Ransomware continues to be a popular method of hacking by cybercriminals in the wake of COVID-19.
Breaches, cyberattacks and ransomware can have a large impact on a healthcare facility. The aftermath is different for ever facility and some facilities are even forced to shut down for good.
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A local ENT office closed permanently after a ransomware attack occurred and hackers demanded money to restore access. After not paying the ransom, all system files were deleted.
Another entity in California was forced to shut down after losing all patient data in a ransomware attack.
Not all healthcare facilities close permanently after a ransomware attack. Some switch to paper records, if that is an option. Others pay the ransom and hope for the best.
Some other entities may close temporarily and send patients elsewhere until they can access their data.
One hospital suspended admissions and canceled some surgeries due to a ransomware attack, but then reopened.
How can you ensure that your practice is able to keep its doors open following a ransomware attack?
Make sure that you do vulnerability testing and risk assessments routinely to know where your risks are so that you can fix them.
Train your staff often so that they know not to click on any suspicious links or fall for any phishing scams. Sending fake phishing emails is a great way to train staff.
Make sure that your disaster recovery plan is in place and ready to go in the event you have no access to your EHR or patient records. What is your backup plan? Are your staff trained on the backup plan? If not, now is the time to prepare staff.
Is your cyber insurance up to date? Do you have sufficient coverage? If not, make sure to take care of your policy now.
Now is the time to make sure your practice is protected. We help our clients complete their risk assessments, train their staff and find adequate cyber insurance.
In our next blog post, we will keep you informed of related issues. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, click here to Subscribe.
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