Ransomware attacks have been on the rise, especially targeting hospitals and health systems. Even with all the right precautions in place, such as in the case of Scripps Health, cybercriminals managed to breach their defenses in May 2021. In part one of a two-part conversation, Chris Van Gorder, the president and CEO of Scripps Health, discusses how his organization responded to the attack with John Riggi, the AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk.
This conversation sheds light on the importance of being prepared for potential cyber threats, even when all necessary measures have been taken. It serves as a reminder for healthcare organizations to constantly reassess and enhance their cybersecurity strategies to protect against evolving threats. By learning from experiences like Scripps Health’s, hospitals and health systems can better prepare themselves to defend against ransomware attacks and ensure the safety of their patients’ data and privacy.
To combat this threat, it is crucial for healthcare organizations to remain vigilant by implementing strong defense mechanisms, creating mitigation plans, and maintaining open lines of communication with federal law enforcement agencies. By taking proactive measures and being prepared for potential attacks, healthcare organizations can better protect their patients’ data and ensure that they are not vulnerable to ransomware attacks.
