised. The hospital, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, stated that the payment was in the best interest of restoring normal operations.
Experts worry that payment was the wrong approach.
Typically, victims of a cyber attack click on a link or an attachment in an email that locks a computer or an entire network.
The hackers seek payment for the key to unlock the network.
Hospitals are especially vulnerable as they often have medical equipment running on old operating systems that are difficult to protect.
As far as security goes, hospitals are often 10 to 15 years behind the banking industry.
Ransomware is easy and cost-effective.
So what should you do?
Start now by training your employees not to click on any unknown links or attachments.
Also, make sure your firewalls and detection systems are up to date and active.
Follow through with your risk assessment to make sure that you are aware of potential weaknesses and how you will react in the face of an attack.
We help our client prepare to prevent attacks and breaches, and make sure they have a plan in place in case of an attack or breach.
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